By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA
When Scott Metcalfe was playing youth hockey, he never fixated on being the glamour-boy goal-scorer.
Good thing, too. That would have really annoyed his parents, June and Bryan Metcalfe. They weren’t raising some Waltzing Matilda.
“That’s what my mom used to call me if I was just out there skating around, a Waltzing Matilda,” Metcalfe said back in 1996, when he was entering the twilight of his American Hockey League career. “She’d tell the other parents, ‘I’d rather have my son sitting in the penalty box for two minutes than playing like your kids.’ ”
Over the years, as he moved on to major junior and then pro hockey, that stay in the penalty box sometimes lasted five minutes. OK, maybe it often lasted five minutes.
But at least he wasn’t a Waltzing Matilda. Not through junior hockey and not during a 14-year professional career, the glory years of which were spent with the Rochester Americans in the late 1980s and mid-1990s. Whenever he laced up the skates, Metcalfe epitomized toughness, grit and passion.
His rambunctious style and fierce loyalty to the Amerks logo endeared him to fans. In turn, he grew to love the city, and Rochester became his home. He and his wife, Jane, raised three children, sons Tanner and Keegan and daughter Quinn.
But today the Amerks family is in mourning. Metcalfe, a member of the 1996 Calder Cup championship team and a 2006 inductee into the Amerks Hall of Fame, died suddenly on Friday morning surrounded by family at Strong Memorial Hospital. He was 58.
“It’s a terribly sad day for the organization,” Amerks legend Jody Gage said. “Scott had this larger-than-life personality about him, and it resonated with Amerks fans all over Rochester. He wore the red, white and blue proudly every night, was the ultimate competitor and consummate professional who always put his teammates and the organization first.”
That’s precisely how he piled up a franchise-record 1,424 penalty minutes in 499 games.
“He had so much pride about being an Amerk and in Rochester,” said Dane Jackson, the captain of the 1996 Calder Cup team. “As a new guy coming to Rochester in 1995, I always respected how much Metter, Frawls (Dan Frawley) and Gager cared about the program.”
They cared because this was their city, their team, their lives. Metcalfe was born and raised in Metro Toronto but Rochester became his home.
“This was his NHL,” said fellow Amerks Hall of Famer Scott Nichol, Metcalfe’s linemate on the 1996 Cup team. “He was all in. He was totally vested in the community.
“He scored goals, he fought; he was an entertainer. And he taught me as a young guy that it didn’t matter when it was, you bring it. If it’s game 62, you bring it.”
While Metcalfe always played with snarl, he possessed plenty of skill, too. He still ranks seventh in franchise history in points (349) and assists (212) and 11th in goals (137). He wasn’t going to win any foot races, but he did everything in his power to help his team win.
Which is why he was so beloved by fans.
“I didn’t understand why my dad was so upset when Mickey Mantle had passed – I get it now,” long-time fan Eric Bourgeois wrote on Facebook.
Indeed, Metcalfe’s impact extended far beyond statistics and far beyond the rink. Metter loved to laugh and loved to have a good time.
“A Monday night, a Tuesday night, everybody in town knew Metter,” Nichol said. “He was the mayor.”
And he also knew how to read the room. Inside the dressing room, he privately called out teammates when they strayed from the task at hand. He provided encouragement when they needed a boost. And he’d put his neck on the line for the group in closed-door chats with a coach.
“That’s a leader; a leader doesn’t put himself in front of everybody else,” said Rob Ray, his linemate and roommate during the 1988-89 season. “He was the ultimate teammate.”
Four times Metcalfe was voted the Amerks most popular player by the Exec Club. Three times he was awarded the McCulloch Trophy for community service. And in 1996 he was selected to represent the Amerks at the AHL All-Star Classic.
“The Scott Metcalfe mold was definitely used only once,” Amerks broadcaster Don Stevens said in the team’s news release announcing Metcalfe’s passing. “Not sure what I will remember most about Metter: his jokester or serious side; his rugged hockey player side or extremely intelligent, book-reading side; his fun-loving, friendly side or his quite, private side.”
That 1988-89 line with Metcalfe, Ray and Kevin Kerr is still fondly remembered by Amerks fans. And probably not so fondly by defensemen from that era, who were pounded into the end boards time after time.
One of the most memorable Amerk lines ever? “The most entertaining, maybe,” Ray said. “He taught me so much. As a young kid coming in, I didn’t know anything. He’d drag me off the couch to go work out, he’d drag me off the couch to go do something else. We did everything together.”
Even after Ray moved up to the Buffalo Sabres and was embarking on a 15-year NHL career, Metcalfe was in his corner.
“He’d watch games on TV and call me and say, ‘Maybe try this’ or ‘This might work,’ ” I learned more from him than probably anybody.
“He was more into helping everybody else than himself.”
Metcalfe joined the Amerks in February 1988 through a trade between the Sabres and Edmonton Oilers. He was a mainstay for the next three and half seasons, helping Rochester reach the Calder Cup finals in 1990 and 1991.
He played the next two seasons in Germany before rejoining the Amerks in 1993-94, and he was an integral part of that 1996 Cup-winning team, playing on a line with Frawley and Nichol.
“They were by far our best defensive line,” Jackson said. “They’d chip the puck in and they were like howling dogs coming in on the forecheck. They were relentless.”
And opponents didn’t like playing against them.
“Metter was asked to check the other team’s top line, and those type of players, they didn’t want to play against him,” Nichol said. “They didn’t want to go into the corner with Metter or Frawls because they knew they’d come out with a bruised wrist or sore ankle.
“He loved the game and he loved his teammates,” Nichol said. “He was one of a kind.”
What a wonderful tribute to a very special Rochester sports legend. Thank you, Kevin.
Kevin says: Thank you, Jeff. A very sad day.
That lunch pail line was Rochester thru and thru.
Kevin,
Fantastic as usual. Thanks for bringing us back to the Calder Cup Championship and reminding everyone of how much Metter meant to everyone
Kevin says: Thank you, Peter. You certainly know what Metter was all about.
Rest in peace Metter!
Many fine memories of your years with the Amerks.
One of my favorite Amerks of all time. Never be another Metter!
Wonderful story, Kevin. Great memories of Scott Metcalfe and that Amerks team.
Kevin says: Thank you, Gary. So many memories indeed for those who followed the Amerks.
I’ve been to hundreds of Amerk games and while I don’t remember too many fights, I remember one between Metter and Baltimore Skipjack Robin Bawa. I was like 12 at the time and I thought, WOW, this guy is tough, the way he traded punches with Bawa. However, my fondest memory of Metter, was his hat trick in game 4 of the 1996 conference finals against Syracuse.
He was just a great person on and off the ice. Rochester is better for having you as it’s adopted son!
Kevin says: Well said, Frank. That fight with Bawa is legendary. And as you recall, they didn’t need the linesmen to break it up. They punched themselves silly, then stopped, patted each other on the back and skated to the box.
Great job Kevin. Such a sad day for all of us who knew and loved Metter.
Kevin says: Thanks so much, Rich. He is deeply entrenched in Amerks history and I fear we may never see that type of player again.
Had the honor of getting to know a few players during those years, including Metter. Scott would randomly stop by my business just to say hello, or drop off a signed hockey stick. Almost 30 years later, I still have the sticks that were signed by Scott Nichol, Dan “Frawls” Frawley and Scott “Metter” Metcalfe. And still treasured as much. RIP Stitch
Kevin,
What an outstanding tribute to a wonderful guy. Saw him on Razors HOF night this year in Buffalo.
Kevin says: Thanks, Peter. You well know what Metter meant to the team and the city. Hope all is well in Music City.
Really think that a street around BCA should be named Scott Metcalf Way?
Thanks for a super story Kevin. I’ll always remember ‘and its an empty netter by the Metter’ when he got the chance.
Retire his number. Would be a fitting tribute and the fans would love it.
Kevin says: Thanks for the kind words, Ted. Metter was definitely a player who endeared himself to diehard fans like yourself.
Great job Kevin as usual! Metter was your old time hockey player. Brought back fond memories for a long time Amerk’s fan. Thanks!
Kevin says: Thanks, Frank. Metter definitely understood what it took to win.
Kevin, that was a wonderful tribute to Scotty. He gave his all, both on and off the ice. This is a huge loss for the Rochester hockey community and those of us who had the privilege of knowing him.
Kevin says: Thanks so much for the kind words, Linda. Metter will forever be a part of Amerks lore.
Thank you, that was very beautiful
Kevin says: Thank you so much, Jason. My condolences to you and the entire Metcalfe family.
A great tribute Kevin O! Stitch was a true Amerk through and through.
Kevin says: Thanks, Matthew. You are so right about Metter.
It could not be better written or stated what a Legend Stitch will always be. Thank you Kevin for perfectly telling the world how special Metter will ALWAYS be. He Rayzer and Kevin Kerr were the reason they expanded the War Memorial with extra seating because they filled The Barn every game! Love you Metter. RIP
Kevin says: Thanks, Pete, and very well said. He indeed will always be a part of Amerks lore.
My boys played hockey with his kids. Coach Metcalfe will always be in their skates.
RIP “Stitch” Always sad to loose a top shelf dude like Scottie.
I was working security one night at The Bill Gray’s Tap Room in Brockport. Hardly anyone was there and I had an opportunity to talk to Scott one on one. A truly sensational guy who really opened up to me and told me about his tickle trunk where he kept all his hockey memories. We talked about him Kevin Kerr, and Rob Ray. Oh how we laughed and carried on. I also had the pleasure of meeting his wife. A true hockey icon !!!. The organization should retire his number and dedicate a street outside of the arena in his name. RIP METTER !!!!
Thanks for the touching tribute of Metter . I signed Scott as one of the first players I brought in to rekindle pride in the Amerks. He helped restore that pride and helped us win the Calder Cup Championship . He will forever be linked to that championship and how much he loved being an Amerks and wearing the jersey.
Kevin says: Thanks, Steve. Those were the days, for sure. Few players have embraced the franchise and the city they way Metter did.
Thank you, Kevin. RIP Metter, thank you, as well, for everything!
Kevin says: Thanks, Jeff. I’m sure a multitude of Amerks fans, and Rochesterians, are saying a thank you to Metter as well.
Thanks Kevin for an outstanding tribute to a legendary Amerk.A great teammate for all those who passed through the locker room doors over the years.The Nichol line with Frawley and Metcalfe was outstanding throughout the entire playoff journey ending with the 1996 Cup win.Sad day…RIP
Great job Kevin!!! Scotty was a true warrior!! Loved playing against him as he kept the game honest and left everything he had to offer on the ice. Off the ice, Scott was a fantastic person who cared about his fellow man.
Rest in peace my friend.
You will be missed but never forgotten.
Lou Crawford
Everyone in the ROC knew Metter – but it never went to his head. He was a humble man that appreciated everything that came his way and had fun doing it. Rest up #10…
“… toughness, grit, and passion”, indeed.
Shocked and saddened by the news.
That Metcalfe-Ray-Kerr line is still my all time favorite. At any level.
And I, too, recall that game against the Skipjacks where Metcalfe and Robin Bawa fiercely went at it, perfectly summarized by Kevin O.
Thank you for the excellent retrospective memorial.
Been good friends with Metter, the last six years. He was a regular at our camp, cooking and telling stories. He brought his brother Jason a couple of years ago, and our “family” got bigger. He was my golf bud and entertainment director. He will be missed deeply…..
Great read Kevin, such a sad loss. One of the hardest working Amerks ever. That Metter, Ray, Kerr line was legendary. Not only did they rack up like 1,200 PIMs, they scored too!!
My condolences to his friends and family. Too young . My Father and I have been going to Amerks games since 1969, and we brought up Scotts name recently while watching a playoff game against Laval. What does this current team lack we asked each other? Players just like Scott, Garwasiuk, Hofford, Dykstra, etc. The kind of guy every team would benefit from and the Amerks surely did, so did we fans.
Hi Kevin–I had suggested over at LGA585 that the Amerks have a #10 retirement ceremony on opening night this fall. I think it would fill the BCA and it would be a most fitting tribute to an amerk who truly checked every box in the hearts of all amerk fans. Players like Scotty are fast disappearing from the landscape of minor league sports. Any chance you could ‘talk’ (write) this up to perhaps influence the decision to do this–if you agree it makes sense. Your opinion carries a ton of weight considering the years of loyal service to the fans of this community. I think it would be a tremendous honor to be a part of such an event. We haven’t won a Cup in nearly 30 years and we may never see another player grace the Crest like Scott Metcalfe did.
Just a thought….I believe echoed by so many saddened fans of Amerk Nation. thanks!
Scott was a Great team player. every shift he made things happen he was a great person off the ice to. so scottt you will allways be a no i player i knew. the guys in thsoe day work j]hard 100%. i love watching him when he played. so Scott rest in peace.
Scott was a Great team player. every shift he made things happen he was a great person off the ice to. so scottt you will allways be a no i player i knew. the guys in thsoe day work j]hard 100%. i love watching him when he played. so Scott rest in peace.