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
Amerks
Former Amerks and Bruins goalie Jim Pettie loved team, loved life
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
Sabres obviously grew tired of waiting for Nylander to shine
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA And so the Alexander Nylander era in Western New York has come to an end. Rochester Americans fans are no doubt Google-mapping a parade route at this very moment. Nylander arrived with high expectations and a high opinion of what he could do, which is just fine. There's nothing wrong with confidence. Unless you don't back it up. Three years later, … [Read more...] about Sabres obviously grew tired of waiting for Nylander to shine
There’s no way to sugar-coat this Amerks playoff flop
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA The team and league record books will forever show the Rochester Americans had a very good season in 2018-19. They'll be nothing but lies. Oh, that 46-23-5-2 record and 99 points the Amerks piled up will always look nice. But looks are deceiving. This franchise is far beyond taking consolation in regular-season accolades. When you haven't won a … [Read more...] about There’s no way to sugar-coat this Amerks playoff flop
Will this Amerks team be remembered only for failure?
By KEVIN OKLOBZIJA Sometimes legends for a lifetime within a minor league hockey city are made during the playoffs. For an example with the Rochester Americans, see Scott Nichol's Game 5 overtime heroics during the 1996 Calder Cup finals. See Jody Gage for his 14-goal playoff explosion during the run to the 1987 Calder Cup. See Jim Pappin for his 11-goal, 5-assist … [Read more...] about Will this Amerks team be remembered only for failure?