There was a time when Randy Cunneyworth would skate onto the ice for practice wearing a Rochester Americans sweat top and a Buffalo Sabres cap.

At Buffalo's American Hockey League affiliate since 1979, apparel from the Sabres and Amerks was virtually interchangeable for nearly three decades.

Not anymore. That hat is forbidden on the ice.

Nothing against the Sabres. Hey, they pay his salary and are still a parent team. But the Florida Panthers are also a parent team in this dual affiliation.

The Canes and the Avs call themselves "Developmental Partners", which kind of has a nicer ring...

Can Amerks build unity?

The Rochester Americans begin their 51st season in the American Hockey League with a very different look.

Of the 30 players on the opening-night roster, 17 are new to Rochester, including 14 first-year pros.

With the Buffalo Sabres and the Florida Panthers equally stocking the team, the Amerks hope to improve on last year's 37-39-4 record, which resulted in the first non-playoff season in 16 years.

Young Amerks may take time to mesh

Video: Meet the Amerks
Amerks Player Profiles
Rats are looking to alter a trend
New era spurs optimism

Also, I guess I missed this yesterday:

Craig Anderson made his practice debut with the Rochester Americans (yesterday), and will very likely be the starting goalie in Friday's night's 7:35 season opener.

Defenseman Alexei Semenov is expected to arrive tonight and could also play when the Amerks play the Albany River Rats.

Anderson spent all of last season with the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, posting a 6-12-4 record with a 3.32 goals-against average in 29 games.

The arrival of Anderson, 25, gives the Amerks four goalies. Rookie Adam Dennis is still unsigned but talks between the Buffalo Sabres and his agent continue.

There are 30 players on the roster. Coach Randy Cunneyworth would at some point like to be down to 23 or 24 players. Since ECHL camps open on Monday, a few reassignments could come over the weekend.


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Next Game
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Who: Albany River Rats at Rochester Americans
When: Friday, October 6, 2006; 7:35 PM
Where: Blue Cross Arena at the War Memorial
TV: B2 Networks
Radio: B2 Networks
Internet: mms://168.75.182.197/rochester
Web site: www.amerks.com