To all the faithful fans of the Rochester Americans:

Just a note to begin with to fill you in on some recent happenings in the past
few days...

	 The Go Amerks! Fan Site is now in operation!  In conjunction with the Go
Sabres! Fan Site, the first and only fan-created website dedicated to the
Rochester Americans.  The site can be accessed through the following link:
	 <A HREF="http://puckplace.com/sabres/amerks/">Go Amerks! The Ultimate
Rochester Americans FanÉ</A>

	 Also, I recently heard from a "longtime" subscriber (actually, one of the
first subscribers to this list) who would like to hear more about individual
Rochester Americans.  I obliged to this request, and will do the same to other
requests for Amerks information.  I am here to provide updates and information
on the Amerks to those of you who wish to get the latest on Buffalo's AHL
affiliates.  This mailing is the first of those player bios...today's feature:
Martin Biron, the sensational backstop for Rochester.

	 Martin Biron was chosen with the Buffalo Sabres first round draft pick, 16th
overall, in the 1995 National Hockey League draft.  Don't let that high number
fool you.  He got the hint while playing in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey
League.  The Buffalo Sabres goaltending coach, Mitch Korn, visted Quebec
unannounced to a game in which Biron was playing.  When Biron asked Korn why
he was there, Korn's reply was "to scout Robert Luongo," who was the opposing
goaltender in the game.  In another instance during Biron's not-so-spectacular
play, the Sabres drafted another goaltender, Mika Noronen of Finland.
	 These two happenings seemed to drive the point home with Biron.  He outplayed
Luongo in the game with Korn in attendance and stepped up his play once he
joined the Americans.  Biron is having a great year with Rochester, earning
four shutouts and a 16-9-2 record.  His 2.06 GAA is also one of the lowest in
the league and he will be starting in net for Team Canada when it faces
PlanetUSA in the American Hockey League All-Star Game later this month.  His
nine shutouts in his year and a half with Rochester also place him number nine
on the Amerks all-time list. His next will tie him with Amerk Hall-of-Famer
Gerry Cheevers.
	 Finally, Biron is not afraid to mix it up while he's in the net.  He even
took on Hamilton Bulldogs' tough guy Daniel Lacroix and was quickly stopped by
the game's linesman.  Later that night, he passed the linesman in the game
while leaving the arena and said "My girlfriend thanks you for saving my
life."
	 Is Biron the next Dominik Hasek?  Or is he another goaltender who plays so
long in the minors that he loses focus of the larger goal, making it in the
National Hockey League?  Who knows?  Until either Hasek goes down with an
injury (God forbid!), retires, gets traded, or otherwise or until Buffalo
trades Biron, we may never know.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator
Senior Correspondent,
Go Amerks! Fan Site

Attention all Amerks fans!!  In association with the Go Sabres fan site, I am
pleased to announce that a separate site entitled GO Amerks! has been recently
created and is in operation.  The address for the GO Amerks! fan site is:
	 http://www.puckplace.com/sabres/amerks.

Also, I have a new screen name which can be used when you are sending mail
regarding the Americans; it is not yet on the Amerks list, but it will be
soon.  The name is GAfansite@...

Hope you all visit and enjoy the site!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator, Amerks List,
Senior GO AMERKS Correspondent

Rochester Americans break 2-2 tie to defeat Hamilton

	 Matt Davidson's fourteenth goal of the season helped the Rochester Americans
defeat the Hamilton Bulldogs when the teams met for the seventh time this
season this past Tuesday evening.  Assisting on Davidson's goal at 8:39 of the
final period were Randy Cunneyworth and Scott Nichol.  His sixth game-winning
goal this season, Davidson is now tied with Hamilton's Chris Ferraro for the
lead in the American Hockey League in that category.
	 Davidson's goal was not the only saving grace in the game as once again
netminder Martin Biron stepped up and played like a future-NHLer and a
starting All-Star should, stopping 40 of the Bulldogs' 42 shots in the game.
The Rochester win put them in first place in the Empire Division with 50
points, followed by the Albany River Rats with 49.  The outcome dropped
Hamilton into third in the division.  Biron also made several acrobatic saves
during the game, including a kick-save of Chris Ferraro's shot in the second
period that seemed to be a sure goal while Hamilton broke down the ice with a
2-on-1 rush.
	 Mike Harder broke out of a seemingly endless rut by netting the team's first
two scores of the game, once in the first period and the other in the second.
Assisting on Harder's first, which was on the power-play, were Dean Sylvester
and Mike Hurlbut.  Sylvester and flashy youngster Cory Sarich helped Harder on
his second of the evening.
	 The Americans are idle until this coming Saturday evening, when they face
another Empire Division rival, the Syracuse Crunch, in Syracuse.  The Crunch
are also an I-90 (New York State Thruway) rival, and since their inauguration
into the league several years ago as the farm team of the Vancouver Canucks,
have made the Rochester/Syracuse a great hockey rivalry for New York State.
It will be the fourth time the teams meet this season and the first of a  home
and home series this coming weekend.
	 The Amerks hold a 2-1 series lead over the Crunch, winning games on November
7 and November 15 by scores of 6-3 in each.  In the first one, Steffon Walby
scored 2 goals and Domenic Pittis added 3 assists to lead Rochester.  In the
second win, Craig Fisher scored two power-play goals and the power-play unit
converted on five opportunities in the game.  When Syracuse defeated Rochester
4-3 on November 14, Craig Fisher scored two goals to lead the Amerks.
Syracuse is currently fourth in the Empire Division standings with a 12-22-6
record, but their victory over Albany this past Sunday helped the Amerks
secure the top of the division once again.  Although thankful for the help,
the club will not be as friendly to the Crunch when they meet Saturday night.
Look for more information to come soon!

Until then.......GO AMERKS!

Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator

The Rochester Americans and Lowell Lock Monsters met Sunday afternoon for
only their second time this season; Lowell defeated Rochester in the first
meeting 3-2.  This time around, things were different.  With All-Star
goaltender Martin Biron taking a break, professional veteran Tom Draper
stepped in to backstop the Amerks with 25 saves.
	 Lowell's Dimitri Nabokov scored at 10:39 of the first period, putting
Rochester in an early hole.  Rochester's slow first period was shown by the
shots in the period, 11-2 in favor of Lowell.  The game picked up for the
Americans when points-leader Domenic Pittis flipped the puck under the
crossbar to tie the game at 7:19 of the second period.  Rochester took the
lead and ultimately won the game with Craig Fisher's goal at 15:54 of the
final period.  Both of the Amerks goals were scored during power-play
opportunities, which was a strong point for the team early in the season, but
is currently working at around 20%.
	 As for injuries, Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre is listed as day-to-day with a
sprained wrist.  The Amerks defenseman was the victim of an after-the-whistle
check by the Providence Bruins' Landon Wilson last Friday.  Jason Mansoff and
Shane Kenny remain on the list as well; Mansoff is out indefinately with a
herniated disk in his back and Kenny suffered a broken hand during a fight in
a previous game and is expected to miss at least two more weeks.
	 The team travels to Hamilton tonight to take on the Bulldogs, an Empire
Division rival for their seventh meeting this season.  Both teams are
currently in second place in the division; the winner would take sole
possession of first place.

Til then,
GO AMERKS!

Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator

Hello,

	 As reported in the last Amerks update, one section mentioned that Cory Sarich
was the recipient of an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty following a
conversation with the game's referee.  When asked his opinion, Sarich, who is
20 years old, responded "well, I guess when you're young and playing at this
level, you apparently don't know the game."
	 How do you feel about this comment?  Is Sarich right when he says he thinks
the veterans and officials look down on younger players?  Or do you think that
youth helps the game attract more attention and provide better entertainment?
	 Finally, the Rochester Americans are in Lowell, Massachusetts to take on the
Lock Monsters (and former Amerks Craig Charron and Dane Jackson) at 5:05 pm.
In their first meeting this season in Rochester, the Amerks fell 3-2.  Post-
game report to follow soon!

GO AMERKS!!

Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

ROCHESTER TAKES 3 GOAL LEAD INTO 3RD PERIOD BUT FALLS 4-3

	 The Rochester Americans, on home ice and hosting the Providence Bruins for
their first matchup of the season, was hoping to extend their unbeaten streak
to six games.  Didn't happen. STEFFON WALBY put the Amerks ahead with his goal
at 5:08 of the first period.  The score remained unchanged until the third
period, when the lights flashed a total of six times.  Dean Melanson and Mike
Hurlbut cushioned the Rochester lead, but Providence came back to score goals
at 3:54, 11:15, 16:55 and 17:25 of the third period.  Martin Biron made 31
saves and the Amerks put only 19 shots on net in the game.
	 The score wasn't the only problem facing the Rochester team.  All-Star
defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre left the ice at 7:23 with a sprained wrist
after he was the victim of an after-the-whistle check by Landon Wilson.
Another problem was with youthful defender Cory Sarich.  Upset by a eyebrow-
raising obstruction penalty in the third period, he complained to the referee
about his officiating that evening and received an additional unsportsmanlike
conduct penalty which lead to one of the Bruins' goals.
	 The Amerks are on the road as we speak and will face the Lowell Lock Monsters
tomorrow (Sunday) at 5:05 pm.  Defenseman Grand-Pierre is doubtful for that
game.  Look for an update to come along soon after the game!

Until then,
GO AMERKS!!

Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator

To all faithful subscribers:
	 I thank you for your patience with me...here is everything I have been able
to put together at the moment.  I have been extremely busy lately...you'll see
soon but it's kind of hush hush right now.

In the most recent game, the Americans took on an Empire Division rival, the
Hamilton Bulldogs in a battle for first place.  Actually, the Amerks were the
only ones battling; the Bulldogs had moved into a tie with the Albany River
Rats while the Amerks were in a slump.  Rochester came into the game and
destroyed Bulldogs goalie Steve Passmore once again, coming home with a 5-1
victory.  Points leader Domenic Pittis notched two goals in the first period
to give the Americans and early lead.  His first found the back of the net at
14:22 and his second flew past Passmore less than a minute later.  At 14:37 of
the second period, Matt Davidson notched his thirteenth of the season and four
minutes later Dean Sylvester buried a 45 foot slapper in the net for his
twelfth of the year.  Pittis completed a hat-trick when he converted on an
Amerks power-play opportunity late in the final period.    In the game,
Rochester outshot Hamilton 41-21.
	 At home against the Adirondack Red Wings, another Empire Division rival, the
Americans settled for a tie in their first game of 1999.  Rochester scored
first at 12:30 of the opening period.  Domenic Pittis put the Amerks up by
one, assisted by Denis Hamel and Craig Fisher.  Adirondack tied the game on a
power-play in the early minutes of the middle period until Rochester regained
the lead five minutes later on Scotty Nichol's goal.  Nichol was assisted by
Jason Holland and Randy Cunneyworth.   Former American Doug Houda added the
tying goal at 14:32 for Adirondack as scoring came to an end in the second
period.  Martin Biron stopped 25 of Adirondack's 27 shots while Rochester put
30 shots on net.  Pittis was the game's first star and Scott Nichol was the
third star.  Houda earned second start honors.
	 In their final game of 1998, Rochester pummeled the Fredericton Canadiens for
a 5-1 victory.  Craig Fisher put the Americans on the board to open the game
at 3:18 with help coming from the sticks of Denis Hamel and Domenic Pittis.
Fredericton converted a power-play in the first period to tie the game and
earn their only score against Sabre Dwayne Roloson, down from Buffalo for a
preparation assignment.  A three-goal second period followed, with Craig
Fisher scoring two more and Matt Davidson also netting a goal.  Scott Nichol,
Mike Hurlbut, Domenic Pittis, Cory Sarich and Dean Sylvester earned assists on
the goals.  In the third period, Dean Melanson finished off the Canadiens with
a power-play conversion at 19:59.  Roloson finished the game with 17 saves.
He is 2-0 in an Amerks uniform this season.  Craig Fisher's hat-trick earned
first star honors, Domenic Pittis earned the game's second star and Jason
Holland was the third star of the game.

More information on the Rochester Americans:

	 Jason Mansoff and Shane Kenny remain on the injured list, Mansoff with a
herniated disk in his back and Kenny with a broken hand.  Kenny is out 4-6
weeks and Mansoff is out indefinately.

Martin Biron was selected to start for the Canadian Team in the AHL All-Star
Game, along with defensemen Dean Melanson and Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre.

Alexi Tezikov finally played his first professional hockey game after coming
to terms with the Buffalo Sabres.  Tezikov, who had been playing with the
Moncton Wildcats of the QMJHL, made his debut in the victory at Hamilton.

Last but not least, I PROMISE to keep these updates coming on a more regular
basis.  If I don't, someone please drop me a note to remind me.  The Americans
play at home tonight against the Providence Bruins.  An update will be
circulated before Sunday afternoon.

Until then,

Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator,
amerks@onelist.com

To all subscribers and Amerks fans:

	 I deeply apologize for the lack of game updates for the past few days.  I was
given a devastating check by both the cold and flu and I am now recovering.  I
hope to take advantage of a little free time I have coming up before college
starts again and issue a full report for all of you for all the games I
haven't yet covered.  Look for the mailing to arrive within the next couple of
days.  Thank you for bearing with me.  Your patience is greatly appreciated.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
List Moderator

ROCHESTER POWER-PLAY UNIT HELPS IN 3-1 VICTORY

	 The Rochester Americans power-play unit, which has played consistently all
season, connected on two attempts in the second period to seal a 3-1 win over
the Fredericton Canadiens this past Sunday, December 27.  Shane Kenny, a yo-yo
player between Rochester and the B.C. Icemen, notched his first AHL goal to
give the Amerks an early first period lead.  In the second period, Mike Harder
connected on a power-play, assisted by Cory Sarich and Greg Walters.  Late in
the second period, Dean Sylvester, with a little help from Domenic Pittis and
Sarich, finished off the Baby Habs on the power-play.  Martin Biron made 39
stops of 40 shots on goal in the win.
--->INJURIES:  It has been determined that Jason Mansoff is suffering from a
herniated disk in his back and is sidelined indefinately.
--->UP NEXT:  The Rochester club is in Hartford, CT tonight to face the Wolf
Pack.  It is the first meeting between the teams this season.  Look for the
game report tomorrow!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

ROCHESTER AMERICANS DEFEAT PHANTOMS TO END THREE GAME SLIDE!!

	 The Rochester Americans' Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre scored on a power-play
opportunity late in the third period to break a 3-3 tie and gave Rochester
their first win after a horrible weekend a week ago where they lost two at
home and one on the road, sacrificing their lead in the AHL's Empire Division
during the slide.
	 Randy Cunneyworth put the Amerks on the board first with a goal at 2:33 of
the first period, assisted by Matt Davidson and Jason Holland.  Thirty seconds
later,  points leader Domenic Pittis scored with help from Craig Fisher and
Steffon Walby.  In the second period, Scotty Nichol got some assistance from
Cory Sarich and Randy Cunneyworth when he scored at 3:31.  Assisting on Grand-
Pierre's game-winner were Craig Fisher and Steffon Walby.
--->INJURY UPDATE  Jason Mansoff remains on the list with a sore back and is
being evaluated daily.


  ROCHESTER AMERICANS SCORING
(through December 23, 1998)

Player 		    Goals 	  Assists 	    Total

Domenic Pittis 	 10 		 22 		 32

Mike Harder 		  9 		 18 		 27

Craig Fisher 	 10 			 15 		 25

Steffon Walby 	 11 		  	  9 		 20

Dean Sylvester 		  9 		 11 		 20

Scott Nichol 		  7 		      11 		 18

Mike Hurlbut 		  5 			 13 		 18

Dean Melanson 	  3 		 15 		 18

Cory Sarich 		  3 		  12 		 15

Denis Hamel 		  9 		   4 		 13

Matt Davidson 		  8 			   5  			 13

Randy Cunneyworth   5 		   7 		 12

Erik Rassmussen 	  5 			   6 		 11

Greg Walters 		  2 		   4 		   6

Jason Holland 		  0 		  6 			   6

Jean Luc Grand-Pierre   3 		   2 		   5

Darren Van Oene 	  3 		   1 		   4

Francois Methot 	  0 		   4 		   4

Jason Mansoff 		  0 		   3 		   3

Shane Kenny 		  0 		   1 		   1

Martin Biron 		  0 		   1 		   1

Tom Draper 		  0 		   0 			  0

Totals: 		 102 	   170 		    272

	 Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and best wishes for a healthy and
safe New Year!  Look for another update tomorrow on the Rochester game @
Hamilton this evening and scouting reports for the games against the Hartford
Wolfpack and Fredricton Canadiens.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy, Moderator.

AMERKS CONTINUE TO SLIDE WITH SHUTOUT LOSS AT HOME

	 The Rochester Americans had a rough night last night.  They were playing
their third game in as many days and were coming off losses at home against
Adirondack on Friday night and at Albany on Saturday night, both division
rivals.  Hosting the Kentucky Thoroughblades last night (Sunday, December 20),
the Americans hoped to reverse that trend...didn't happen.  The club managed a
measly 6 shots on goal in the first two periods while Kentucky put together
19, one which found a home in the back of the net behind Martin Biron.  Coach
Brian McCutcheon must have said a few curt words to his players during the
second intermission because the team came out and nearly tripled their shot
count in the third period, putting 16 on goal only to have 2 of the
Thoroughblades 5 sneak through Biron's pads to finish them off, 3-0.  Biron
made 21 saves on the evening as the Americans suffered their third straight
loss, the most consecutive losses suffered by the team this season.  It was
also the first time they looked up to see a zero on their end of the score all
season.
	 All the Amerks can do now is play the waiting game as they host the defending
Calder Cup Champion Philadelphia Phantoms on Wednesday, December 23.  In their
first meeting this season, Rochester defeated Philadelphia behind goals from
Dean Sylvester (two) and Mike Harder.  That's all for now folks, enjoy the
holidays!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Americans lose to Albany, move into second place in Empire

	 The Rochester Americans dropped their second consecutive game this evening to
the Albany River Rats in a game that cost the Amerks their reign at the top of
the American Hockey League's Empire Division.  Coming off a 4-2 loss at the
hands of the Adirondack Red Wings the previous evening, the Amerks found
themselves on the short end of a 2-0 first period.  Steffon Walby scored his
eleventh of the season :43 into the second period on the power play, assisted
by Domenic Pittis, to put up the first Rochester goal of the evening.  The
power play unit converted their second opportunity (of four) on the evening by
scoring at 2:07 of the same period.  Craig Fisher added his tenth, assisted by
Pittis and Cory Sarich on the conversion.
	 In the third period and down 4-2, Dean Sylvester collected his ninth of the
season, assisted by Mike Hurlbut to come within a goal again with less than
three minutes remaining in the game.  Rochester came close to tying the game
in the closing minute, but was unable to accomplish the feat, suffering the
defeat and falling to the Rats.  Fresh off a "practice stint" with the parent
Sabres, Martin Biron stopped 24 of 28 Albany shots on goal while Rochester put
together 30 in the game.
	 The series is now tied at one game apiece with both games played in Albany;
the first was on October 31.  Albany took the lead in the Empire Division with
37 points, but Rochester can regain and tie for the lead with a victory
tomorrow against the Kentucky Thoroughblades.  That's all for now folks!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

Hi there!  I have a request, and I hope that I can get all of you to answer
this.  I know that all I have really sent out over this list is game reports
and I'm not quite sure how satisfied you are with this.  If there is anything
else you, as fans of the Rochester Americans (and most likely the parent
Buffalo Sabres), would like to receive over this list, please let me know.  I
am interested in pleasing you, the fans of the Rochester club and I am doing
what I can to get the most information to you as quickly and effectively as I
can.  Please let me know what you would like to see on this mailing list to
help increase your interest in the Americans.  Also, if you know any other
fans who may be interested in subscribing to this list, please give them the
information to do so!  The more the merrier, as the old saying goes.
	 Thank you in advance for your opinions...they really do matter!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

Rochester falls to Adirondack; lead in Empire Division in jeopardy

	 The Rochester Americans were without their normal backstop yesterday night as
they fell to the Adirondack Red Wings, an Empire Division rival.  Both teams
scored in the first period and skated to a 2-2 tie after two periods of play,
yet the Red Wings came back with two late goals to earn the win and jeopardize
the Amerks reign at the top of the division.
	 Martin Biron, not returned by the parent Sabres in time for the game, was
unable to get into goal, so Tom Draper got the start between the pipes.
Adirondack scored early, only :57 in, to take the early lead.  One minute
later, Matt Davidson scored his eighth of the season, assisted by Randy
Cunneyworth and Cory Sarich to tie the game at one.  Adirondack regained the
lead in the second period before Domenic Pittis racked up his ninth of the
season with assists from Sarich and Craig Fisher.  That was the end of scoring
for Rochester as the Red Wings went on to score two third period goals,
including an empty-netter with :01 remaining in the game.  Draper stopped 27
of 30 shots on goal while the Amerks also compiled 30 shots on goal.
	 As we "speak," the Amerks are trailing the Albany River Rats by 1 goal in the
third period and will be home tomorrow evening to take on the Kentucky
Thoroughblades. In other news, Denis Hamel is off the injury list after
suffering a broken toe but Jason Mansoff took his place with a sore back.
Mansoff is listed as day-to-day.  In player moves, obviously Biron was
returned on loan from the Sabres and defenseman Shane Kenny was recalled from
the B. C. Icemen of the UHL.
	 Look for updates of the Albany game and the Kentucky game soon!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

To all subscribers:  I apologize for the great delay in sending this.  I am
nearing the end of semester finals (YES!) so there should not be any more
delays in game reports.  I've included a summary of the game vs. the Hamilton
Bulldogs on December 12 and also a little more Amerks news, especially player
moves.  Thanks for your patience...it's greatly appreciated!!

	 At home for the second consecutive night, the Rochester Americans hosted the
Hamilton Bulldogs for the fourth time this season.  Coming off a last-minute
defeat at the hands of the Lowell Lock Monsters the previous evening and
facing the prospect of a three-game home losing streak, the Amerks rebounded
and made the Bulldogs look like puppies once again.  Martin Biron recorded his
fourth shutout of the season, making 24 saves en route to the 3-0 Rochester
win.  Amazingly, three of Biron's four blanks have come against Hamilton, an
Empire Division rival.
	 No goals were scored in the first period, but the Amerks power play unit gave
the team the early lead at 9:19 of the second period.  Matt Davidson scored
the ultimate game-winner with assists from Scott Nichol and Dean Melanson.
Dean Sylvester added a goal a little more than a minute into the third period
with an assist from Mike Harder.  Mike Hurlbut put one more on the board, this
time a short-handed goal with help from Harder again to end the scoring.
	 The Buffalo Sabres returned player-assistant coach Randy Cunneyworth and
Amerks scoring leader Domenic Pittis to Rochester yesterday (Monday, December
14).  Pittis was recalled by the parent Sabres in an emergency move due to an
injury to Derek Plante.  Cunneyworth has been wearing the red, white and BLACK
for two weeks before his return.  Their re-appearance in the red, white and
BLUE has signaled the return of Mark Dutiame and Shane Kenny to the B.C.
Icemen of the United Hockey League.
	 The Amerks remain atop the Empire Divsion with a 16-8-2 record and play the
Adirondack Red Wings at home on Friday, the Kentucky Thoroughblades at home on
Sunday and a quick jaunt to Albany on Saturday in a matchup of the number one
and two teams in the Empire Division.
	 Look for these reports to come on time as my finals end tomorrow and more
Amerks updates are yet to come.  Enjoy the holiday season!

Yours,
  Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Last night, Friday, December 11, was homecoming in the city of Rochester.
No, high school homecomings are over...a homecoming for two former Buffalo
Sabres farm hands to (minor-league) Hockeytown.  Former Amerks captain (and
former Sabre) Dane Jackson and two-time scoring leader Craig Charron returned,
this time as members of the expansion Lowell (MA) Lock Monsters.  It wasn't
all cheery as some may suspect...
	 Lowell scored first at 14:24 of the opening period.  They added a second goal
at 18:06 of the second period, with Jackson earning one of the assists.  The
usual potent firepower of the Americans power-play couldn't find a niche, as
they converted only 1 of 8 on the evening for their first goal.  Cory Sarich
netted the goal with assists from freshly-returned-from-Buffalo Mike Hurlbut
and Mike Harder at 9:02 of the final period.  They tied the game when Hurlbut
increased his point total with a great shot at 15:24 of the period, assisted
by Craig Fisher.  Lowell ended the fans hopes for overtime with a goal at
18:32.  Martin Biron stopped 17 of 20 Lock Monster shots while the Americans
pieced together 33 shots on goal.  Final score was 3-2.
	 Miscellaneous notes regarding the game:
	 -Coach Brian McCutcheon was ejected for the first time in his Amerks bench
career after disputing a questionable non-call by the officials.  Being in
attendance at the game, I have to defend McCutcheon's actions due to numerous
blown calls...you'd think you were watching the NFL.  One obvious problem was
when Dane Jackson "slashed" Scott Nichol in the stomach...he actually threw an
intentional elbow into his chest, knocking Nichol to the ice right in front of
the linesman.
	 -Biron entered the game as the top goaltender in the AHL with a 1.85 GAA and
the power play unit was ranked within the top four, both in conversion and
penalty killing.
	 -Although it took another last-ditch comeback, the Americans have yet to be
shutout this season.

Look for a post-game report of tonight's matchup between the Hamliton Bulldogs
and the Americans in Rochester tomorrow!  This one is sure to be good,
considering the Bulldogs handed Rochester their first home loss this season
only two home games ago.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Even though it is early December, last night's matchup between the
Philadelphia Phantoms and Rochester Americans looked more like a playoff game.
Philadelphia entered the game with a 16-4-2 record and 34 points.  Rochester,
visiting Philly for the first time this season, brought a  14-6-2 record (31
points) with them.  Rochester moved up a place in terms of league ranking by
shutting down the Phantoms behind two goals from Dean Sylvester.  With the
win, the Amerks assumed sole possession of second place in the league, one
point behind Philadelphia.  They retain their lead in the league's Empire
Division by at least one point, pending last night's result of the game
between Albany and Syracuse.
	 Rochester scored late in the first period as Sylvester, assisted by Mike
Harder, put the puck past Philadelphia goaltender Jean-Marc Pelletier at
17:00.  Sylvester added his seventh of the season two minutes later, assisted
this time around by Dean Melanson and Craig Fisher.  Philadelphia scored in
the second period to cut the Amerks' lead to one goal.  After Pelletier was
pulled in favor of a sixth attacker, Harder scored his ninth of the season,
assisted by Sylvester to add insurance, although only twenty seconds remained
in the game.
	 The Rochester club was outshot once again, 31-16.  Netminder Martin Biron
stopped 30 of 31 shots for his eleventh win of the year.  Other information
regarding Rochester:
	 Mike Hurlbut was in an Amerks uniform again last night on loan from the
parent Sabres.  Mark Dutiaume was recalled from his loan to the B.C. Icemen as
well.  In terms of injury, Rochester has only one to be concerned with.  Denis
Hamel broke a toe in the loss against Hamilton last week, and is expected to
be out 2 to 4 weeks.  However, Hamel was quoted in local media as stating he
will return as soon as he feels ready, and could return earlier than expected.
	 This weekend is a homecoming for the Amerks as they host the Lowell Lock
Monsters (currently in first place in the Atlantic Division) and the Hamilton
Bulldogs (third in Empire division) on Friday and Saturday nights. Former
Amerks Craig Charron and Dane Jackson will make a return to Rochester with
Lowell on Friday night.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

AMERICANS LOSE TO HAMILTON AT HOME BY 2-1 SCORE

	 The Rochester Americans, at home and hosting division rival Hamilton
Bulldogs, slipped and fell, losing by a score of 2-1.  Martin Biron was in the
net again for Rochester and had shut out the Bulldogs in the teams' previous
two meetings.  This time the 'Dogs put one past the Wall and used that
momentum to shut down the Amerks.  In fact, they scored only :29 into the
game.  The teams really got into it, with Greg Walters and Scott Nichol
receiving penalties for fighting in the first period.  Craig Fisher tied the
game at 6:17 of the second period, with assists going to Domenic Pittis and
Dean Melanson. Nichol's PIMs increased in the second period as he received a
double minor for elbowing and roughing.  To add insult to injury, he received
an unsportsmanlike conduct/diving penalty only four minutes later.  Hamilton
scored the game winner in the final minute of play in the second period.
Biron stopped 21 of 23 shots on the goal to bring his record to 10-4-1 on the
season.

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

AMERKS TAKE TEMPORARY FIVE POINT LEAD IN EMPIRE DIVISION AFTER WIN OVER
ADIRONDACK

	 At home and facing a division rival, the Rochester Americans won their thrid
consecutive game last night, December 4, by a score of 3-1 over the Adirondack
Red Wings.  There were a few things different this time around, however.  For
the first time in five games Mike Harder did not score a point and for the
first time in three weeks, the Amerks were backstopped by a different man; Tom
Draper.  Rochester scored first when points-leader Domenic Pittis fired his
eighth of the season past the Red Wing keeper.  Assisting on the power play
goal were Craig Fisher and Cory Sarich, with the goal coming at 10:52 of the
first period.  Adirondack tied the game at 5:32 of the second period before
Rochester regained the lead on a power play goal by Fisher, his eighth of the
year as well.  Assists on the eventual game-winning goal went to Pittis and
Dean Melanson.  The insurance goal was added by Steffon Walby, his tenth of
the season at 19:45 of the third period.  Melanson earned his second point of
the evening and Pittis earned his third as they assisted on the goals.
Masked-man Draper stopped 26 of 27 shots on goal to even his record at 3-3-1
and put the club's record to 14-5-2 on the season.

	 Look for a postgame report on the Amerks/ Bulldogs game tomorrow!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

UP NEXT FOR THE ROCHESTER AMERICANS

	 The team will host the Adirondack Red Wings on Friday, December 4 and the
Hamilton Bulldogs on Saturday, December 5 before heading to Philadelphia to
take on the Phantoms for the first time this season on Wednesday, December 9.
	 The Red Wings and Americans, Empire Division rivals, have met four times
previously this season, with the Amerks holding a 2-1-1 advantage.  In the
season opener, Rochester was in Adirondack and the Red Wings beat Rochester
2-1, with Matt Davidson scoring the lone Amerks goal.  Their next meeting came
in Rochester on October 28 and the Amerks ate the Wings with a 5-1 loss.  Dean
Melanson scored two goals in that matchup and Denis Hamel, Scott Nichol and
Randy Cunneyworth each added a goal in the game.  Mike Hurlbut and Steffon
Walby each scored when the teams tied 2-2 on November 13 to even the slate at
1 across the board.  On the road again, the Amerks gained the series advantage
with a shutout on November 25.  Davidson scored both Rochester goals in the
game.
	 The Americans faced another division rival, the Hamilton Bulldogs, only twice
this season and hold the 'Dogs on a leash with a 2-0 series lead.  Martin
Biron shut out the opponent in their first meeting (in Hamilton) while Hamel
and Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre netted goals in the victory on October 12.  Hamilton
then came to Rochester and was put in the "dog house" as the Americans rode a
six-goal second period en route to an 8-0 victory.  Biron was in net again and
several Amerks put pucks past the "Swiss Cheese Goalie" between the pipes for
Hamilton.  Scoring for Rochester in that game were Walby, Dean Sylvester,
Domenic Pittis and Craig Fisher.  Denis Hamel was the hero as he scored a hat
trick in the game.  Look for post-game reports and updates in the mail soon!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy

AMERKS TAKE A FIVE POINT LEAD IN EMPIRE DIVISION WITH 5-3 WIN

	 Mike Harder extended his point streak to five games as he and Steffon Walby
each scored two goals to lead the Rochester Americans over the St. John's
Maple Leafs for the second consecutive night.  The Amerks now lead the Empire
Division by five points (29) and their closest challenger, the Albany River
Rats, who were idle again last night, remain at 24 points.
	 Harder's first goal of the game came only 1:51 into the game on a power play.
Assisting on the goal were Domenic Pittis and Cory Sarich as the Amerks took
an early 1-0 lead.  The Baby Leafs tied the game with a goal at 8:28 but Denis
Hamel netted one less than a minute later for his ninth of the year.  Assists
on the goal went to Scott Nichol and Matt Davidson.  However, the Leafs came
back with another goal at 13:22 to tie the game at two going into the second
period of play.
	 A power play goal at 1:20 of the second period broke the tie and gave the
Amerks the lead again.  Scoring his eighth of the year was Steffon Walby,
assisted by Dean Melanson and Sarich.  That was the only score of the second
period as Rochester took a 3-2 lead into the third period.  Harder scored his
eighth of the season and second of the night unassisted at 5:10 of the third
period.  That goal would also be the game-winner, however WALBY added some
padding with his ninth of the year from Craig Fisher  and Pittis.  The Leafs
attempted a comeback, slipping a short-handed goal past netminder Martin Biron
at 9:42 of the third period, however they were unable to do it again as the
Rochester club ended their trip in the Canadian Maritime with a 5-3 win.
Biron made 35 saves in the game to improve his record to 10-3-1 on the season.
The Amerks went 3-1 against opponents from the Maritime over the past four
games, with all three wins coming against the Baby Leafs.

I have to agree that Cunneyworth sets a great example for kids and teammates
as well.  He has a great work ethic and in this day and age of "if you're not
at the top of the game, it's not worth it," I think it is a refreshing
reminder that not everyone who is successful becomes a superstar, and
Cunneyworth is a prime example of that.  Following Randy's recent recall to
the parent Sabres follows the example I used in the question:  what would the
team do without an assistant coach?  Well, since this is his second tour of
duty with the Sabres this season, I think the Amerks have found a way to win
without him on the ice, although his presence on the ice when he is in
Rochester is most likely inspiring for the younger players.  Thanks for your
reponse!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

I for one am thrilled that Randy Cunneyworth is back with the Amerks in any
capacity. I have been a huge fan of his since his first tour with the Amerks.
I followed his career when he went onto different teams and am glad he is back
in the fold.
I think he makes a excellent role model for kids as well as teamates.
Of course being a Sabres season ticket holder for many years I am even more
thrilled when he is up with Buffalo.

Janice

Hi there!  Fresh off a 4-1 victory last night, the Rochester Americans will
take on the St. John's Maple Leafs again this evening at 6:00pm.  There isn't
much in the news for an "official" pregame report, so here are some bits of
info picked up over the past twenty-four hours.

	 STEFFON WALBY, the hero of last night's win, is a veteran of several seasons
playing professional hockey.  Last night, he got to be in the spotlight in the
arena where his professional hockey career began.  Walby played for the Baby
Leafs from the 1993-94 season through the 1995-96 season.  Walby has compiled
14 points in sixteen games, including seven goals.

	 Amerks backstop MARTIN BIRON is tied with Saint John Flames goaltender Jean-
Sebastian Giguere for the AHL lead in goals-against average with 1.68 per
game.  Biron is also in 2nd place (behind Giguere) in save percentage with
.939.  Good news for Biron:  Giguere is currently on recall to the parent
Calgary Flames due to an injury to netmider Ken Wregget.

	 Good news for the AMERKS in general:  They do not have a single player in the
minus category in terms of plus/minus.

	 DOMENIC PITTIS returned to action last night after suffering a groin pull and
missing two games.  Playing a regular shift, Pittis assisted on the Amerks'
first goal of the game last night.

Look for the postgame tonight or tomorrow and GO AMERKS!  Don't forget the
Sabres game tonight as well!!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

ROCHESTER DEFEATS ST. JOHN'S MAPLE LEAFS 4-1!!
		 Steffon Walby scores two to guide amerks to victory

	 The Rochester Americans, continuing their trip in the Canadian Maritime, and
despite being outshot 42-30, defeated the St. John's Maple Leafs by a score of
4-1 last night (12/1/98) to take a 2-0 series lead on the Leafs and a three
point lead in the Empire Division of the American Hockey League.   The Baby
Leafs scored first on a power play goal at 6:21 of the first period.
Rochester winger STEFFON WALBY tallied his sixth goal of the season to tie the
game at one with 1:45 left in the first period of play, assisted by CRAIG
FISHER and DOMENIC PITTIS.  WALBY then added his seventh on a power play at
6:41 of the second period.  Assisting on that goal were DEAN MELANSON and CORY
SARICH.  DENIS HAMEL scored a short-handed goal at 13:13 of the second period
to give Rochester a 3-1 lead.  MIKE HARDER improved his point-per-game streak
to four games by scoring a power play goal 1:45 into the third period to
finish off the Leafs.  He was assisted by DEAN SYLVESTER AND JASON HOLLAND.
Netminder MARTIN BIRON backstopped the Amerks by making 41 saves for his ninth
win this season.  Rochester now stands at 12-5-2 on the season with 27 points
in the Empire Division.
	 The Americans will take that 2-0 series lead into a re-match this evening
(12/2/98) against the same Maple Leafs in a game at 6:00 pm.  Look for a post
game report later this evening or early tomorrow morning!  They will then be
on home ice this coming Friday to host the Adirondack Red Wings in a game at
7:30pm.  ALSO:  Be sure to catch the SABRES this evening as they take on the
Florida Panthers.  That's all for now, folks!  Keep cheering and GO AMERKS!!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Howdy!  I forgot that the Amerks will face the St. John's Maple Leafs tonight
(12/1), so here's a little more information.  Look for a postgame report later
tonight or tomorrow.

PLAYER TRANSACTIONS (as of November 24, 1998)

November 24, 1998
-->Defenseman MIKE HURLBUT recalled by BUFFALO SABRES
-->Defenseman SHANE KENNY recalled from B.C. ICEMEN

November 29, 1998
-->Winger RANDY CUNNEYWORTH recalled by BUFFALO SABRES
-->Center ERIK RASSMUSSEN recalled by BUFFALO SABRES

PREGAME REPORT:  ROCHESTER @ ST. JOHN'S MAPLE LEAFS  (12-01-98)

	 The teams have met only once in this young season, with Rochester winning
3-1.  St. John's took the lead late in the first period with a power play goal
at 18:03.  Rochester tied the game with a power play goal at 15:22 of the
second period by CORY SARICH (assists to STEFFON WALBY and MIKE HARDER).  The
Amerks took the lead on another power play goal at 17:53 in the second period.
Scoring for Rochester was CRAIG FISHER, assisted by DEAN MELANSON and MIKE
HARDER.
	 MIKE HARDER capped a great night with an insurance goal in the third period,
assisted by JASON MANSOFF.  At the present time, the team is without forwards
RANDY CUNNEYWORTH and ERIK RASSMUSSEN (see transactions above).  Rochester
also remains at the top of the Empire Division with a slim lead and even
smaller room for error.  The Amerks' record stands at 11-5-2 (25 points) on
the season and the second place team, the perennial-threat Albany River Rats,
stand at 11-6-2 (24 points).  The Rats are idle this evening, so this gives
Rochester an opportunity to take a 3 point lead in the division.  **Quick note
on points:  2 points are awarded for a victory, one for overtime losses and
ties**  Compared with the rest of the American Hockey League, the Rochester
club is currently sixth.  1997 Calder Cup Champions, the Philadelphia
Phantoms, reign in the AHL with a 15-3 record.

MISCELLANEOUS:

	 Center DOMENIC PITTIS leads the Amerks in scoring so far this season with 7
goals and 14 assists in 17 games played this season.  Center SCOTT NICHOL, a
long time veteran of the red, white and blue jersey, is second in scoring with
15 points (6 goals, 9 assists in 18 games).
	 MARTIN BIRON, the next great Amerks netmider following the departed STEVE
SHIELDS, goes into tonight's game with a 8-2-1 record.

Look for the postgame report to follow soon!  Until then....GO AMERKS!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy
Moderator

Hi there!  Sorry about the delay in further mailings about the Rochester
Americans, but the team doesn't play again until later this week.  SO--->
Here is a "think about it" question about a certain player on the Amerks club.
	 Randy Cunneyworth is a veteran of the National Hockey League; last season he
played with the Ottawa Senators, but the Buffalo Sabres signed him in the
offseason.  He was assigned to the Amerks and assumed the role of a "player-
coach," doing just what it says.  He is a winger for the team and also serves
as an assistant coach.
	 In my opinion, player-coaches can be both a blessing and a curse to hockey
teams.  In one way, a player-coach can help his teammates on the ice and also
promote comradeship between the coaches and players.  On the other hand, in
instances such as took place earlier in the season, the players can be
recalled by the parent team and the club then loses an influential figure for
an indefinate amount of time.
	 Please feel free to respond to this in any manner.  I would love to hear what
you think and also, be looking for more information on the Rochester Americans
to come to your mailbox in the very near future!  Until then...GO AMERKS (and
SABRES)!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

Whoops!  I made a mistake (geez, it was only the first issue!).  The Amerks
victory was against the St. John's Maple Leafs, not the Saint John Flames.
Sorry about the mixup!  While I'm at it----- >here is a little more
information about the Amerks:

	 Craig Fisher's goal against the MAPLE LEAFS (see above!) was the 300th goal
of his career.

	 Cory Sarich, the hard hitting open-ice checker for Rochester set a new team
high for shots on goal this season.  Sarich, a defenseman, put twelve shots on
goal in the game this past Friday.  The previous high was seven, set by
forward Denis Hamel against the Hamilton Bulldogs back in October.

	 Rochester is once again in the hunt for the AHL attendance lead.  The team is
currently second in the league, averaging 8, 339 fans per game.

'til next time,

Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator

The Rochester Americans went 1-1 over the Thanksgiving weekend, improving
their record to 11-5-1 on the season  and remaining in first place in the
Empire Division of the Western Conference.  Rochester won 3-1 over the St.
John's Flames on Friday but were unable to provide an encoure performance
against the poorly performing Fredricton Canadiens.
	 After falling behind in the first period against the Flames the day after T-
day, the hometown boys came back with two power play goals in the second
period.  Cory Sarich scored the tying goal at 15:22, assisted by Steffon Walby
and Mike Harder.  Craig Fisher scored the go ahead goal 2 minutes and 31
seconds later.  Harder racked up his second assist off the evening and long-
time Rochester favorite Dean Melanson also earned an assist.  Mike Harder
finished his evening by scoring the insurance goal at 14:42 of the third
period with Jason Mansoff earning the assist.  Rochester finished the game
with 36 shots on goal and goaltender Martin Biron made 36 saves.
	 On the road in Fredricton, New Brunswick and fresh off the home victory the
Americans faced the basement-dwelling Canadiens, who were seeking to improve
their record of 5-14-2.  The minor league Habs got an early start with a goal
in the first period but Darren VanOene tied the game with a goal at 4:37 of
the second period.  Assists went to Mike Harder and Steffon Walby.  That was
it for the Amerks' offense as the Canadiens went on to score two more goals,
including an empty-netter with :16 remaining in the game.  Netminder Biron's
record went to 8-3-1 on the year while making 27 saves of 30 shots on goal.
The Rochester offense mustered 24 shots on goal in the game and were 0 for 5
on the power play.
	 Rochester's next two games are on the road, both at St. John's on December 1
and 2.  The will then face the Adirondack Red Wings in an Empire Division
contest at home on Friday, December 4.  Look for more Amerks info to come
soon!

Yours,
Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator.

To all subscribers:

	 Thank you very much for your interest in the Rochester Americans list and
subscribing to the Amerks list.  I would like to let you know a couple of
things.  First, as I have just returned from vacation in Canada, I have not
been able to get a message into the mail yet.  Please look for the first one
to come through either later today or tomorrow.  I need to get caught up on
the latest information.
      Second, just a reminder that this list is pretty much open to anything,
however because it is open to all ages, please limit the usage of "obscene"
language and content in messages you send to the list.  If you have any
comments or suggestions, please feel free to send them to me via this list.
Once again welcome!  I hope you enjoy reading about the Rochester Americans
hockey club, AHL affiliate of the BUFFALO SABRES!  Look for the first mailing
soon!

Yours,

Jon D. LeRoy,
Moderator