A visit to Syracuse saw Rich Clune named captain in the absence of Andrew Campbell. Tony Cameranesi, Willie Corrin and Kasimir Kaskisuo all made their professional debuts fresh out of college. Also making their Marlies debuts were recently-reassigned Ben Smith and Connor Carrick, with Toronto dressing seven defensemen.
The Syracuse Crunch were not to be taken lightly. Winners of five straight heading into this contest, they still had their sights set on a playoff berth and have Jonathan Drouin among their ranks.
Credit goes to a young Toronto Marlies team for the way they set about their hosts from puck drop.