COMETS CLOSE SEASON WITH DRAMATIC ROAD WIN IN SYRACUSE

Apr 19, 2025

Syracuse, NY — The Utica Comets wrapped up their season in thrilling fashion on Saturday night, storming back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the rival Syracuse Crunch, 3-2, at Upstate Medical University Arena.

The victory was sealed by Xavier Parent, who buried a rebound with 2:45 remaining in regulation to give the Comets their third unanswered goal of the night—and their final goal of the 2024-25 season.

Down 2-0 midway through the second period, Utica found life on a power play when Shane Lachance tipped home a point shot for his first professional goal, cutting the Crunch lead to 2-1 at 16:58 of the frame.

Then, in the third period, the Comets got another first—this time from Ryan Wheeler, who scored in his AHL debut. The rookie defenseman fired a low shot from the blue line that found its way through traffic and into the back of the net, tying the game with just over five minutes to play.

With momentum on their side, the Comets pushed for the winner. Parent, who has been a key offensive force all season, followed up his own shot and tucked home the rebound at 17:15 to silence the Syracuse crowd and deliver the season-ending win.

The comeback capped off a weekend that saw Utica also play in front of a sellout crowd at home in their final home game of the season—a fitting celebration of the team’s effort, resilience, and connection with its passionate fanbase.

Final score: Utica 3, Syracuse 2.