By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The curse of Larry Hillman on the playoff fortunes – or rather misfortunes – of the Toronto Maple Leafs is still alive and well. That’s even after the spell-master himself said he had removed the hex nearly four years ago, after the Maple Leafs finally paid off on a 50-year debt for what Hillman perceived to be a disrespectful contract offer. But … [Read more...] about Stanley Cup curse cast in 1968 by former Amerk Larry Hillman still dooms Leafs
Amerks
Amerks established plenty in a season where winning really didn’t matter
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The strangest season in Rochester Americans history has come to an end. With the start twice delayed as the coronavirus pandemic raged on during the fall and into winter, the American Hockey League was finally able to embark on an abbreviated season starting on the first weekend of February. The Amerks played their first game on Feb. 5, a 3-2 loss to … [Read more...] about Amerks established plenty in a season where winning really didn’t matter
Mersch has been the ideal veteran leader for Amerks
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The American Hockey League has billed itself as the world’s best development league for better than two decades, and the accomplishments of the young stars are front-and-center when it comes to showcasing talent. But the veteran leaders remain a critical part of the development process, which is why Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert is so happy to … [Read more...] about Mersch has been the ideal veteran leader for Amerks
Sabres top pick Quinn to have season-ending surgery
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Jack Quinn’s season of learning the pro game with the Rochester Americans has come to end. The rookie right winger (and sometimes center) will undergo season-ending surgery in the upcoming days on what Amerks coach Seth Appert described as a nagging lower-body injury. Quinn, who left the Amerks on Tuesday, produced 2 goals, 7 assists and 9 points in … [Read more...] about Sabres top pick Quinn to have season-ending surgery
Quinn focused on getting better, helping Amerks, but Sabres clearly in his (near) future
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA There’s really no doubt that Jack Quinn will play in the National Hockey League. Selected in the first round of the 2020 NHL draft, eighth overall, by the Buffalo Sabres, the slick-skating forward has puck skills, smarts and speed. But there’s a whole lot more to his game than just flash and dash, as the 19-year-old forward showed Wednesday night in … [Read more...] about Quinn focused on getting better, helping Amerks, but Sabres clearly in his (near) future