February 24, 2014 - American Hockey League (AHL) Utica Comets Comets hockey had an Empire State of Mind this past weekend, as the team played three games in as many nights, all of which against New York State opposition.

The stretch was a huge one, both on and off the ice for Utica. With the team on the verge of a playoff push, every point at this stage of the season is essential. And with all three contests coming close to our own backyard, the Comets had a stretch of rivalries ready to be reignited.

Although all three games were technically on the road, Friday's showdown felt like another evening at The AUD, with approximately 900 Comets fans making the trip across I-90 to the War Memorial in Syracuse. The "Thruway Throwdown", as it was dubbed, lived up to its name in a hard-fought 2-1 overtime victory for the Comets, that put Utica one point away from claiming the Galaxy Cup.

Although the game on the ice was a big one for the Comets, with the team earning two points to aid in their rise in the standings, the story of the night was the thriving state of hockey in Central New York. Comets fans were loud and proud as they cheered on their team, with the section next to Utica's bench overflowing with blue and green. In a sight unlike what you might expect on the road, the team saluted its fans after the win and Brandon DeFazio capped off the festivities by tossing his stick into the supporters section, after being named the game's first star. Comets fans support did not go unnoticed by those on the ice.

"I thought there would be a lot of fans there, but we had no idea that we would have that man," remarked Comets Head Coach, Travis Green. "What a night. People cheering us on, and with that level of excitement and passion. It was amazing to see."

Frank Corrado added on Twitter, ""Great Comets fan turnout in Syracuse. You guys were as loud as ever!"

Saturday evening was another boisterous crowd, this time in Binghamton, as the Comets made history with their first third period come from behind victory of the season. Star Wars night brought out a collection of characters, literally, to the Broome County Veterans Memorial Arena as R2-D2 and some of his friends from a galaxy far, far away were in attendance.

Although there were not the droves of Utica fans that came to Syracuse, the Senators had a large crowd in attendance to welcome their rivals to town for the first time. Utica delivered a show with a fantastic comeback effort, which moved the team to within just six points of a playoff berth in the Western Conference standings, while sending the Binghamton fans home disappointed.

The Comets were well on their way towards the weekend record for miles on the New York State Thruway, as they traveled to Albany to conclude their weekend. The atmosphere in Albany was quite the contrast to what the Comets received in Syracuse and Binghamton, with Sunday's game at the 14,000 plus seat Times Union Center.

In what is starting to become a theme, Utica fans invaded the T.U.C. and serenaded their team with a chorus of "Lets Go Comets" chants as the puck dropped. Utica fans even showed off an unofficial hockey symbol of the Mohawk Valley, as a rubber chicken was hurled onto the ice during the third period.

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Comets Fans Flex Their Muscles