By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA To further his hockey career and reach his fullest potential, Rory Fitzpatrick needed to leave Irondequoit at 17 to play major junior hockey in Canada. The decision proved to be wise. He became a second-round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens in 1993, creating a path to the National Hockey League. But in reaching the NHL, he also had a chance to … [Read more...] about Fitzpatrick enters Amerks Hall of Fame
Amerks fail to close out Belleville, lose in shootout
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA If the Rochester Americans ever develop a killer instinct, watch out. But until that happens, then it’s wise to watch every game to the very end because who knows what may happen. Like Friday night, when the Amerks couldn’t add to a 1-0 lead for a period and a half, allowed the tying goal with 3:11 remaining and then lost in a four-round shootout as … [Read more...] about Amerks fail to close out Belleville, lose in shootout
When it comes to the Amerks power play, too cute really means too ugly
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA An overload of cuteness is perfectly fine if you’re talking about puppies. Or babies. But not power plays. Definitely not power plays. Which is why, according to coach Seth Appert, the Rochester Americans power play has been so powerless in recent weeks. While they did score with the man advantage on Wednesday night, they also allowed yet another … [Read more...] about When it comes to the Amerks power play, too cute really means too ugly
Amerks far too charitable in blowout loss to Utica
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Kids day at Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial on Sunday afternoon included youngsters taking over the public address and official scoring roles while 5,000 drawstring bags were handed out to fans. There seemingly were just as many giveaways on the ice by the Rochester Americans. Taking advantage of poor decisions and poor passes, the Utica Comets … [Read more...] about Amerks far too charitable in blowout loss to Utica
As regular season winds down, RIT gears up for playoff redemption
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The bitter memories of last season don’t surface quite as frequently for the Rochester Institute of Technology’s men’s hockey team as they once did, but they surely haven’t been forgotten. Atlantic Hockey regular season champions and playoff favorites in March of 2023, the Tigers had big goals and bigger dreams. All of which were unceremoniously … [Read more...] about As regular season winds down, RIT gears up for playoff redemption