Kevin Oklobzija

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Sometimes, it's best to be a little a little crowd-deaf, to possess the ability to block out the frantic screams of "shoooooooot" and concentrate on what narrow passing or shooting lane may actually exist. Lawrence Pilut has that ability, and put it on display in scoring the tying goal with under seven minutes to play on Friday night. But sometimes, as … [Read more...] about Pilut’s poise (and talent) carries Amerks to buzzer-beating victory

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Having gone 39 days without playing a game because of injury, C.J. Smith was eager to finally get back in the Rochester Americans lineup on Wednesday night. "You're out for a long time, you just want to be part of it," Smith said. Now imagine how Taylor Leier felt. Because of off-season shoulder surgery, his last game was April 29, 216 long days ago. "The … [Read more...] about Amerks keep rolling as injured players return

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA In losing 3-1 to the visiting Charlotte Checkers on Saturday night, the Rochester Americans dug themselves an early hole and couldn't recover. The Checkers were the better team early, took advantage of a pair of first-period power plays and then made sure goalie Anton Forsberg had plenty of help the rest of the way. That's the quick synopsis of the here … [Read more...] about Amerks’ streak finally ends

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA That Ulrica Johansson is getting to spend a little time with her son, Jonas, in December is surely enough of a treat in itself. When you live 3,800 air miles away from Rochester, you don't get to prepare many home-cooked meals for your hockey-playing son. But Jonas made his mother's trip from Galve, Sweden, even more special by posting his first career … [Read more...] about With his mom visiting from Sweden, Amerks’ Johansson gives her reason to smile