On Episode 12 of Crunch Chronicles Lukas Favale is joined by Zenon Konopka. One of the most popular players in Crunch history, Konopka made a lasting impression on the organization despite spending parts of just two seasons in Syracuse from 2006 to 2008.
Acquired in a trade during the 2006-07 season, Konopka joined the Crunch and produced 20 points in 20 games. He was instrumental in changing the culture of the team, joining the Crunch when they were seven games below 0.500, but helping the group finish 34-34-4-8, narrowly missing the Calder Cup Playoffs.
In his second season in the organization, the Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario native was named the Crunch's captain and he produced 55 points in 62 games, despite breaking his hand. The club went on a 20-0-0-3 run to end the regular season before advancing to the second round of the Calder Cup Playoffs; Konopka added 10 points in 13 games.
After leaving Syracuse, Konopka played for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Islanders, Ottawa Senators, Minnesota Wild and Buffalo Sabres. He totaled 346 NHL games and 350 AHL games in his career, before retiring as a member of the Crunch.
On the show, Konopka discusses his welcome to the Crunch moment, his belief in that 2007-08 team and much more.
