Amerks sign Arcadia grad

(Rochester, NY)... Rochester Americans General Manager Jody Gage announced today that the team has signed forward Derek Whitmore to an amateur tryout contract (ATO).

            The 23-year-old joins the Amerks after a four-year collegiate career with Bowling Green State University. The Rochester native registered 102 points (70+32) and 84 penalty minutes (PIM) in 143 games for the Falcons. The Greece Arcadia graduate signed a two-year deal with the Buffalo Sabres on March 26^th.

            Whitmore helped lead the Falcons to the second round of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association playoffs this past season, for the first time since 2001. He also helped the Falcons amass 18 wins, which were the most by a Falcon team in the last 13 years.

            A second Team All-Central Collegiate Hockey Association selection this past season, Whitmore tallied a career-best 37 points (27+10) in his senior campaign as he also set a new career mark with 27 goals. Those 27 goals currently ranks tied for fifth in the country, while his 0.71 goals per game mark ranks sixth. They were the most goals scored in a season by a Falcon player since current NHL player, Mike Johnson of the St. Louis Blues, scored 30 in the 1996-97 season. He had 22 of his goals in Falcon wins, as the Falcons were 13-8-0 on the year when he scored a point and 7-2 when he had multiple-points. In his four-year career, the Falcons were 34-30-4 when he scored and 16-7-1 when he scored twice in a game or more.

            Rochester returns to action on Friday, March 28^th as it closes out its two-game home mini series with the Manitoba Moose at The Blue Cross Arena. The 7:35 p.m. contest will be broadcast live on Hot Talk 1280 WHTK, whtk.com and B2 networks. The game will be the eighth and final meeting between the two teams this season. The game will also be televised tape delayed on Time Warner SportsNet Channel 26.

            The Amerks have collected only one point from the Moose this season after falling 4-1 in last night’s meeting at The Blue Cross Arena. Rochester is 0-6-0-1 this season and 14-20-1 all-time against the Vancouver Canucks’ affiliate.

Friday’s contest falls on the next installment of the Amerks’ Friday Night Frenzies. Fans can enjoy live music from Bandit in the main lobby of The Blue Cross Arena up until gametime. A face painter will be present as part of the festivities. Friday is also Scout Night. Scout troops are invited to purchase any 200 premium ticket for $12.00 (Regular price $21.00). Any 100 end ticket can be purchased for $10.00 (Regular price $17.00). Tickets may be purchased through the Amerks office at 585-454-5335 or through The Blue Cross Arena Box Office.

Friday night’s game will mark the 4,000^th regular season game for the Amerks who are in their 52^nd season in the American Hockey League. It was October 18, 1955 when the Rochester War Memorial, now The Blue Cross Arena, first opened at the “Rochester on parade” event. One year later, on October 14, 1956, the Amerks first hit the ice under Coach Billy Reay for a tie game against the Cleveland Barons. The 6,306 in attendance witnessed Rochester’s first goal, scored by Mike Nykoluk at 11:03 of the first period. Earl Balfour tied the game up on a breakaway from center ice.

In the subsequent years, the Amerks have seen their fair share of milestones. Rochester’s 10,000^th goal was scored at home on February 20^th, 1991 by Mr. Amerk himself, General Manager Jody Gage. Most recently, Amerks’ Head Coach Randy Cunneyworth collected his 300^th career coaching victory on March 2^nd, 2008 against the Iowa Stars. In its 52-year history, Rochester has collected six Calder Cups, 14 divisional championships, and three conference championships.