Mike McKenna

On Episode 26 of Crunch Chronicles Lukas Favale is joined by Mike McKenna. McKenna's time in Syracuse was short - lasting just over three months - but it was impactful during the team's run to the 2017 Calder Cup Finals. McKenna was acquired by the Tampa Bay Lightning in a trade from the Florida Panthers on March 1, 2017. It was the first time in his career he was traded and it brought the journeyman goaltender to the Crunch.  He appeared in 14 games for the Crunch down the stretch and posted a 5-5-3 record to help the team capture the North Division on the final day of the regular season. He seized control of the net heading into the playoffs. McKenna backstopped the team in all 22 playoff games. He logged a 13-9 record with a 2.68 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage. He was stellar in the North Division Semifinals against St. John's, guided the team through the Toronto Marlies in the North Division Finals and was strong during the Eastern Conference Finals against Providence as the Crunch made their second Calder Cup Finals appearance in franchise history.   McKenna would sign with Dallas the following season and lead Texas to Game 7 of the Calder Cup Finals. He played for several teams in 2018-19 after being traded or claimed on waivers multiple times; he retired from playing following that season and transitioned into media. On the show, McKenna discusses his immediate connection to Syracuse, the run during the Calder Cup Playoffs, his new role in hockey media, and much more.