Here is the roster (as of 10/1/99) for the 1999-2000 Rochester Americans:

FORWARDS:
Denis Hamel (LW) #11
Darren VanOene (LW) #14
Randy Cunneyworth (LW) #15
Jeremy Adduono (C) #16
Craig Fisher (RW) #17
Matt Davidson (RW) #18
Scott Nichol (C) #21 *(out until 11/1/99 due to knee surgery in offseason)
Eric Boulton (LW) #26
Jason Cipolla (C) #27
Dane Jackson (RW) #36 *(spent last season with Lowell Lock Monsters of AHL)
Maxim Afinogenov (RW) #37
Francois Methot (C) #40
Andre Payette (LW) #44 *(on a 25-game tryout contract)

DEFENSE
Mike Hurlbut #2
Paul Traynor #3 *(on a 25-game tryout contract)
Mike Nicholishen #5 *(on a 25-game tryout contract)
Luc Theoret #7
Brian Campbell #8 *(in Buffalo as of 10/1, expected to join Amerks)
Dimitri Kalinin #10
Cory Sarich #22
Marc Dupuis #28 *(on loan from Indianapolis Ice of IHL as of last spring)
Jason Hughes #32 *(on a 25-game tryout contract)
Doug Houda #33 *(spent last season with Adirondack Red Wings of AHL)

GOALTENDERS
Martin Biron #43 *(1998-99 All-Star, Bastien Award winner, prospect of the
year)
Mika Noronen #35 *(started for Finland in 1997 World Junior Championships)

Updates to this roster will be made as they occur.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator

Dean was DEFINETLY NOT a brat...he was definetly one of my favourite players,
and I hope he does well with Orlando this season!
~*~go amerks~*~
~*~steph~*~

Dean Sylvester was a great offensive weapon for the Rochester Americans last
season.  He also provided team leadership even though he had only been with
the team for a short time.  He is in no way a "spoiled" brat.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

It appears that Dean Sylvester will be an Orlando Solar Bear this season, and
knowing he also played for my OTHER favorite minor league team, the Amerks, I
was
wondering your impressions of him.

What are his strengths and weaknesses?  Is he a fan favorite, or a spoiled brat?

Give me the details, folks :)

--
William "Bill" Highfield, St Cloud, Florida, USA

My Main Webpage ....... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/
Diplomacy Webpage ..... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/dindex.htm
Solar Bears Webpage ... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/so-bears.htm
Solar Bears Onelist ... http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/solarbears

Yes, the schedule for the Rochester Americans 1999-2000 season has been
released and can be found by accessing a link on the official Rochester
Americans web page  http://www.amerks.com  I will also try to send out monthly
schedule updates via this list asap.  Thanks for the inquiry!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

In a message dated 9/17/1999 3:21:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
amerks@onelist.com writes:

> You said "Scott Fisher" ... did you mean "Craig Fisher" or is this
>  another player?  Is so, is Craig still with Buffalo, or will he come
>  back to Rochester?

"Craig" Fisher was returned to the Amerks from the Buffalo Sabres.

I have a question regarding the list of those still in Buffalo.  What about
Denis Hamel, Jason Holland, and Matt Davidson?  Aren't they still with the
Sabres?

-Kate

Have the Amerks released their 1999-2000 schedule yet? Do u know how many
games will be on Empire? Hopefully there will be many; I'd like to see more
of their games,
~Alissa

Rochester Americans head coach Brian McCutcheon signed a three-year
agreement with the Sabres organization today.  Terms of the agreement were
not disclosed.  McCutcheon guided the Amerks to the Calder Cup finals last
season and has compiled a record of 82-60-18 in his two seasons behind the
Amerks bench.
     The agreement came as a surprise to many in the hockey arena as such
deals in the minor leagues are extremely rare.  Knowing this, McCutcheon
stated that he feels as though he wants to remain in Rochester long-term,
especially with the current arrangement between Rochester and the parent
Buffalo Sabres.  Rochester has fared well recently due to Buffalo signing
top-notch players for development in the American Hockey League franchise in
Rochester.  Another deciding factor, although not explicitly acknowledged, is
that McCutcheon's son is a sophomore at in the Pittsford Mendon school
district, located on the city limits.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

I was thinking the same thing, but as far as I know, it's a different player.
  I'll look into that.

You said "Scott Fisher" ... did you mean "Craig Fisher" or is this
another player?  Is so, is Craig still with Buffalo, or will he come
back to Rochester?


--
William "Bill" Highfield, St Cloud, Florida, USA

My Main Webpage ....... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/
Diplomacy Webpage ..... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/dindex.htm
Solar Bears Webpage ... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/so-bears.htm
Solar Bears Onelist ... http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/solarbears

To all subscribers of the Amerks list:

     I'm sorry that the list has been so inactive during the summer...but now
it's time for hockey!  Just for those of you who weren't subscribed to this
list last season, basically this is an information supplement for fans of the
Rochester Americans.  I try as hard as I can to get relevant information on
this list as soon as possible, although sometimes it can be difficult (I'm a
full time college student and work two jobs).  Anyway, here is a list of
probable Amerks for this season, followed by those who will remain in
contention for a roster spot with the parent Buffalo Sabres:

Members of the Americans as of Thursday, September 16: Jeremy Adduono (right
wing), Craig Brunel (right wing), Gene Chiarello (goaltender), Jason Cipolla
(center), Randy Cunneyworth (left wing), Scott Fisher (right wing), Doug
Houda (defenseman), Dimitri Kalinin (defenseman), Dieter Kochan (goaltender),
Ales Kotalik (right wing), Francois Methot (center), Brad Moran (center),
Scott Nichol (center), Kamil Piros (center), Luc Theoret (defenseman) and
Darren VanOene (left wing)
In Buffalo Sabres camp as of Thursday, September 16: Maxim Afinegonov, Martin
Biron, Brian Campbell, David Moravec, Mika Noronen and Cory Sarich.

It can be assumed that either Biron or (more likely) Noronen will be assigned
to Rochester for goaltending duties in the near future.  More information to
come and don't lose heart if you don't hear from me...if there are questions
you would like answers to, please don't hesitate to send a message to the
list!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator
amerks@onelist.com

Rochester, NY: DOUG HOUDA RETURNING TO ROCHESTER AMERICANS BLUELINE
July 13, 1999

	 In an effort to keep the Rochester Americans defensive squad as
strong as it was last season, the parent Buffalo Sabres have offered a
two-year contract to former Amerk Doug Houda and Houda is to sign the deal
today.  The move is also to balance the fact that Dean Melanson, the anchor
of the Rochester blueline this past season, is expecting to move along this
coming season.  Houda faced Rochester several times this past season as a
member of the soon-to-be-defunct Adirondack Red Wings.
	 Houda played for the Amerks when they won the Calder Cup in 1995-96
and  he has a reputation as a nasty defenseman and a stay-at-home player.
Although he was booed by Rochester fans several times this season (especially
in the Calder Cup playoffs), Houda says that he is happy to be returning to
Rochester because of the city's fans and reputation as a top-notch hockey
town.  In addition to his role as a leader of Rochester's defense, Houda will
also be an emergency depth defenseman for the Buffalo Sabres.  He has
appeared in 559 National Hockey League games with the Detroit Red Wings,
Hartford Whalers, Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, New York Islanders and
Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.
	 Dean Melanson, the man Houda is expected to replace, is on his way
out of Rochester once again.  Melanson wants a chance at the big show and he
may very well get that chance.  The San Jose Sharks, Philadelphia Flyers and
Tampa Bay Lightning are all interested in him.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Here are Dean Sylvester's final statistics for 1999 while in an Amerks
uniform:

76 Games played

35 Goals
30 Assists
----------
65 Total points (#4 this season in Rochester)

10 Game-winning goals

46 Penalties-in-minutes

+22 Rating

With those numbers, in addition to his performance with the Buffalo Sabres,
I'm sure that Sylvester will make a run at a starting spot on the Thrashers'
roster.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

I believe that Sylvester could even get a chance to start with the Thrashers.
  As mentioned previously by several people here, he was called up to Buffalo
several times and put in a good performance.  His style of play will fit in
well with a team that's new to the NHL.

To tell the honest truth, Sylvester may very well end up suiting up for the
Thrashers this coming season.  He was recalled by Buffalo a couple of times
and pro scouts are always watching recalls.  I think that he could begin the
season in Orlando, however his chances of making the big show are even better
now that he's with an expansion club.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Jon,

Do you think Slyvester is good enough to make the squad, or do you think
he'll be sent down to the Orlando Solar Bears (the Thrashers new farm
club)

As both an Amerks fan and a Solar Bears fan, I'm interested in what you
think of Sylvester's chances to make it in the NHL.

I'll be up in Rochester for the first time in five years at the
beginning of August.  Too bad there isn't any hockey in August :(

--
William "Bill" Highfield, St Cloud, Florida, USA

My Main Webpage ....... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/
Diplomacy Webpage ..... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/dindex.htm
Solar Bears Webpage ... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/so-bears.htm
Solar Bears Onelist ... http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/solarbears

Sodus, NY:

	 I just wanted to take a moment and send out a letter welcoming all of
the new subscribers to the list.  I also want to apologize for extremely
incomplete coverage of the Amerks Calder Cup playoff games.  My system
suffered damage and I was unable to reboot fully until after the series was
complete.  However, the system is up and running now and I will be providing
updates on post-season happenings as they progress.  I may also throw in some
other tidbits from time to time.
	 With the most recent expansion draft complete, this is just an update
to inform everyone that only one player was taken from the Rochester
Americans.  Sniper Dean Sylvester, who compiled a great offensive record
during the Amerks Calder Cup run, was traded to the Atlanta Thrashers on
unspecified terms.
Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

I've been going through the Sabres links I had compiled and have weeded out
the non-exsitant ones and marked the cobwebbed sites as such.

Please review the list at http://members.xoom.com/hasek29/sabres.htm and let
me know if you have a site that needs to be added or link that should be
updated.

Thanks in advance!

Di
Dom's Domain
http://members.xoom.com/hasek39/

Rochester, NY: ROCHESTER AMERICANS 2, Philadelphia Phantoms 1 (OT)

	 The Rochester Americans came into game five riding a great streak by
goaltender Martin Biron.  In their previous two appearances at the Blue Cross
Arena at the Rochester War Memorial, the Amerks defeated the Phantoms each
game, allowing only one goal in those two games.  The teams opened up with
end to end action, each team trying to out-bully the other.  Great open-ice
body checks were thrown and some great hits were made along the boards
throughout the game.  Rochester's defense also did a great job contaning the
Phantom "menace," Philadelphia's Dennis Bonvie.  Bonvie made several attempts
during the night to get under the skin of the Rochester players, especially
Denis Hamel.  Bonvie was repaid in a harsh way, suffering several devestating
checks and wicked hits in the game.
	 The game was scoreless until the third period, when Philadelphia's
Francis Belanger slid a puck past a valiant effort by Biron with a crowd in
front of his net.  Domenic Pittis, who sustained a nasty high-stick to his
face earlier in the period, tied up the game for Rochester 1:39 later, at
6:55 of the final period.  Overtime ensued and a controversial call led to
Rochester's victory.  Craig Fisher was in front of the Philadelphia net when
he apparently kicked the puck toward Phantom goalie Brian Boucher.  It seemed
as if Fisher got his stick on the puck as it neared the line, but the shot
was too close to call.  The referee initially awarded the goal, then held a
quick conference with the goal judge and his linemen.  Three sustained
minutes later, he upheld the goal, giving Rochester a 3-2 lead in the Western
Conference finals.
	 Rochester will attempt to do some ghostbusting tonight as game six
begins at 7:05 at the Spectrum Center.  Rochester will try to follow their
parent club into Cup finals as well.  A full wrap-up will be issued tomorrow
morning.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Rochester, NY: ROCHESTER AMERICANS 3, Philadelphia Phantoms 0

	 After falling behind two games to none in the semifinals of the 1999
Calder Cup Palyoffs to the Phantoms, the Rochester Americans' offensive was
shaken up and provided spark to pull themselves back into the series.  Martin
Biron, who has played the part of the New York State Thruway's VIP during the
past week, started in goal, even after allowing two shoddy goals in poor
performances in games one and two in Philadelphia.  Biron has been with
Buffalo for the Sabres two games against the Toronto Maple Leafs and has also
played all three games against the Phantoms as well.  As it seems, the
Buffalo Sabres are trying to keep Biron in top shape during Dominik Hasek's
injury, especially since the starter in this most important series against
the Leafs had been a bench rider for 90% of the season.
	 Domenic Pittis, the AHL's top points producer this season, scored
only his second playoff goal, which was the ultimate game-winner.  He was
assisted by Craig Fisher and Randy Cunneyworth on the score at 9:33 of the
opening period.  Peter Vandermeer, who spent most of this past season with
the B.C Icemen of the United Hockey League, scored Rochester's second goal of
the game at 9:44 of the same period.  Derek Wood assisted Vandermeer on his
first playoff goal this season.  Dean Sylvester added an empty net goal at
19:40 of the final period of play to round out the scoring for Rochester in
the game.  He was assisted by Darren VanOene.  It should be mentioned that
Sylvester was recently returned to the Americans after a stint with the
parent Sabres as well.  Last night's goal was his 10th of the playoffs.
Martin Biron stopped all 29 Philadelphia shots in the game to improve his
post-season record to 8-4.  Game four is tomorrow night at the Blue Cross
Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

So in the IHL, we have Koharski awarding 19 power plays in the last game
between Houston and Orlando.  In the AHL, in Game 3 of the Calder Cup
finals they had only 5 power plays BUT perhaps because of the laxness,
they had a huge melee at the end of the game with even the goaltenders
getting into it (damn, you KNOW how much I love to see goaltenders mix
it up ... I wish I could have seen it)

The key, of course, is to find that happy medium where the ref keeps
control, but doesn't call a zillion penalties.  This is the REAL world,
however, and that doesn't always happen.  As a couple of Bears have
said, as long as the ref is CONSISTANT, you can judge what you can and
can not get away with.  Knowing Koharski is calling the games tight
ought to be telling both teams to cut the crap and just play hockey ...
we'll have to see.

Orlando learned in the Detroit series that the crew was calling
retaliations, and thus after Game 3, they stopped retaliating when the
ref was looking.  Timing is everything with penalties, and the team that
learns first where they stand with the refs is the team that will
benefit the most.

Let's hope its our beloved Solar Bears ... GRIN...


GO BEARS!
(and GO AMERKS!)

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/scores99/99146/99146331.htm
--
William "Bill" Highfield, St Cloud, Florida, USA

My Main Webpage ....... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/
Diplomacy Webpage ..... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/dindex.htm
Solar Bears Webpage ... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/so-bears.htm
Solar Bears Onelist ... http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/solarbears
Delphi Sports page .... http://www.delphi.com/sports/
Delphi Fantasy Sports . http://www.delphi.com/fantasysp/

Williamson, NY:

	 I just discovered that Rochester will be on the road for the first
two games of the Western Conference Finals.  They will be in Philadelphia on
Thursday, May 20 for game one.  More to come...

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Regarding alignment in the American Hockey League:

	 Bill is correct.  Just to "kick a dead horse" a little more, here is
the current alignment of the American Hockey League:

EASTERN CONFERENCE-Atlantic Division
Fredericton Canadiens
Lowell Lock Monsters
Portland Pirates
Saint John Flames
St. John's Maple Leafs

EASTERN CONFERENCE-New England Division
Hartford Wolf Pack
Beast of New Haven
Providence Bruins
Springfield Falcons
Worcester Ice Cats

WESTERN CONFERENCE-Empire Division
Adirondack Red Wings
Albany River Rats
Hamilton Bulldogs
ROCHESTER AMERICANS
Syracuse Crunch

WESTERN CONFERENCE-Mid-Atlantic Division
Cincinnati Mighty Ducks
Hershey Bears
Kentucky Thoroughblades
Philadelphia Phantoms

	 The league has added quite a few teams over the past five years.
Those added include Lowell, Hartford, New Haven, Worcester, Albany, Hamilton,
Syracuse, Cincinnati, Kentucky and Philadelphia.  The AHL is also planning
expansion once again.  The Scranton-Wilkes Barre Penguins are slated to begin
play in 1999-2000, as will the Louisville Panthers.  The Hampton Roads
Admirals have jumped ship from the International Hockey League and will join
the AHL in the 2000-2001 season.  One more note to take care of with teams,
this regarding Eastern Conference finalist Fredericton Canadiens.  The parent
club, Montreal, has announced that the club will be moved to Quebec City for
the 1999-2000 season and will be known as the Citadels.  So, as you can see,
teams are activated, de-activated, re-activated and added on an
ever-increasing basis in this great league.
	 On a closing note, the Amerks will face Philadelphia in the 1999
Western Conference Finals.  Philadelphia defeated Kentucky in game seven by a
score of 9-3.  Rochester should have an advantage in this series as well: in
four meetings this season, Rochester won three.  A scouting report will be
issued as soon as possible.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Because they're in the Western part of the AHL (grin)  Years ago, the Amerks
were in the Southern conference, if I remember correctly, for the same reason.

SabreCB37@... wrote:

> From: SabreCB37@...
>
> okay this might seem like a stupid question, but i'm just curious..why are
> the Amerks in the WESTERN conference if they're in the Eastern part of the
> U.S.? Just wondering
> ~Alissa
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> With more than 14 million emails exchanged daily...
> http://www.onelist.com
> ...ONElist IS the place where the world talks!

--
William "Bill" Highfield, St Cloud, Florida, USA

My Main Webpage ....... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/
Diplomacy Webpage ..... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/dindex.htm
Solar Bears Webpage ... http://www.phoenixat.com/~magicfan/so-bears.htm
Solar Bears Onelist ... http://www.onelist.com/subscribe.cgi/solarbears
Delphi Sports page .... http://www.delphi.com/sports/
Delphi Fantasy Sports . http://www.delphi.com/fantasysp/

okay this might seem like a stupid question, but i'm just curious..why are
the Amerks in the WESTERN conference if they're in the Eastern part of the
U.S.? Just wondering
~Alissa

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: ROCHESTER AMERICANS 4, Hamilton Bulldogs 2

	 Dean Sylvester, Mr. Playoff for the Americans this season, scored a
short-handed goal at 4:52 of the second period to give Rochester an early
lead in Game Six of the 1999 Calder Cup Playoffs Empire Division Finals.
Thirty seconds earlier, Domenic Pittis had been assessed an
obstruction-holding the stick penalty.  Assisting on Sylvester's goal were
Mike Harder and Alexandre Boikov.  A penalty hurt Rochester later when Dan
Lacouture tied the game up for the Bulldogs with a power-play conversion at
10:55 of the second period.  Sylvester scored again at 18:06 to give
Rochester the one-goal lead once more; assisting was Cory Sarich, the AHL
Rookie of the Year.
	 Craig Fisher scored the eventual game-winner at 8:20 of the final
period with no help and Denis Hamel added a score at 8:54 to add insurance
for Rochester.  Assisting on Hamel's goal was Derek Wood.  David Matsos
scored a short-handed goal at 16:47 of the final period to attempt a rally,
but the 'Dogs fell short as Rochester now advances to the Western Conference
Finals against either the Kentucky Thoroughblades or the Philadelphia
Phantoms.  Game seven of that series is in action this evening and
Rochester's next opponent will be the winner of that game.  A schedule of the
next series' games will be posted as soon as the opponent is determined.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada:

	 Just a quick note to tell everyone that the Amerks have clinched the
Empire Division finals and now advance to the Western Conference finals.
Denis Hamel shot the puck into the empty Hamilton net, but whether the goal
counted or not is unknown at this time.  The final score was either 4-2 or
5-2 (depending on the outcome of the final goal).  I will get a scoring
report out as soon as possible!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Rochester, NY: ROCHESTER AMERICANS 3, Hamilton Bulldogs 1

	 The Rochester Americans are one game away from advancing to the
Western Conference Finals after last night's victory over the Hamilton
Bulldogs at the Bule Cross Arena at the Rochester War Memorial.  The victory
kept the Amerks on top in the series after Hamilton took both game three and
four in Hamilton last week.  Rochester will advance to the tournament
semi-finals with a victory tomorrow afternoon, back in Hamilton at Copps
Coliseum.
	 Dean Sylvester scored his 6th playoff goal at 15:01 of the opening
period on the power-play.  Assisting on the score were Darren VanOene and
Alexandre Boikov.  Sylvester's goal came after Hamilton's Joe Hulbig was
assessed a cross-checking penalty for his hit on Craig Fisher far, far away
from the puck (60 feet).  Sylvester's seventh of the post-season came while
Rochester's Dean Melanson was serving a boarding minor.  Sylvester caught his
own rebound and swept it past Bulldogs' netminder Steve Passmore to add the
short-handed goal.  Assisting on the goal was Mike Harder.
	 Hamilton put themselves on the board at 4:57 of the final period of
play as Jim Dowd scored his third of the playoffs, assisted by former Amerk
Craig Millar and Chris Ferraro.  However, Rochester came back as Domenic
Pittis picked up a failed clear and put the biscuit in the empty basket to
end the game.  Assisting on the goal at 19:41 were Dean Melanson and Randy
Cunneyworth.  Martin Biron stopped 33 shots en route to his sixth victory in
the post-season.

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada: Hamilton Bulldogs 2, ROCHESTER AMERICANS 1

	 Martin Biron will probably remember the shot for the rest of the
Empire Division finals.  At 6:32 of the first overtime period during Saturday
night's game three of the series, Jim Dowd put a wrist shot on the Amerks net
while pushing toward Biron against two Amerks defensemen.  Biron put his
glove on the puck, but it bounced twice and rolled across the line to give
the 'Dogs the win.  That goal snapped an unbeaten streak (12-0-1) for the
Americans which dated back into the regular season and included five games in
the playoffs.  Ironically, the loss suffered before the streak came at the
hands of the very same opponent in the very same barn on April 3 where the
soutcome was 3-1.
	 Unlike the first two games of the series, Rochester scored first this
time around.  Mike Harder scored his second of the 1999 Calder Cup tournament
at 6:39 of the opening period to put the Americans ahead.  Denis Hamel and
Dean Sylvester assisted Harder on the only score of the period.  Hamilton
came back to tie the game at 9:54 of the second period when a botched clear
from behind the Rochester net gave the puck to Hamilton.  Jim Dowd's shot was
stopped by Biron but Paul Comrie picked up the rebound and put it in the
right side of the net.  Dowd and Todd Reirden assisted on the score, Comrie's
first of the post-season.
	 As it was in the second game of the series, there was no scoring in
the final period of play, which forced the overtime period.  Dowd scored the
winner to put the Bulldogs back into the series, which Rochester leads 2-1.
Game four is also at Copps Coliseum on Tuesday with a face-off time of 7:35.
Game five will be in Rochester on Friday.
	 A webpage is now up to provide up-to-date information on the
Rochester Americans.  This page can be accessed by going to URL:
http://hometown.aol.com/jazzmanjon/myhomepage/index.html

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Rochester, NY: ROCHESTER AMERICANS 3, Hamilton Bulldogs 1

	 After falling behind early in the opening period of play, the
Rochester Americans proved that they were a force to be reckoned with during
this year's Calder Cup playoffs.  Playing host to the Hamilton Bulldogs in
the Empire Division finals, the Amerks found themselves on the short end of
the stick only 50 seconds into the game.  Craig Millar, a former American,
moved along the right-wing boards and sent the puck hurtling toward Martin
Biron.  Biron moved out of the crease to make a kick-save but was bumped by
Joe Hulbig, creating an open target for Millar to bury the shot and give
Hamilton the lead.
	 Jason Holland tied things up at 9:33 of the period with a power-play
goal to put Rochester on the board for the first time in the game.  Holland
took a mis-fired centering pass and put a shot over 'Dogs netminder Steve
Passmore.  Assisting on Holland's second playoff goal were Craig Fisher and
Domenic Pittis.  Holland's goal finished the scoring for the first period and
no goals were scored in the second period.
	 Nearly four minutes into the final period of play, Cory Sarich, the
American Hockey League Rookie of the Year, intercepted a botched clear from
the Bulldogs' zone and took a shot that cleared through heavy clutter and
Passmore's skate to give Rochester the lead for the first time in the game.
At 10:26 of the period Derek Wood took a pass from Randy Cunneyworth, who was
stationed behind the Hamilton net, and put the puck into the left side,
giving Rochester the two-goal lead and eventually the win.  Matt Davidson
also earned an assist on Wood's goal.
	 Martin Biron stopped 26 of 27 to remain unbeaten in the playoffs.
Rochester's offense produced 10 shots in the first period, 7 in the second
and 5 in the third for a total of 22 in the game.  Rochester took 3 penalties
for six minutes and was 1-for-5 on the power-play.  The penalty-killing unit
also kept Hamilton shooting blanks on their power-play opportunities.
	 Game two is tomorrow (Friday night) at 7:35 at the Blue Cross Arena
at the Rochester War Memorial.  Look for a post-game report to follow!

Go Amerks!
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator