The Rochester Americans opened the 2000-2001 season with a shutout over their
Mid-Atlantic Division rival, the Albany River Rats, yesterday evening
(Friday, October 6). A three goal burst in the opening period followed by
solid defense was the key to earning the first professional victory for new
Amerks coach Randy Cunneyworth, who took over the helm from Brian McCutcheon
after his promotion to Buffalo Sabres assistant coach.

Newcomer Jaroslav Kristek made his professional hockey debut in style,
scoring the first American goal in the brand new season at 13:02 of the first
period. He was assisted on the play by another newcomer, Norm Milley, and
Darren VanOene. Craig Charron, returning to the Amerks after a stint in St.
John's and Lowell, made the score 2-0 with his power-play score at 14:16.
Dane Jackson and captain Mike Hurlbut assisted on the play. Rounding out the
scoring for Rochester in the game was Jow Murphy, who was a late-season
addition to the Amerk roster last year, who lit the lamp at 17:47, assisted
by Francois Methot and Jason Cipolla. Tom Askey started between the pipes
for the Amerks, as Mika Noronen was in Buffalo backing up (and possibly
starting for) Dominik Hasek. Askey made 25 saves to earn his first Rochester
victory and shutout.

The Amerks are in Worcester tomorrow (Sunday) to square off against the
IceCats, then are home again on Monday in a re-match of the 2000 Calder Cup
Championship when they face the Hartford WolfPack. Stay tuned to
amerks@egroups for Amerks news as it happens...and be sure to check out a new
Rochester Americans fan website, being constructed by the author of this
list, at: www.geocities.com/amerks2001/index.html
The page is constantly being updated, so stay tuned!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
List Owner/Moderator