What’s a “Utica”?

That’s the first question.

“It’s in New York,” you answer.

“Oh, I’m jealous! Times Square! Central Park! Broadway!” they say.

Not quite.

There’s a single traffic light always flashing yellow at the intersection of Seneca Street and Oriskany Street in Utica, which automatically drummed up visions and a comparison to the town of Radiator Springs from the movie Cars.

An old-fashioned, quiet town with kind people. It’s no New York, New York, but it’s got character and heart.

Hearing how important the Comets are to Utica, it’s clear the comparison fits. The American League franchise coming to the heart of the Mohawk Valley is akin to Lightning McQueen bringing flash, dazzle and ka-chow to Route 66.

When it comes to the Comets, Utica is as animated as any cartoon out there.

The team has played in Utica, a town of 60,000 located in Oneida County, for two seasons, and after the initial excitement of having a team return to Utica wore off, fans realized the Comets are good – real good.

The community also started coming together like it hadn’t in a while; flash, dazzle and ka-chow was back.

“We’re kind of an old industrial city, we’re trying to reinvent ourselves here and the Comets have really taken the lead in this,” said Steve Lachacz, a 50-year-old born and raised Utican.

“As a city and a community, we’re very proud of the Comets and of ourselves and we’re trying to use this as a springboard to the future. We’re very appreciative of the Canucks for the Comets; it’s really brought the community together and a lot of good feelings and we’re excited about it.”