Uncle Bob's Self Storage has partnered with the Syracuse Crunch, a minor league hockey team, to sponsor the 'Uncle of the Year' contest.

During the month of March, fans will have the opportunity to nominate their favorite uncle for the award. To submit a nomination, fans must write an essay of up to 250 words giving reasons why they think their uncles should be selected as the Uncle Bob's Self Storage 'Uncle of the Year'.

A panel of judges consisting of Uncle Bob's Self Storage staff members, as well as Crunch players, will review the entries and select a winner. The winner will be announced in an on-ice presentation at the Crunch's home game on Sunday, April 3, against Wilkes-Barre/Scranton. The winning uncle will receive a 10-pack of ticket vouchers for the 2011-12 season, a team-autographed stick and a prize pack, compliments of Uncle Bob's Self Storage.

Fans can submit their essays in person at all remaining Crunch home games through the end of March at the Guest Services table or by e-mailing [email protected].

Uncle Bob's has four locations in Central New York-Cicero, East Syracuse, Liverpool, and Spencer Street in Syracuse-and 377 facilities in 24 states. The company is part of Sovran Self Storage, a real estate investment trust in the business of acquiring and managing self-storage facilities. The company operates under the name Uncle Bobs Self Storage.