March 2, 2013
Amerks Notebook: Cassidy steps in
by Mike Repertorio/Correspondent
On Wednesday, February 20, Amerks head coach, Ron Rolston got the call from the big club. Rolston will serve the rest of the season as the Buffalo Sabres interim head coach. To replace Rolston on the Amerks bench, look no further than current assistant coach, Chadd Cassidy.
Cassidy has been Rolston’s assistant coach for the past seven years (five with USA Hockey’s National U-18 Team and two with the Americans) and will now have the opportunity to take over the head spot on the staff. Cassidy will serve as the Amerks interim head coach for at least the remainder of this season.
The Week in Review
Rochester’s last win came on Feb. 12 against the Lake Erie Monsters. Across the lake, Frederick Roy, Phil Varone (two) and Nick Crawford led the Amerks to a solid four one win. Veteran addition Patrick Rissmiller joined Luke Adam and Varone (two) with assists on the night.
Three nights later, Rochester started a three game homestand against the Houston Aeros. It also started a stretch of limited offense and a five game losing streak. Only able to muster one goal, a Nick Tarnasky tally, from Mark Mancari, the Amerks lost 3-1.
Next would come a 4-1 loss to the Hershey Bears. Rissmiller, making his impact felt, scored Rochester’s only goal with the assist going to Kevin Porter (now with the Sabres).
Capping off the homestand, Rochester wasn’t able to deliver Chadd Cassidy his first win as an AHL head coach. Alex Biega was credited with the lone goal for the Amerks. Assists came from Rick Schofield and Adam Pardy (now with the Sabres).
At Hamilton only two nights later, Rochester wasn’t able to break the schied. A closer match, Rochester fell 3-2 to the Bulldogs. Mark Pysyk and Maxime Legault scored the goals while Varone (2) and McNabb picked up assists.
Their last home game of the “week in review” came against the Syracuse Crunch. Losing 4-1, Tarnasky was again the lone goal scorer for the Amerks. Rissmiller and Matt Ellis both picked up assists.
News and Notes
- Kevin Porter and Adam Pardy have both been recalled by the Buffalo Sabres.
- After clearing waivers, Matt Ellis and Cody McCormick were both assigned to Rochester.
Fight Tracker
Nick Tarnasky: Scoring goals and dropped the gloves for the Amerks. Tarnasky brawled with Patrick Wellar of the Hershey Bears and with rival Zack Stortini of the Hamilton Bulldogs.
Kevin Porter: Before getting the call up to Buffalo, Porter engaged in his second fight of the season against Andrew Agozzino of the Lake Erie Monsters.
Matt MacKenzie: Also getting in his second fight of the season, MacKenzie fought Texas Star, Hubert Lawrie.
The Week Ahead
Saturday, Mar. 2 | Away vs. Syracuse Crunch
Sunday, Mar. 3 | Away vs. Lake Erie Monsters
Twitter: @MikeRepertorio
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