The Syracuse Crunch announced today that Crunch President and CEO, Howard Dolgon will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as part of the festivities when the Syracuse Chiefs open the 2007 season on Saturday, April 14th, at 2:00 PM against the Ottawa Lynx.

A Co-Chairman of the Board in Alan Taylor Communications, Inc., the leading independent sports public relations agency in the country, Dolgon has spent the last 25 years in the public relations/marketing field. A graduate of Brooklyn (N.Y.) College, Mr. Dolgon has created and implemented numerous award-winning programs for a variety of corporations including MasterCard International, General Mills and UDV North America. He has handled promotions throughout the United States, Europe, and South America for World Cup Soccer and the Olympic Games. Both he and Mr. Taylor were named by the New York Daily News as two of the top 40 influential sport figures in New York. Mr. Dolgon is a visiting professor at the prestigious S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications of Syracuse University and is a member of the Board of Advisors for the school’s sport management program. Mr. Dolgon is a member of the American Hockey League’s Executive Committee. He has also promoted NBA preseason games and world-class boxing events in Syracuse. Mr. Dolgon is 49 years old and lives with his wife, Joy, their five children Mike, Garrett, Connor, Brittany and Alec and dog Rubie in East Meadow, New York.

Before the action begins on the field the parking lot will be the place to be as kids will be able to enjoy an inflatable moonwalk beginning at 10:30 and fans of all ages will be entertained by local performing artists The FabCats from noon until 2:00 PM.

The first 5,000 fans to enter the stadium will receive a free 2007 schedule magnet, compliments of Alliance Bank and a face painter will be available on the concourse. Local performing artist Joe Whiting will perform the National Anthem.

The Crunch host Rochester on Saturday, April 14 for a 7:30 p.m. game. Tickets are available by calling the crunch office at (315) 473-4444, stopping by the Oncenter box office located on the state street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.