Chants of “UTICA, UTICA” echoed throughout the Adirondack Bank Center during Wednesday's Calder Cup Playoff contest against the Toronto Marlies. It was almost an undescribable atmosphere.
But if we had to, it was so loud Wednesday night it felt like The AUD was going to explode.

“It was insane from the start,” said Adirondack Bank Center ice technician Chris Burns. “You know Archie was out here dropping the puck and it got everybody really fired up so everybody was pretty excited for the game.”
“I think last night was more off the charts than it was three years ago,” said Comets season ticket holder Steve Sperbeck. “Ya know like they said with their backs against the wall I think the Utica crowd came through for the team.”
And the support doesn't go unnoticed or unappreciated by the players.
“It’s awesome,” said Comets center Cole Cassels. “We feed off that for sure. After that first period I dont think I've heard The AUD louder than that so you know they did a hell of a job."
If you thought Game 3 was intense fans say we ain't seen nothing yet.
“Oh yeah they'll definitely be there,” said Comets fan Zach Todd. “We've been waiting all year, we've been waiting a few years for them to come back so we're excited and we cant wait for them to get the W.”
“I think it's gonna be much more intense,” added Burns. “I think yeah the teams are gonna be battling a little bit harder and the fans are really gonna be into it.”
“I think we need to challege all the fans tomorrow night,” said Sperbeck. “We need to be louder tomorrow. Just for the affect it has on the other team. It lifts our team up, we gotta be louder tomorrow, it’s do or die.”
These two teams are back at it Friday night at 7 p.m. for Game 4 and once again fans are encouraged to whiteout The AUD.