In three years, the Utica Comets have proven to be more than a hockey team.

In three years, the Utica Comets have proven to be more than a hockey team.

The American Hockey League franchise, the brainchild of former National Hockey League player Robert Esche and businessman Frank DuRoss, has energized a region that is experiencing a rebirth. From the players visiting schools and reading to children, to better promotion of the team, to an energized experience at the rejuvenated Utica Memorial Auditorium, the Comets have captured the imagination of the area more than any local professional hockey team in recent memory.

Esche, the Comets’ president, said the Mohawk Valley always has been a “hockey hotbed” dating back to the Clinton Comets. But this team differs from the last AHL presence that was here more than 20 years ago. Support for the team is evident with T-shirts, hats and bumper stickers on display.

That trend will surge into a fourth season as the Comets return to home ice when they play Syracuse in a preseason game at 5 p.m. today. The team’s home opener is Wednesday, Oct. 26.

How did the team’s popularity grow in a short amount of time? The team’s success on the ice has helped, but it also stems from many other aspects, Esche said.

“Social media has been big. We were able to tie in all the hockey fans. We were able to bring traditionalists and new fans together,” said Esche, a Whitesboro native and former NHL goalie. “More importantly, it went from a fan base to a way of life. It’s a civic pride piece. It’s simply something other fans don’t have in other cities.”

Former Observer-Dispatch reporter John Pitarresi covered local sports, including professional hockey in the Mohawk Valley, for more than 40 years. He said the Comets have done a good job relating to the community.

“They have a great product and a great venue,” Pitarresi said. “It all arrived at a time when people were very hockey-hungry. I think Utica College (hockey) proved there was a market. … The timing was just right.”

Transformation

One aspect that has made an impression in the community is the many improvements and additions to the Aud.

“It has been a lot of attention to detail,” said Esche, who also is president of Mohawk Valley Garden Inc., the group that oversees the auditorium. “If you don’t pay attention to the details, it becomes stagnant. ... We dusted it off and shined it up. It’s a remarkable building. For us, we take a lot of pride and stewardship in this landmark.”

With the help of almost $6 million in state grants, a few of the alterations have included large video boards, rehabilitated concession stands and updated locker rooms for the Comets and other teams. Many areas inside and outside the building have gotten a new coat of paint. Perhaps the most eye-catching update came last season when the building’s façade was updated. LED fixtures also were placed around the building, helping light it in a variety of colors.

Steve Zabko, a 49-year-old Marcy resident, got hooked on hockey while attending Mohawk Valley Comets games at the Aud. He’s impressed by the changes.

“The Aud has transformed big time,” said Zabko, as he waited outside the building to buy Comets single-game tickets about 17 hours before they went on sale Oct. 1. “Everybody wants to see what the Utica hockey experience is because of the Aud. It’s incredible.”

The Comets, who have 3,500 season-ticket holders, have sold out 55 consecutive games.

“We have a great atmosphere," Esche said. "Every game is exciting. … Players see that and they want to do more in the community.”

‘A positive impact’ for economy

Utica-area businesses also have benefited from the Comets’ presence.

David Wood, the owner of Swifty’s Restaurant & Pub on Genesee Street in downtown Utica, said the team’s success is easily noticed.

“It’s certainly positive for us,” Wood said. “When the team returns to town (for the season) … we have a really good influx of business.”

Wood said the restaurant, which has a capacity for 200 people and a bar that can accommodate about 75, draws good crowds when the Comets have a game. The popular establishment also provides fans a complimentary shuttle to games, Wood said.

Oneida County Tourism President Kelly Blazosky said the Comets’ impact goes beyond the city. Blazosky said the Comets’ image as a winning team has helped the Mohawk Valley gain more attention.

“They’ve certainly helped increase sustainable tourism throughout the winter season,” said Blazosky, who also noted that the group tries to promote the team through digital marketing and on social media.

Blazosky said Utica’s location off the New York State Thruway is a benefit. It also helps that the Aud is easy to get to, which might not be the case for other teams, she said.

“Fans from opposing teams also have an impact (in the area),” Blazosky said. “They stay in hotels, eat at restaurants and might need transportation. People coming in might need to fill up their gas tanks. It plays into a positive impact for the area.”

What’s next?

Pitarresi said he’s interested to see how the team sustains support in the future.

“Odds say you’re not going to have a contending team every year,” said Pitarresi, who noted Vancouver has made moves during the partnership to help the Comets.

The Comets and Vancouver are in the fourth year of a six-year agreement. Esche and Trevor Linden, the Canucks president of hockey operations, have said they are pleased with the arrangement.

“I think it works out terrific,” Esche said of the affiliation. “We have a remarkable relationship with Vancouver that most don’t see on a day-to-day basis.”

The trend recently has been NHL teams moving their AHL affiliates closer to their home arenas. Despite the Canucks being the last Western Conference team with an affiliate on the East Coast, Esche isn’t concerned. He said Utica’s strength is being close to other hockey cities, which helps with player development, and Vancouver is aware of that. He realizes the AHL is a fluid league and there’s no telling what could happen in three years.

“I think it’s a partnership that will go on for a long time. I really do,” Esche said. "They say they love it here. I’m focused on providing a great product for the area.”