By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA For the better part of the last two weeks, issues with the ice-making equipment prevented the rink crew from getting Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial ready for the American Hockey League season. Those issues, however, were solved this week and the ice was just fine when the Rochester Americans opened their 69th AHL season on Friday night. It’s … [Read more...] about Amerks stumble in season opener
Brighton’s defense stifles Irondequoit in battle of Class A unbeatens
By KEVIN OKLOBZJIA Considering the Irondequoit Eagles had piled up 186 points in their first five games, containing them was going to be no easy task for the visiting Brighton Bruins on Thursday night. Or so it seemed. Truth be told, Brighton made it look easy, prevailing 14-6 in the battle of Section V Class A unbeatens. Playing their trademark hard-hitting, … [Read more...] about Brighton’s defense stifles Irondequoit in battle of Class A unbeatens
Gianforti, Nesmith help unbeaten McQuaid rally past Aquinas
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA After slow starts and early deficits created far too much unnecessary angst over the first month of the season for McQuaid’s football, head coach Bobby Bates said the focus this week was on starting fast. “We’ve been in a few games where we’re getting behind the eight-ball early on and having to crawl our way out,” Bates said. So what happens on … [Read more...] about Gianforti, Nesmith help unbeaten McQuaid rally past Aquinas
It’s official: Amerks captain Mersch to announce retirement
By KEVIN OKLOBZJIA As a hockey player, Michael Mersch preached team, truly believing the crest on the front of the sweater meant far more than the name on the back. Sure, he enjoyed scoring goals; who doesn’t? He just liked winning a whole lot more. That’s why, for the previous three seasons, he wore the “C” as captain of the Rochester Americans. Then-coach Seth … [Read more...] about It’s official: Amerks captain Mersch to announce retirement
Just call them Team 4th Quarter; last-minute heroics carry McQuaid past Hilton
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA HILTON, N.Y. -- It was perhaps the longest delayed-reaction celebration ever for a waning-seconds, game-winning touchdown. Even though McQuaid Knights senior running back Zach Couch – buried somewhere beneath a pile of bodies at the goal line – knew he had scored, it took a good seven or eight seconds for the officials to determine the football did … [Read more...] about Just call them Team 4th Quarter; last-minute heroics carry McQuaid past Hilton