By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA What’s that old saying? The best defense is a good offense? Well forget it. The best defense is a good defense. Look no further than the Victor Blue Devils for proof, especially after a 3-0 victory over McQuaid in the Section V Class A semifinals on Thursday evening. Some teams can wow you with offensive skill and puck wizardry. They’ll zip the puck … [Read more...] about The defense never rests as Victor hockey advances to Class A title game
Aquinas hockey one step away from achieving the ultimate tribute to ‘Mr. Nuch’
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA When the season began, the Aquinas Institute hockey team believed they had all the ingredients necessary to win the school’s first Section V title in 16 years. Li'l Irish players were intent on being the team that finally brought the championship block back to Dewey Avenue. Now, however, there’s an even greater driving force than simply personal … [Read more...] about Aquinas hockey one step away from achieving the ultimate tribute to ‘Mr. Nuch’
Amerks find winning very difficult with talent-stripped lineup
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA There are stretches during the American Hockey League season when a whole lot must go right for a team to win. For the first 2 ½ months, the Rochester Americans played teams experiencing real-life AHL problems but never went through it themselves. They could overcome defensive-zone miscues, goaltending mistakes or foolish penalties simply because of … [Read more...] about Amerks find winning very difficult with talent-stripped lineup
For Davidson and the Amerks, winning ugly never felt so good
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The schedule says it’s only February, but Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert would like to believe Wednesday’s 3-1 victory over the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins was really a look into the future. One, because veteran defenseman Brandon Davidson was back in the lineup, and two, because the Amerks, who previously were winning only by means of their … [Read more...] about For Davidson and the Amerks, winning ugly never felt so good
Even in losing, Appert finds positives in how the Amerks are playing
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA If you simply look at wins and losses since the Christmas break ended, the Rochester Americans have been consistently inconsistent. Win one, lose one. Win one, lose one, Win one, lose one. Since Dec. 29, they’re 7-6-2-1. They haven’t won back-to-back games since Dec. 18-19. They had a chance to do so on Friday night but lost 5-2 on home ice to the … [Read more...] about Even in losing, Appert finds positives in how the Amerks are playing