'Most of the Amerks’ core – from high-end forward prospects like Jiri Kulich and Isak Rosen to veterans like captain Michael Mersch and defenseman Ethan Prow – returned to the Buffalo Sabres’ affiliate. Incredibly, their top nine scorers came back, a rarity for an AHL team.' … [Read more...] about Rochester Amerks’ ‘unreal group’ will change as players leave, join Sabres
The Sabres Report - May 13, 2024
Devon Levi had many experiences in 54 professional games this season
'Levi didn’t pout about the decision, rather he made the Amerks his team and led them from almost being out of the playoffs to a tie for first place in the North Division.' … [Read more...] about Devon Levi had many experiences in 54 professional games this season
6 Sabres competing at ice hockey world championship
'Dylan Cozens, Owen Power, and Bowen Byram are on the Team Canada roster. Rasmus Dahlin and Victor Olofsson are competing for Sweden, and JJ Peterka is skating with Germany.' … [Read more...] about 6 Sabres competing at ice hockey world championship
Monday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks grew as a team, but season came to a sudden and disappointing end (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) … [Read more...] about Monday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 12, 2024
Mike Harrington: Game 5 loss a major missed opportunity for Amerks – and for Sabres prospects
'Gone is the chance to see more heroics from Devon Levi and to give names such as Jiri Kulich, Isak Rosen, Lukas Rousek, Anton Wahlberg and Nikita Novikov more of the feeling of what the playoff grind entails.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: Game 5 loss a major missed opportunity for Amerks – and for Sabres prospects
The Sabres Report - May 11, 2024
Sabres 'ready to get going' for new coach Ruff
'"He's a very determined coach, very hungry, very smart," Cozens said Thursday from Budapest while preparing for the 2024 IIHF World Championship in Prague, Czechia. "He obviously means a lot to the city of Buffalo. He wants it really bad and so do we. I'm excited to see how he is as a coach. It's going to be fun."' … [Read more...] about Sabres ‘ready to get going’ for new coach Ruff
'I wouldn't give it up for anything' | Levi reflects on rookie year as Amerks' run comes to an end
'Levi went 16-6-4 with a .927 save percentage, the best mark in the AHL among qualified goaltenders, and was one of several young contributors to the Amerks’ success. Second-year forwards Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich – two first-round picks by the Sabres – led Rochester in points and goals, respectively. Rookie defensemen Ryan Johnson and Nikitia Novikov were lineup regulars.' … [Read more...] about ‘I wouldn’t give it up for anything’ | Levi reflects on rookie year as Amerks’ run comes to an end
Saturday's Rochester Coverage
Amerks' season ends with Game 5 loss, but the 'culture' the Sabres built remains (Buffalo News) Photo gallery (Buffalo News) Rochester Amerks season comes to an end with 5-2 playoff loss in Game 5 to Syracuse Crunch (Rochester Democrat and Chronicle) Rochester Amerks’ season ends with loss to Syracuse: ‘That one stings’ (Olean Times Herald) Brett Murray developing in … [Read more...] about Saturday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 10, 2024
Amerks' latest high-stakes playoff game an opportunity for Sabres' prospects to grow
'Older, experienced players willed the Amerks into another elimination game. Brandon Biro scored twice, including the tying goal with 5:12 left in regulation. Brett Murray won it in overtime after an injury forced him to miss the first three games of the series. Their leadership, along with other players such as Michael Mersch and Joe Cecconi, guided a team that’s dotted with … [Read more...] about Amerks’ latest high-stakes playoff game an opportunity for Sabres’ prospects to grow
Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’
'Appert said if the Amerks scored in the first six or seven minutes of the third period, it would plant a seed of doubt in their opponent’s mind. Another goal seven or eight minutes later would give them a chance to tie it late.' … [Read more...] about Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’
Dahlin showed growth in leadership role, defensive presence in 2023-24
'Answered Thompson: “He’ll play 30 minutes tonight and won’t even sweat.”' … [Read more...] about Dahlin showed growth in leadership role, defensive presence in 2023-24
Savoie, Komarov to compete for respective league championships
'Savoie (first round, 2022) and the Moose Jaw Warriors will take on the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL Championship. The best-of-seven series kicks off Friday in Portland. Komarov (fifth round, 2022) and the Drummondville Voltigeurs will play the Baie-Comeau Drakkar for the QMJHL title. The best-of-seven series begins Thursday when Drummondville visits Baie-Comeau.' … [Read more...] about Savoie, Komarov to compete for respective league championships
Friday's Rochester Coverage
Seth Appert felt his Rochester Amerks would rally to win: ‘He truly believed’ (Olean Times Herald) Amerks host crunch in winner-take-all Game 5 friday (Amerks.com) Game 5 of North Division Semifinals against Syracuse officially sold out (Amerks.com) … [Read more...] about Friday’s Rochester Coverage
The Sabres Report - May 9, 2024
Sabres' focus should shift to trading No. 11 pick in NHL draft now that lottery is over
'Adams, like his predecessors, will try to upgrade the NHL roster through trades. He can choose to do that by dealing from his prospect pipeline. Teams will be interested in forwards like Savoie, Rosen and Kulich if Adams is willing to move one to strengthen the margins of Buffalo’s roster. Why deal a player who may be close to helping the Sabres, though, when you have a high … [Read more...] about Sabres’ focus should shift to trading No. 11 pick in NHL draft now that lottery is over
In grueling, high-stakes games, Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi dazzles for Rochester Amerks
'“The mental battle was definitely prevalent,” he said. “The adversity that we had gone through the game before in double overtime, having to clear your mind from that and then to be down 3-0, those thoughts from the day before kind of come and creep back.' … [Read more...] about In grueling, high-stakes games, Sabres goalie prospect Devon Levi dazzles for Rochester Amerks