Amerks

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA This was not where Tage Thompson intended to be, in a Rochester Americans uniform again. Oh, playing a big role in Friday's 3-2 overtime victory over the Syracuse Crunch was nice. But between his finish with the Amerks last spring and the start of training camp with the Buffalo Sabres last month, Thompson had dedicated himself to doing whatever was … [Read more...] about Given a message by Sabres, Thompson responds with one of his own

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA A new hockey season means ... rule changes Here's a quick look at what's new in the AHL (and NHL): If your helmet is knocked off ... A player must either return to the player's bench, or retrieve his helmet and put it back on "in a reasonable amount of time." The interpretation by referees is that they very likely will allow a player to complete a play. … [Read more...] about Minor rule changes for AHL (and NHL)

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA An adjustment to the veteran rule will go into effect next summer when the new collective bargaining agreement between the American Hockey League and the Professional Hockey Players Association is ratified in the next week. The game maximum won't change — skaters who have played in 260 games in the AHL, NHL or European elite league still will be classified … [Read more...] about Wrinkle to veteran rule part of new CBA in AHL

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The one thing any newcomer to an organization wants to do is make a positive first impression. Justin Baudry may have done just that on Thurday night. The Rochester Americans don't have many — or any, really — open spots on defense. The position will be a major strength, especially when the parent Buffalo Sabres pare their roster down. Thus, the American … [Read more...] about Amerks preseason a chance for newcomers to make impression

By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA If you played with Jim Pettie, then you had a friend and teammate for life. If you played against him, well, he definitely wasn't your friend on the ice. Pettie had a love for hockey, a staunch belief in team and an unparalleled zest for life, longtime friends and former Rochester Americans teammates say. "This was a man who could live life," said … [Read more...] about Former Amerks and Bruins goalie Jim Pettie loved team, loved life