By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA
Don Stevens may have a lifetime of memories from broadcasting Rochester Americans games for the past 40 years, but the organization is making sure some of the most impactful moments are taking place this week.
Stevens announced before the season that this would be his final year as the Voice of the Amerks. So on Friday night, his former broadcast partner, John Bednarski, made a surprise appearance in the press box for one final game together.
Bednarski left the radio booth following the 2004-05 season, bringing to a close a career that included two seasons on the ice (1972-73 and 1980-81) and 20 seasons as the broadcast analyst.
With Stevens’ farewell tour winding down, Amerks senior director of public relations Warren Kosel recently reached out to Bednarski, asking if he’d like to return for a reunion game. Bednarski said he’d book the flight.
Stevens, however, wasn’t told. Instead, he and current broadcast partner Andrew Mossbrooks began Friday evening’s radio pregame show just as they always do.
Only this time, Mossbrooks ducked out moments after they went on the air, motioning that he needed to do something quickly. While Stevens continued reading his notes to the WGR Rochester (950 AM, 95.7 FM) radio audience, Bednarski slipped in behind and took his old seat in the War Memorial press box.
Stevens was flabbergasted.
“Every time I turn around, there’s another surprise,” Stevens said between periods.
It’s been an emotional and gratifying week for Stevens. On Tuesday, the parent Buffalo Sabres celebrated his 40-year career with the Amerks when they hosted the New York Islanders.
He was presented with a framed STEVENS 40 Sabres sweater during the first promotional timeout and received a standing ovation from Sabres fans, with some fans chanting “One more year.” Then broadcaster Dan Dunleavy handed over the headset so Stevens could call the first seven or eight minutes of the second period.
On Saturday the Amerks will host Don Stevens Night. The first 2,500 fans will receive a bobblehead of their favorite Amerks broadcaster, Stevens will address the fans during pre-game ceremonies and video tributes – and perhaps more surprises – will be played on the videoboard throughout the game.
Bednarski, a member of the Amerks Hall of Fame, hadn’t been on the air in nearly two decades. But from the moment he put the headset back on, the two picked up like it was 2004. Or 1987, the first of two Calder Cup seasons they chronicled for radio listeners and on WHEC-TV channel 10.
“Like riding a bike,” Bednarski said, “except I don’t know where I’m going.”
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