Buffalo Sabres 2012-13 Media Guide - NHL.com

History of the Americans
Established 1956
After three seasons with the Portland Pirates, the Buffalo Sabres renewed their affiliation with the Rochester
Americans before the 2011-12 season. The 2012-13 season will mark the 31st season of affiliation
between the Sabres and Amerks, one of the longest relationships between and NHL team and its AHL
affiliate.
The Amerks are entering their 56th season in the American Hockey League and the team will once again
be an essential pipeline for future Sabres stars. The current Sabres roster is filled with nine former Amerks,
including Ryan Miller, Thomas Vanek, Jason Pominville and Drew Stafford.
It was during the 1979-80 campaign that the two organizations first formed a professional hockey partnership. Billy Inglis was the first
head coach of the Amerks during the affiliation. Future coaches would include Mike Keenan, Joe Crozier, Jim Schoenfeld, Don Lever, John
Van Boxmeer, John Tortorella, Brian McCutcheon and Randy Cunneyworth. Both Keenan (New York Rangers, 1994) and Tortorella (Tampa
Bay Lightning, 2004) went on to coach NHL teams to Stanley Cup victories.
In 30 years of affiliation, the Amerks have compiled a record of 1,173-958-248-17 in 2,396 regular season games and captured nine regular
season titles. During that period, the Amerks have captured three Calder Cup Championships (1983, 1987 and 1996) and have advanced
to the Calder Cup Finals six times.
The Sabres and Pirates enjoyed a successful three-year affiliation (2008-09—2010-11), with the Pirates compiling a 131-79-16-13 overall
record and a 1st place finish in the Atlantic Division in 2010-11. During the three-year span, three Pirates players were named Dudley “Red”
Garrett Memorial Award winners, an award given to the AHL’s most outstanding rookie: Nathan Gerbe (2008-09), Tyler Ennis (2009-10)
and Luke Adam (2010-11).
Besides the Sabres, the Amerks have been affiliated with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks
and Florida Panthers.
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