Building a Hockey Town: Howard Dolgon on the Syracuse Crunch, Community, and Chasing the Dream

What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares his incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, community, and building something bigger than yourself. We cover:

• ✅ How he brought pro hockey to Syracuse after four teams had failed
• ✅ Why the Crunch became a model of success—and a family for so many players
• ✅ What makes an impactful coach at every level of the game
• ✅ The powerful community culture surrounding the Crunch—and how it all starts with giving back
• ✅ Stories of NHL stars like Yanni Gourde and Jon Cooper that began in Syracuse

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how one team—and one leader—can change an entire community.

🎧 Listen now and share with the hockey people in your life!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Train your hockey brain off the ice with the official VR training tool of the NHL, USA Hockey, and OMHA. For players and goalies of all levels, Sense Arena builds IQ, vision, and decision-making with hundreds of drills on Meta Quest.

🎯 Start training now at SenseArena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group
• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube