Dear Crunch Fans:

As our regular season winds down I would like to share with you two observations I have made over the past several weeks.

The first one has to do with you, our fans. Your enthusiasm, vitality and rambunctiousness continues to increase despite what has been less than a stellar season on the ice. I have been in other AHL arenas, home of teams with records 20 points or more better than ours, and they resemble morgues or an evening at the opera compared to our old barn. You have stood behind our team like true fans do, and it is greatly appreciated.

The second observation has to do with our players. Despite a slow start and long odds against a playoff appearance, these young men who wear Crunch uniforms have not taken a night, let alone a shift, off down the stretch. Many athletes would have packed their bags and started planning tee times. Not our guys. They have consistently given an effort we can all be proud of, an effort indicative of heart and character you look for in a hockey player.

To me, the present looks great . . . and the future brighter than ever. I look forward to seeing all of you at the Fan Forum on Saturday.

Best regards,

Howard Dolgon