By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA A year ago, the Rochester Americans began a magical playoff run to the Calder Cup Eastern Conference finals by pulling off the “reverse sweep” in the first-round series against the Syracuse Crunch. They fell behind 2-0 in the best-of-five series before rattling off three straight victories, including in overtime in the fifth and deciding game. Don’t … [Read more...] about Amerks jump ahead 2-0, lose to Crunch; this is a recording
Brock’s third-period goals lift McQuaid past Portside for Class A hockey title
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA A high-percentage shot it was not; Chase Brock freely admits that. Yet when the McQuaid Jesuit freshman winger darted in off the left wing and through the bottom of the circle, he was thinking just one thing. “Get the puck on your stick and shoot it,” he said. Which is just what he did. Despite a bad angle, Brock used a quick release and laser … [Read more...] about Brock’s third-period goals lift McQuaid past Portside for Class A hockey title
Fitzpatrick enters Amerks Hall of Fame
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