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AMERKS DAILY PRESS CLIPS W Ednesday, April 21, 2021

AMERKS DAILY PRESS CLIPS W Ednesday, April 21, 2021

AMERKS DAILY PRESS CLIPS

W ednesday, April 21, 2021

Amerks Sign Haw kins To Professional Tryout By Staff Report Amerks.com

The announced today that the team has signed forward Brandon Hawkins to a Professional Tryout (PTO).

Hawkins, 26, joins the Amerks after registering 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 28 games with the (ECHL) to begin the 2020-21 . The 5-foot-10, 198-pound forward currently paces all Komets skaters in both goals and points in addition to leading the ECHL with 10 power-play tallies.

As a rookie during the 2019-20 campaign, Hawkins totaled 34 points (16+18) over 53 combined games between the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins and Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among all first-year skaters, Hawkins topped all Nailers in goals (16), assists (17) and points (33) in 47 contests.

The third-year pro has appeared in 11 career AHL games with the Penguins, totaling three points (2+1) while also adding 64 points (35+29) in the ECHL between Wheeling and Fort Wayne.

Prior to turning pro, the Macomb, Mich., native completed a four-year collegiate career between Bowling Green State University (WCHA) and Northeastern University (H-East), where he combined for 108 points (46+62) in 141 games from 2014-2019. During his first season with the Falcons in 2014, he ranked first on the team in both goals (16) and points (30) in 39 games while earning a spot on the NCAA (WHCA) All-Rookie Team.

Amerks Look To With Another Busy Week Ahead By Staff Report Amerks.com

Following a three-game miniseries against the , the Rochester Americans look to get back on the winning track with another busy stretch of three games in four nights this week.

The Amerks welcome the back to The on Wednesday, April 21 before hosting the on Friday night and closing out the weekend with a rematch against the Crunch in Saturday evening.

Positivity Among Amerks

In each of the three games with Cleveland, the Amerks opened the scoring less than two minutes into the contest, which included ’s first on Saturday just 26 seconds into the game.

While the Amerks were unable to contain the Monsters high-scoring attack that is averaging 4.06 goals-per-game (second-best in the AHL), first-year was pleased with his squad given the circumstances they faced each game.

“After playing poorly in the first game against Cleveland, I thought we put ourselves in a really great position to win both games,” explained Appert. “Both games we lost a forward and then we were down to 10 forwards, with one being defenseman Alec McCrea. Saturday’s game, we allowed the fewest chances-against all season, and analytically one could argue that it was our best game all season as it had the greatest disparity between scoring chances for versus against.”

Following the three-game sweep of Rochester, Cleveland has now won a franchise-best six straight games and is 9-2-0-0 in its last 11 games, but Appert attributed their most win Saturday to the performance of Matiss Kivlenieks.

“Their goaltender played really well and had an off night,” Appert continued. “We did a lot of good things against them, but we just have to find a way to win those games moving forward.”

Pekar gaining Confidence as Season Progresses

In his first season in the , 21-year-old forward Matej Pekar has seen many ups and downs but has been constantly under the skin of the Amerks’ opponents this season.

“With every day, I am feeling more and more comfortable,” said Pekar. “I am working on my game, both with and without the puck, playing north and south and having a shooter mentality. Simple hockey and eliminating turnovers all very important steps the higher the ranks go so I have been listening to what the coaching staff has to say.”

The Turnov, , native has been challenged by Appert and the rest of the coaching staff to continually improve all facets of his game, but the first-year , who recorded his first two pro points on Saturday, has taken everything in stride.

“With ‘Peks’, it has been about execution in team play and in puck play,” Appert described. “One of his greatest strengths is his agitation, his ability to be a rat and a pest to the where his opponents hate him. I love those types of players and I love that about him. Every level he’s played at he’s been able to outwork, outwill and outcompete his lack of precision – systematic precision and puck-execution precision. You can’t do that in the American Hockey League or the NHL. Players like him that make it, they walk that fine line, but those players must have the most detail with the puck and with their systematic execution otherwise they don’t get ice time.

“We have challenged him to take more pride in practice that every pass it tape to tape, every pass is handled and you do not just throw away pucks. We have seen him make massive strides this season, but they just haven’t always translated into games.”

Last Wednesday night after the Amerks saw the Monsters chip into their 2-1 lead, Pekar dropped his gloves and fought Cleveland’s heavy-weight Brett Gallant. In 12 seasons in the AHL, Gallant has amassed 1,367 minutes while Pekar is only 18 games into his professional career.

“Prior to the game, coach stressed we needed to win the line of scrimmage and after he pushed me, I pushed him back,” Pekar said. “I think it helped give me a spark and helped me feel better about my game.”

“Matej went toe-to-toe with one of the toughest men in professional hockey and he lived to tell the tale,” said Appert. “The next practice following the fight, was Matej’s best practice of the year by a mile. Then I thought he was fabulous Saturday night, so I think he certainly gained a lot of confidence.”

Roster Moves

On Monday afternoon, the (NHL) loaned defenseman Nick DeSimone to the Amerks.

DeSimone, 26, joins the Amerks after beginning the 2020-21 season with the (AHL), where he recorded five assists in 14 games while serving as an assistant . The 6-foot-2, 185-pound blueliner was recently acquired by the Golden Knights on April 12 in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft from the .

The fifth-year pro has appeared in 190 career AHL games with the Barracuda, totaling 91 points (26+65), including a career- best 46-point campaign in 2018-19 when he finished tied for seventh in scoring among all AHL defensemen. He also has nine points (2+7) over 21 Playoff contests.

Prior to turning pro, the East Amherst, , native completed a three-year collegiate career at Union College (ECAC), where he registered 48 points (15+33) in 109 games with the Dutchmen from 2014-2017. During his final season, DeSimone finished tied for fifth on the team with a career-high nine goals while also producing then a personal-best 19 points in 38 games. On Tuesday, the team signed forward Brandon Hawkins to a Professional Tryout (PTO).

Hawkins, 26, joins the Amerks after registering 19 goals and 12 assists for 31 points in 28 games with the Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL) to begin the 2020-21 season. The 5-foot-10, 198-pound forward currently paces all Komets skaters in both goals and points in addition to leading the ECHL with 10 power-play tallies.

As a rookie during the 2019-20 campaign, Hawkins totaled 34 points (16+18) over 53 combined games between the Wilkes- Barre/Scranton Penguins and Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) before the season was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among all first-year skaters, Hawkins topped all Nailers in goals (16), assists (17) and points (33) in 47 contests.

The third-year pro has appeared in 11 career AHL games with the Penguins, totaling three points (2+1) while also adding 64 points (35+29) in the ECHL between Wheeling and Fort Wayne.

Prior to turning pro, the Macomb, Mich., native completed a four-year collegiate career between Bowling Green State University (WCHA) and Northeastern University (H-East), where he combined for 108 points (46+62) in 141 games from 2014-2019. During his first season with the Falcons in 2014, he ranked first on the team in both goals (16) and points (30) in 39 games while earning a spot on the NCAA (WHCA) All-Rookie Team.

Looking ahead The Amerks begin a busy three-game week as they welcome the Syracuse to The Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday, April 21. The 7:05 p.m. will be the ninth of 12 scheduled meetings between the two clubs and the second-to-last contest inside the Flower City this season.

Following the contest, the Amerks will close out the week with a home tilt with Utica Friday night at 7:05 before squaring up with Syracuse Crunch on Saturday, April 24.

All of the action will be carried live on The Sports Leader AM 950/95.7 FM ESPN Rochester as well as AHLTV. Friday’s matchup will be tape-delayed on CW Rochester beginning at 10 p.m.

Sabres sign Rousek to 2-year, entry-level contract By Jourdon LaBarber Sabres.com

The have signed forward Lukas Rousek to a two-year, entry-level contract. The contract begins in 2021-22.

Rousek, 22, was selected by the Sabres during the sixth round of the 2019 NHL Draft (160th overall). He tallied a career-high 38 points (14+24) in 49 games this season with HC Sparta Praha of , the highest-level pro league in the Czech Republic.

He added seven points (2+5) in 11 playoff contests.

Sabres notebook: Defenseman W ill Borgen nears return from broken forearm By Lance Lysowski Buffalo News

Will Borgen’s right arm went numb immediately after blocking a during the first period in on Feb. 20.

Borgen, a 24-year-old defenseman, helped the Buffalo Sabres kill the rest of that power play before going to the bench. The laceration on his forearm was stitched up and Borgen continued playing through the pain, logging 19:14 of ice time in a 3-2 win.

It wasn’t until Borgen returned to Buffalo for an MRI that the diagnosis was confirmed: a broken forearm that would require surgery and six-to-eight weeks out of the lineup. The injury paused Borgen’s opportunity to carve out a role on the Sabres’ blue line after he played four impressive games from Feb. 15-20.

“It didn’t feel good. … They just kind of stitched it up because it was bleeding a little bit,” Borgen recalled after participating in the Sabres’ morning skate Tuesday. “I didn’t have an excuse to not play at the time. I didn’t know it was broken yet.”

Borgen’s season could resume as soon as Thursday against , as the former fourth-round draft choice has rejoined the Sabres with a plan to show he’s ready for a full-time job in the NHL. It’s unclear who Borgen will replace in the lineup, but interim coach expressed excitement for adding another young player to the mix. These are the states with the highest and lowest tax rates

“He’s another player that’s on the cusp of full-time NHL potential,” Granato said. “To get to that point, there’s a lot of little intricacies that he’s gotten right and I’m excited because of that. He’s right on the cusp of full-time duty is the way I look at it and this is a great opportunity for that.”

Borgen’s ascent in February wasn’t unexpected. He has already logged 140 games with the Rochester Americans, playing a significant role as a shutdown right-shot defenseman and earning his first NHL promotion in March 2019.

However, Borgen started this season as a member of the Sabres’ taxi squad, participating in mostly small-group workouts in Buffalo and on the road. An impressive training camp had him on former coach ’s radar for a lineup spot, which finally came when the team exited a two-week Covid-19 pause on Feb. 15.

Borgen averaged 16:59 of ice time across four games, the last of which included the injury.

“It (stunk) because I was just getting in the lineup and playing,” said Borgen. “It was fun. The last two months or whatever, I’ve never been injured during the season before, but it’s just a lot of training again. Trying to get my arm back healthy. It’s not as much fun as playing.”

With Borgen still out, the Sabres’ top-six defensemen are , Rasmus Dahlin, Henri Jokiharju, , Colin Miller and . Matt Irwin is also on the roster and Brandon Davidson occupies a spot on the taxi squad. Jake McCabe (knee) is out for the season.

Borgen can use the final weeks of the season to try to earn a roster spot for next season. The pending restricted free agent has shown a mature game in the defensive zone, including on the penalty kill.

“On the intangibles side, his body language, even his posture, he knows it, he senses it,” Granato said of Borgen. “He’s got enough experience at the NHL level, enough experience through ups and downs between Rochester and the NHL. He’s been able to internalize a lot of dynamics that go into the maturing process of becoming and knowing you’re an everyday NHL player. I think he presents that now, he presents that level of confidence and self-assuredness. Again, those are the reasons I’m excited to see him in the lineup and get him in the lineup.”

Potential debut

Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen may not have to wait much longer to realize his dream of playing in the Hockey League.

Luukkonen, the Sabres' top goaltending prospect, is “in consideration” to be in goal for Buffalo on Thursday night against the in KeyBank Center, according to Granato. A second-round draft choice in 2017, Luukkonen is expected to be the backup behind on Tuesday.

The debut would come earlier than anticipated. Organizations typically prefer a prospect to play at least 100 games between overseas and the minors – Luukkonen has 62 – but injuries will force the 22-year-old into action.

Linus Ullmark and Carter Hutton, the Sabres’ top two goalies, are out with lower-body injuries. Luukkonen has an underwhelming .888 save percentage in 14 games with the Rochester Americans, but the Amerks’ roster is thin because of injuries and promotions to Buffalo.

Prospect signing

The Sabres are adding an intriguing prospect at a position of need.

Lukas Rousek, a sixth-round draft pick in 2019, signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Sabres on Tuesday after completing an outstanding season in Czech Republic's top professional league.

Rousek, 22, totaled 14 goals and 24 assists for 38 points in 49 games with HC Sparta Praha in Czech Extraliga. He was not drafted in his first year of eligibility, but an impressive playoff run with HC Sparta Praha in 2019 drew the attention of Sabres scout Frank Musil.

Rousek, who is listed at 5-foot-11, had 28 goals among 67 points in 101 professional games since his draft day.

Failure to launch

Citing challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Hockey League announced Tuesday that it won’t launch its season.

The league had a plan in place to complete a shortened season in hub cities. Ontario’s Minister of Sport, Lisa McLeod, said last week that it would be “irresponsible” to approve a plan for the OHL to return to play, citing Covid-19 outbreaks in other leagues, including the NHL.

The OHL’s announcement guarantees that Sabres prospect can continue to play professional hockey this season. Quinn, 19, has two goals with seven assists for nine points in 15 games with the Rochester Americans. He recently played center and may be under consideration for an audition with the Sabres in the season’s final weeks

These players set standards for most pro games played By Scott Pitoniak Rochester Business Journal

I’ll be honest with you. I didn’t know who Patrick Marleau was. I do now. And you should know about him, too, because Monday night the 41-year-old forward set a record by playing in his 1,768th regular-season game. And what makes that feat even more impressive is the previous standard-bearer was “Mr. Hockey” himself, .

Back in 1997, Marleau found his way to San Jose, after the Sharks drafted the forward from the frozen ponds of in the second round. With the exception of brief stints in and , he’s called the Silicon Valley home for 20 of his 23 seasons. And, during that time, he’s played an integral role in helping hockey flourish in that central California high-tech hub.

Though his durability has been extraordinary — he’s one of only three NHL players to play the full 82-game regular-season 11 times — his ability to put the puck in the net also has made him a Shark favorite. Marleau’s resume includes 566 goals (second only to Alex Ovechkin among current players) and 1,196 points. Though he’s never gulped champagne or beer from Lord Stanley’s cup, he has had two Olympic gold medals draped around his neck while playing for Team .

As impressive as Marleau’s longevity is, the three-time All-Star would have to play nearly five more full seasons to eclipse Howe’s professional hockey record. See, Mr. Hockey also logged 419 games in the World Hockey Association, a high-caliber, spin-off league that featured several stars who were lured away from the NHL in a salary bidding war. And if you tack on Howe’s 157 playoff games and 78 WHA postseason contests, his total balloons to a mind-boggling 2,421 — 458 more than Marleau’s combination of regular- and post-season games.

Amazingly, Howe played his last NHL season with the in 1979-80 at age 51. And this wasn’t just some gimmick. Though he skated fewer shifts than he did in his prime seasons with the , Howe still managed 15 goals and 26 assists in 80 games.

Marleau’s achievement prompted me to look at games-played records in other sports. They are impressive, too.

Pete Rose is not only ’s hit king, but also its games king with 3,562 regular-season contests spread over 24 seasons. Remarkably, Charlie Hustle played more than 500 games at five different positions (second baseman, left fielder, right fielder, first baseman and third baseman). He also participated in 67 post-season games.

With 382 regular-season appearance over 25 seasons, kicker Morten Andersen is the ’s all-time leader. Known as the “Great Dane” because he hailed from Denmark, Anderson also played in 11 playoff games. Kickers occupy seven of the top 10 spots on the list, not surprising considering they play positions not subjected to the repetitive collisions that shorten the careers of every-down players. George Blanda, the old war horse who divided time between quarterback and kicker, is fifth on the list, with 340 regular-season games over 27 seasons. Blanda was 48 years old during his final season in 1975, and it should be noted his final nine seasons with the Oakland Raiders were spent mostly as a kicker.

To me, the most impressive name on the list is Jerry Rice, who ranks eighth with 303 regular-season games in 21 seasons. He caught 1,549 passes in his career and also ran the ball 87 times. Add the of plays in which he was targeted (that stat wasn’t compiled the first seven years of his career), and it’s mind-boggling to think he could be that durable, particularly in an era when the rules did not protect pass-catchers the way they do today. Rice also played in 29 postseason games. His record number of receptions, yardage and touchdowns make a strong case for him being the greatest football player of all-time. And that case is buttressed when you factor in his longevity.

Speaking of GOATs, when Tom Brady plays his fifth game for Tampa Bay this fall, he will move into seventh place, leapfrogging quarterback Brett Favre, kicker John Carney, Rice and kicker Phil Dawson. Tom Terrific turns 44 on August 3, so it’s doubtful he’ll seriously challenge Andersen’s mark. But Brady has other games-played records that may never be challenged (10 Super Bowls and 45 post-season contests).

The NBA regular-season record belongs to , the Boston Celtics center who played 1,611 games in 21 seasons. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is second at 1,560 games, but when you add in each man’s playoff log, Kareem narrowly edges Parish by two games.

I also took a gander at records for our regional teams. With 221 games (plus 21 more in the post-season), wide receiver Andre Reed holds the mark for the . In addition to being the Buffalo Sabres leading goal scorer, Hockey Hall of Famer Gilbert Perreault also appeared in a franchise-record 1,191 games, 21 more than runner-up Craig Ramsay. suited up 653 times for the Rochester Americans, breaking the previous mark set by by 84. Interestingly, both Amerks wore No. 9, which the team has since retired. Estel Crabtree, a star in the 1930s, wore his team’s flannels a record 934 times, while also establishing marks for hits (1,041) and runs batted in (542). Given the changing nature of minor- league sports, it’s highly unlikely any player will hang around long enough to challenge either Gage or Crabtree.

As far as our NBA roots, Basketball Hall of Famer Bobby Wanzer is the all-time games leader for the Rochester Royals with 508 regular-season appearances, and 34 more in the , including seven in the 1951 Finals, when the Flower City hoops team defeated the for the championship.

Rochester’s finished her illustrious soccer career in 2015 with 255 international matches, or “caps” as they are known, putting her in seventh place, 99 behind all-time leader and fellow American Kristine Lilly.

DeSimone Loaned To Rochester From Vegas By Staff Report Amerks.com

The Rochester Americans announced today that defenseman Nick DeSimone has been loaned to the team from the Vegas Golden Knights (NHL).

DeSimone, 26, joins the Amerks after beginning the 2020-21 season with the San Jose Barracuda (AHL), where he recorded five assists in 14 games while serving as an assistant captain. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound blueliner was recently acquired by the Golden Knights on April 12 in exchange for a fifth-round selection in the 2022 NHL Draft from the San Jose Sharks.

The fifth-year pro has appeared in 190 career AHL games with the Barracuda, totaling 91 points (26+65), including a career- best 46-point campaign in 2018-19 when he finished tied for seventh in scoring among all AHL defensemen. He also has nine points (2+7) over 21 Calder Cup Playoff contests.

Prior to turning pro, the East Amherst, New York, native completed a three-year collegiate career at Union College (ECAC), where he registered 48 points (15+33) in 109 games with the Dutchmen from 2014-2017. During his final season, DeSimone finished tied for fifth on the team with a career-high nine goals while also producing then a personal-best 19 points in 38 games.

Genesee Brew House Unveils Amerks Amber Ale In Celebration Of Amerks 65th Season In Rochester By Staff Report Amerks.com

The Genesee Brew House, a longtime supporter and partner of the Rochester Americans, has unveiled a new Amerks Amber Ale in celebration of the Amerks’ 65th season in the American Hockey League.

The Genesee Brew House will debut its new beer collaboration on Friday, April 23 when the Amerks host the Utica Comets at The Blue Cross Arena.

The special-release brew will be available for purchase on draft and in to-go growlers and crowlers exclusively at the Genesee Brew House.

“Amerks Amber Ale puts a dry-hopped twist on our classic, creating an exceptionally clean, well balanced beer,” said Genesee Brew House Brewmaster, Dean Jones. “We’re really excited to release this collaboration and commemorate 65 years of professional hockey in Rochester. Nothing goes better with an Amerks game than an ice-cold Genny.”

A super smooth amber ale with subtle malty notes that are accented by biscuit and toasted caramel flavors, Amerks Amber Ale was created and crafted by Jones using his 20-barrel pilot system.

“The Amerks and Genny beer are two of the most iconic and time-honored institutions here in the city of Rochester and we’re excited for the chance to bring those together with the launch of the new Amerks Amber Ale in honor of our 65th season,” said Amerks Vice President of Business Operations, Rob Minter.

In addition to the new beer, the Genesee Brew House is offering a new promotion to celebrate the Amerks’ historic 65th season in Rochester. Now through the end of the month, anyone who purchases a 30-pack or two 12-packs of any Genesee beer and brings the receipt to the Brew House will receive a limited-edition Amerks 65th Anniversary t-shirt, while supplies last.

About The Genesee Brewery Established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery – New York state’s oldest brewery – makes the classic Genesee line of beers, The Original Cream Ale, The Original Honey Brown Lager and Seagram’s Escapes. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies. For more information, visit www.geneseebeer.com or follow us on social media @GeneseeBrewery.

Tokarski, Rosw ell RN Michaela Pastorius named NHL First Stars of the Week By Jourdon LaBarber Sabres.com

Buffalo Sabres goaltender Dustin Tokarski has been named First Star of the Week by the NHL, the league announced Monday.

Tokarski went 2-1-1 in four games over the past week, stopping 128 of 137 shots for a save percentage of .934. His 27-save outing against Washington on Thursday marked his first NHL victory since Dec. 12, 2015. He pointed skyward after the final horn sounded, a nod to his late father.

"It was pretty incredible, to be honest," Tokarski said that night. "I lost my dad a few years back, so that was my first NHL win since he's passed. So, I was just pointing up to him for that special moment.

"And then all the guys were just awesome coming in, and there's nothing better for a goalie than celebrating with your teammates after a win."

Tokarski followed that victory by starting on back-to-back afternoons against the on Saturday and Sunday, earning win No. 2 with a 34-save outing in the latter contest.

"That's competitiveness and that's drive and determination," interim head coach Don Granato said Sunday. "All those intangibles are what push him through and pushes anybody through.

"… Usually there's a little drop in focus, little subtleties maybe off in a second night. Maybe you're off your angle a little bit or rebound control. But none of that tonight. You would have thought it was the same as last night or maybe even better."

Tokarski ranks fourth in the league in total saves since the beginning of April (201). He entered the season having not played in the NHL since October 2016.

The NHL is recognizing frontline workers throughout the season for their contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tokarski was named "Co-Star of the Week" along with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center RN Michaela Pastorius, who fought her own battle with cancer as a patient at Roswell three years ago.

Pastorius completed her education upon finishing treatment and began working at Roswell, where she spent the past year caring for patients in a designated COVID-19 space. She is a lifelong Sabres fan who cites and as personal favorites.

"When I was going through inpatient chemotherapy about three years ago at Roswell Park, the Buffalo Sabres gave me such motivation to continue fighting," she said. "My parents would visit me while I was there, and if there was a game on, you bet that we would be watching it!

"The amount of support the Sabres show for Roswell and its patients felt personal to me since I am such a big fan. Feeling supported at this time of my life was something I absolutely needed."

New York Rangers left wing Artemi Panarin and Vegas Golden Knights right wing were named Second and Third Starts of the Week, respectively.

Genesee Brew ery launching new beer collaboration: ‘Amerks Amber Ale’ By Dan Gross Rochester First

Genesee Brewery is getting in the spirit of hockey season — and the brief spat of winter weather — and are launching a new beer in collaboration with the Rochester Americans, who are celebrating their 65th year.

Starting April 23, the Brewery is selling the “Amerks Amber Ale” at the Brewhouse. It will be available on draft, and is available for to-go growlers and crowlers. The beer, according to the brewery, has notes of malt, biscuit, and toasted caramel.

“Amerks Amber Ale puts a dry-hopped twist on our classic, creating an exceptionally clean, well balanced beer,” said Genesee Brew House Brewmaster Dean Jones in a statement. “We’re really excited to release this collaboration and commemorate 65 years of professional hockey in Rochester. Nothing goes better with an Amerks game than an ice-cold Genny.”

“The Amerks and Genny beer are two of the most iconic and time-honored institutions here in the city of Rochester and we’re excited for the chance to bring those together with the launch of the new Amerks Amber Ale in honor of our 65th season,” added Amerks Vice President of Business Operations Rob Minter in a statement.

They are also offering a special promotion:

In addition to the new beer, the Genesee Brew House is offering a new promotion to celebrate the Amerks’ birthday. Now through the end of the month, anyone who purchases a 30-pack or two 12-packs of any Genesee beer and brings the receipt to the Brew House will receive a limited-edition Amerks 65th Anniversary t-shirt, while supplies last.

Sabres goalie prospect Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen ready for chance in NHL By Bill Hoppe Buffalo Hockey Beat

Forget about goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen’s last six outings, Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert said.

Yes, Luukkonen, 22, has looked sloppy at times since the Amerks’ COVID-19 pause ended late last month, compiling a 2-3-1 record and an awful .863 save percentage.

But a lot of players struggle after being forced to sit idle. Luukkonen did not play for three weeks.

Appert believes Luukkonen’s early-season exploits and the strong habits he has developed illustrate growth in his second North American pro campaign.

“His work ethic has been fabulous this year, the way he goes about every day,” Appert said on a Zoom call Monday. “He really approaches things like a pro now.”

Right now, Luukkonen is close to making NHL debut. The Sabres recalled their top goalie prospect to the taxi squad Saturday. Interim coach Don Granato said they plan to award him a start.

Granato wants Luukkonen, who recently suffered a lower-body injury, to practice and be with the team before he plays. So goalie Dustin Tokarski will likely start Tursday’s game against the Boston Bruins at KeyBank Center.

The Sabres also host the Bruins on Thursday and Friday, so Luukkonen could play one of those contests.

Of course, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound Luukkonen needs more seasoning. The Finn has played just 25 AHL games and another 23 contests in the ECHL. Goalies often must hone their craft at least a few years in the minors.

His stint in Buffalo could be brief, perhaps just a one-game look.

“He’s ready,” Appert said. “No goalie’s totally ready at the age that he is. It’s a lot easier to play at that age as a defenseman or a forward. But I feel confident that he’s going to handle the opportunity very well.”

Appert, a former college goalie, has seen Luukkonen evolve. He said he coached against him on the international stage and saw a young player who possessed “elite” athleticism and competitiveness.

“I thought there were things we could take advantage of from a style standpoint,” Appert said. “I think he’s cleaned a lot of those things up.”

Luukkonen, a second-round pick in 2017, 54th overall, has worked to become more than simply a big body blocking pucks.

“He’s much stronger in his frame, his skating is stronger, he’s holding his feet, and that allows you to use that athleticism to your advantage,” Appert said earlier this season.

Luukkonen said he learned as a rookie last season he needed to have more structure in his game.

“I was kind of behind the play all the time, so I think that’s one of the main reasons why I feel more comfortable here this year,” Luukkonen said earlier this season.

Overall this season, Luukkonen has compiled a 7-5-2 mark with a 3.60 goals-against average and an .888 save percentage in 14 games.

“I don’t think his save percentage is indicative of his play,” Appert said. “I think his save percentage is more indicative of a little rustiness coming out of the COVID pause.”

Appert said Luukkonen has grasped his drive and talent will only take him so far.

“You get to the second-best league in the world and you get exposed for some of those habits,” Appert said. “And then that’s a good thing, because it challenges you to change and to grow and to create better habits, which are going to allow you to have success in the National Hockey League.

“UPL has done those things. He’s really worked hard to acquire the habits he needs to not only be successful here, but to give him a chance to be successful in Buffalo.”

Appert said after Luukkonen prepares for practice, they go on the ice and spend seven minutes working on “his skating inside the crease.”

“Then he puts another 15 minutes on his goaltending habit,” he said. “This is all before practice, right? And then he goes and attacks practice.”

Following practice, Luukkonen works out with the Amerks’ strength coach and also walks uphill on a treadmill.

“What I call ‘Finnish mountain climbers,’” Appert said.

Appert said Luukkonen has constructed a base of confidence around his habits and work ethic while strengthening his body.

“He can handle the weight that he’s added,” he said. “He’s at a really good weight. But he’s a big, strong kid and that’s a lot of weight to move around for a 21-year-old.”

Notes: Sabres center has a three-game point streak and has compiled seven goals and 10 points in his last 11 games. Mittelstadt scored seven goals in 59 games before his goal March 31 kicked off his torrid run. … The Amerks on Monday received defenseman Nick DeSimone, an East Amherst native, on loan from the Vegas Golden Knights. The San Jose Sharks recently traded DeSimone, 26, to Vegas. He had spent the last four years with San Jose’s AHL affiliate, the Barracuda. … Ex- Sabres forwards and , who were traded to the Bruins on April 12, have each played four games for their new team. Hall has already scored two goals for the Bruins, equaling his meager 37-game output with Buffalo. … The Sabres had Monday off.

East Amherst native Nick DeSimone acquired by Amerks on loan from Vegas By Mike Harrington Buffalo News

After spending parts of the last five seasons with the San Jose Barracuda, defenseman Nick DeSimone of East Amherst has been acquired on an AHL loan by the Rochester Amerks from the Vegas Golden Knights.

DeSimone was acquired by Vegas from the San Jose Sharks last week for a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft. Oddly enough, that pick originally belonged to the Sabres and was sent to Vegas in 2019 for defenseman Colin Miller.

DeSimone became a leader at Union College, helping the Dutchmen back to the NCAA Tournament in 2017 for the first time since winning the national championship in 2014.

DeSimone had five assists in 14 games this season for the Barracuda and served as an assistant captain. He has appeared in 190 career AHL games with the Barracuda, collecting 26 goals and 65 points. He had a career-high 46 points in 2018-19, when he finished tied for seventh in scoring among AHL defensemen. He also had two goals and nine points in 21 Calder Cup playoff games.

The 26-year-old played three years at Union College from 2014-2017, compiling 15 goals and 48 points in 108 games. During his final season, DeSimone finished tied for fifth on the team with a career-high nine goals while also producing 19 points in 38 games.

DeSimone is a product of Williamsville North, the Buffalo Regals and the Buffalo Jr. Sabres. He will be the second local player on the Rochester defense. Buffalo native , a former draft pick of the , signed a one-year deal with the Amerks in January.

Sabres notebook: Bruins hit tow n w ith 4-0 mark since trade for Taylor Hall By Mike Harrington Buffalo News

Here come Taylor Hall and Curtis Lazar back to Buffalo. And here come the Boston Bruins, rejuvenated in the wake of last week's trade and back in the thick of the East Division race. They a three-game series against the Sabres on Tuesday at KeyBank Center.

Hall said his move to Boston was what he hoped for after all the troubles with the Sabres that included the team's Covid-19 outbreak, the firing of coach Ralph Krueger and its franchise-record 18-game winless streak.

The Bruins are 4-0 since the deal, including the 3-2 shootout win over the Sabres last Tuesday in Boston in the first game after the deal that sent Anders Bjork and a second-round pick to Buffalo. Hall, who had two goals and a minus-21 rating in 37 games with the Sabres, has two goals, three points and a plus-4 rating with the Bruins. Lazar has one goal and an even rating.

Hall is playing on the second line with center David Krejci and winger Craig Smith. His mandate from the club was clear: Come in and be a complementary player.

"You don’t have to be our leading scorer, you’re not the face of the franchise like maybe some other places you’ve been,” coach said last week when asked how he explained Hall's role to the former No. 1 overall pick. “Just be a good hockey player for the Boston Bruins. So keep building your game. Let’s see what your game is all about, come here, see what our game is all about, help us win.”

Hall has done that as the Bruins, albeit still in fourth place in the East, have climbed to within six points of the lead and have three games in hand on first-place Washington after Sunday's 6-3 win over the Caps. Krejci has three of his five goals this season since Hall joined his line.

Teams out of the race like the Sabres have paid particular attention to what's gone on in their current division but have also noted what's gone on in their normal one. You have to be concerned on both fronts.

Tough times vs. Bruins

Until Sunday's win over Pittsburgh, the Sabres were 0-10 at home and just 2-18-2 this season overall against the East's top four. They are 0-2-1 against Boston this year and a combined 1-13-1 against the Bruins, Penguins (1-5) and Islanders (1-6).

The Sabres are winless in their last eight games with Boston (0-6-2), and have lost four straight to them at home. This is the first three-game home series in franchise history, and was necessitated by the March 20 postponement when the Bruins were dealing with positive Covid-19 tests.

Tuesday's game is a 6:30 start for NBC Sports Network nationally, although the game will be televised locally by MSG. It was supposed to be the front half of an NBCSN doubleheader featuring St. Louis and Colorado, but that game was postponed by the Avs' Covid-19 pause.

East Amherst's DeSimone loaned to Amerks After spending parts of the last five seasons with the San Jose Barracuda, defenseman Nick DeSimone of East Amherst has been acquired on an AHL loan by the Rochester Amerks from the Vegas Golden Knights.

DeSimone was acquired by Vegas from the San Jose Sharks last week for a fifth-round pick in the 2022 draft. Oddly enough, that pick originally belonged to the Sabres and was sent to Vegas in 2019 for defenseman Colin Miller.

DeSimone had five assists in 14 games this season for the Barracuda and served as an assistant captain. He has appeared in 190 career AHL games, collecting 26 goals and 65 points. He had a career-high 46 points in 2018-19, when he finished tied for seventh in scoring among AHL defensemen. The 26-year-old played three years at Union College from 2014-2017, compiling 15 goals and 48 points in 108 games.

"Whether we like it or not, the Buffalo Sabres have a general manager undergoing on-the-job training. The education of took yet another twist the last couple of days," writes Mike Harrington.

Son of Vegas' DeBoer transfers to Niagara

Another connection to Vegas also announced his decision to come to to continue his hockey career. Boston University center Jack DeBoer – the son of Golden Knights coach Peter DeBoer – revealed on that he is transferring to Niagara University.

Jack DeBoer, who played for the National Development Team program in 2017-18, had five goals and 12 points in 57 games for BU the last three seasons.

Amerks Drop Third Straight To Monsters By Staff Report Amerks.com

Despite opening the scoring for the third straight game against the Cleveland Monsters (11-5-1-0), the Rochester Americans (8- 8-2-1) suffered a 6-3 setback in the series finale against the Monsters Saturday at The Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

This afternoon’s contest was the fifth of six scheduled meetings between the two teams this season and final of a three-game series. The Amerks, who are 30-11-4-4 record against the Monsters since the start of the 2011-12 season, opened the series with a 7-3 victory while Cleveland has now claimed each of the last four meetings following today’s win.

Forward Remi Elie (2+0) netted his sixth and seventh goals of the season for his second multi-goal outing of the year and now leads the team in that category. Rookie defenseman Mattias Samuelsson (1+1) lit the lamp for the third time this season and recorded his second multi-point contest of the year. Rookie forward Matej Pekar (0+2) tallied two assists on the night, giving him his first pair of points and multi-point outing as a pro. Defenseman Casey Fitzgerald (0+2) also added two assists on the night for his second multi-point game of the year.

First-year goaltender Stefanos Lekkas (0-2-1) made his second straight appearance in net and third with Rochester this season. The rookie netminder stopped 16 of the 21 shots he faced but suffered the loss.

Cleveland improved to 9-2-0-0 in the last 11 games and have now won six straight, marking the longest win streak in franchise history. The Monsters also outscored the Amerks 20-8 through over the three-game series.

Extending his goal-streak to six games, forward Tyler Sikura (1+0) nothed his team-leading ninth marker of the season in the third period. Defenseman Wyatt Newpower (1+1) collected his second multi-point outing for Cleveland this season with his second goal of the year, while forwards Tyler Angle (1+1) and (0+2) recorded multi-point efforts as well. Forward Luke Moncada (1+0) notched his first professional marker 6:34 into the contest, while defenseman Dillon Simpson (0+1) extended his point streak to two games with an on the first period marker. Forwards Zach Jordan (1+0) and defenseman Thomas Schemitsch (1+0) also contributed a pair of goals while Cliff Pu (0+1), Tristan Mullin (0+1), Carson Meyer (0+1), and Adam Helewka (0+1) added the Monsters helpers on the night.

Netminder Matiss Kivlenieks made his fourth start of the season and made 28 saves to improve to 5-0-0. This was the second straight contest that Kivlenieks has started a game and gave up a goal on the first shot of the contest.

After the Amerks scored just 26 seconds into the contest and holding Cleveland to just three shots on goal through the first 20 minutes of play, the Monsters found their first lead of the game 6:35 into the middle frame.

From the right point, Newpower shuffled a pass to Angle, who unloaded a slap-shot to put the Monsters up 2-1.

Cleveland then went on to strike once more in the second stanza as part of a three-goal run before Rochester made it a one-goal game heading into the final frame.

With 3:44 to go in the second period, Fitzgerald was planted outside the blueline as he waited for a pass from Samuelsson up the boards. Once the two connected, Fitzgerald sent a one-time pass to Elie and he lasered a shot through a mass of bodies for his second goal of night to make it a 3-2 score heading into the second intermission.

As the third period got underway, Cleveland would embark on its second power-play and the Monsters would eventually capitalize. With 48 seconds left on the man-advantage, Sikura converted on a centering feed from Meyer to atop the blue paint to put the Monsters up by a pair.

The Amerks struck once more before the game’s end to pull themselves within one goal with 11:54 to go.

While Pekar came hauling up the left wing of Rochester’s offensive zone, he’d find himself right above the left face-off dot before sending a pass to Samuelsson on the move. As the two switched positions, Samuelsson sent a wrister flying in the Monsters net with a five-one-five finish for his 10th point of the year.

Cleveland then went on to score back-to-back markers in the final frame to secure its sixth-straight victory.

Rochester got ahead of Cleveland early, lighting the lamp just 26 seconds into the fifth contest between the clubs.

Pekar drove the puck up the left wing and made it to the edge of Cleveland’s crease before he spun and found a wide-open Elie streaking up the center of the ice. The Cornwall, Ontario, native converted from point-blank range as he lifted a shot over the stick-hand side of Kivlenieks for his sixth of the season.

Cleveland wouldn’t finish out the first frame without tying things up, as a shot from the right point came quickly from Simpson towards Lekkas at the 6:34 mark. As Lekkas bobbled the initial shot, the puck bounced off of Moncada and into the net to tie up the tilt at one apiece going into the first intermission.

The Amerks return to The Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday, April 21 as they take on the Syracuse Crunch for the eighth matchup between the clubs this year. All of the action will be carried live on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM ESPN Rochester as well as AHLTV.

Nissan Amerks Alumni Spotlight | By Staff Report Amerks.com

As part of our 65th anniversary celebration this season, we’re honoring the past in the present by reconnecting with those who helped shape the Amerks into one of the most storied franchises in American Hockey League history.

Amerks Multimedia Journalist Suzie Cool recently caught up with former Amerks and Sabres defenseman Nathan Paetsch for this week's Amerks Alumni Spotlight, presented by Nissan.

The recently retired Paetsch discusses life after hockey and reflects on his seven seasons wearing the red, white and blue.

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