The Syracuse Crunch announced today that Corning Inc., a leader in the Upstate New York business community, has reached an agreement with the Crunch to be the title sponsor of the first NHL contest to be played in Syracuse in 27 years.

The Corning NHL Classic, which features the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Buffalo Sabres, will be held Friday, September 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the War Memorial at Oncenter in Syracuse, New York.

"Corning Inc. is proud to support this major sporting event in Syracuse," said Daniel Collins, Division Vice President of Corporate Communications for Corning Inc. "Corning Inc. has gone through a significant transformation with a commitment to growing on a global basis, particularly in Upstate New York."

"The Syracuse Crunch are very excited to welcome Corning Inc. as the title sponsor for this special event and as a member of the Crunch''''s sponsorship family," said Crunch President and CEO Howard Dolgon. "Corporate support is vital to bringing event such as this National Hockey League game to Central New York and to have a partner such as Corning Inc. supporting this event simple adds to the prestige."

Additional details regarding community events surrounding the Corning NHL Classic will soon follow.