Crunch Blanked by Comets, 3-0
Published on January 9, 2026 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release
Syracuse Crunch forward Dylan Duke vs. the Utica Comets
(Syracuse Crunch, Credit: Jeff Pexton)
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - The Syracuse Crunch were shut out by the Utica Comets, 3-0, tonight at the Adirondack Bank Center.
The Crunch move to 18-13-2-1 on the season and 5-2-0-0 in the 12-game seasons series with the Comets.
Crunch goaltender Ryan Fanti turned aside 10-of-12 shots in net. Jakub Málek earned the win putting a stop to all 15 shots he faced for the Comets. The Syracuse power play was held scoreless on two opportunities while Utica converted on 1-of-4 man advantages.
After a scoreless first period, the Comets were on the board just 35 seconds into the middle frame. Topias Vilen fired a shot from above the left circle and Xavier Parent deflected it in from in front of the crease.
Utica extended its lead, 2-0, a few minutes into the third period as Brian Halonen sent a backhand shot in from the slot while on the man-advantage. Angus Crookshank scored an empty-net goal with a minute remaining to seal the victory for the Comets.
The Crunch host the Laval Rocket tomorrow at 5 p.m.
Ticket packages for the 2025-26 season are on sale now and can be purchased in person at the Crunch office located inside the Upstate Medical University Arena at Onondaga County War Memorial at 800 S. State St. in Syracuse, by calling the office at 315-473-4444 or online through Ticketmaster. For the latest Crunch news, visit www.syracusecrunch.com or follow the club on Facebook (www.facebook.com/syracusecrunch), X (@SyracuseCrunch) and Instagram (@syracusecrunch).
Crunchables: Syracuse was shut out for the first time this season.
Images from this story
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