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Dwindling attendances, a team filled with rookies that were unable to win or get points in any shape or form. Things hit a new low in Rochester at the beginning of this season.

People looked for answers and the Panthers organization failed to provide any adequate response. Director of Player Personnel Jack Birch was approached in one instance by the editor of letsgoamerks.com and rather than providing reassurance of any kind he angrily retorted at any allusion of lassitude, on his or the Panthers organizations part, by petulantly snapping back at he who dared inquire about the sad state of affairs. [Read article here]

The defensiveness is perhaps understandable. It would never be an easy step for the Panthers organization to fill out the Americans boots on their own. Having previously shared the affiliate with Buffalo, Florida announced before this season that they were ready to shoulder the ‘burden’ on their own. The reasoning being that the Cats now had enough promising youngsters to fill a line-up and hopefully continue to develop them in to future NHL players at Rochester by themselves. The idea was good, but it could perhaps be argued that they (both the organization and the rookie youngsters) weren’t quite prepared for the competitiveness of the American Hockey League.

Realistically, a sensible approach to the early tribulations; would be that problems were simply to be expected and there is always a learning curve to everything. Perhaps no one could have foreseen the early season struggles being of such a mammoth proportion however. Likely this unpreparedness and disbelief, experienced by the Amerk faithful, led to a sentiment of vanished pride; which illustrated itself in falling attendances and in scattered outbursts of booing – and even in instances of fans heckling its own players.

There was also a distinct of lack in faith, when it came to the competence of the Panthers organization; which is as much due to a history of unsuccessful drafting’s and player development – as it is a reflection of the slide in fortunes of the club itself over the years in the National Hockey League. All this hampered Rochester in those murky losing days and the snappish attitude displayed of Jack Birch hardly helped to restore any confidence or pride in Rochester either.

The turnaround didn’t come until December, when goaltender Mike Brodeur was brought in to try and steady the ship. Finally Birch and his cronies had woken up and taken action where it counts; on the ice. Brodeur worked magic in goal and his displays brought much needed self-belief to the other players on the team, and they started to slowly get out of the doldrums. Apart from Mike’s excellent goalkeeping, the injuries in South Florida that autumn/early winter probably helped the Amerks also. While the short term consequences were that they lost players, who were called up to the Panthers, the long term equation was that players returned back north with a sense of restored self-confidence after some assured displays for the Cats.

All in all, things were finally on the up and a time for restoration of pride has slowly begun in Rochester. While it is never good in itself to lose or go through bad times, it is true on the other hand that there is much to learn from these occasions and it is the kind of thing that builds character amongst players. They are, believe it or not, richer for the experience, or as Nietzsche would say: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger”.

More good news for the Americans is that Mike Brodeur was recently tied up for another year, after being initially signed on a 25 game professional tryout. An 8-3-1 record, two shutouts, 1.59 goals against average and a .944 save percentage later, Mike was All Star nominated and with a fresh contract in his hands. Undoubtedly well deserved and a big part in the remarkable turnaround of the club. While Jack Birch may need to hone his people and interview skills, he did do a good job in getting Brodeur in and signed for the Amerks. At the announcement of the deal he said: “He [Mike Brodeur] has certainly shown he has the talent to play in the AHL and the potential to play at the next level.”

Indeed, it will be interesting to see if his continued displays warrant Panther GM Jacques Martin to call him up for Panther duty next season; especially considering current back-up Craig Anderson has his contract set for unrestricted free agency this summer…

However, not only Brodeur has been clicking of late and the entire team has continued to perform in the New Year. After yesterday’s win against the Hamilton Bulldogs (6-5), Rochester has won 4 out of the previous 5 games and improved its season record to 13 wins and 29 points; now only 5 points behind the next club in the AHL North Division standings:

Shawn Matthias, reassigned to the Amerks after Panthers 8-4 win against Atlanta, contributed with two goals in the game, winning first star. Cory Murphy, at the end of his 14 day conditioning stint, also contributed with a goal and two assist (6 points in 5 games overall), whilst rookie and former College player (and Florida call-up) Jason Garrison had a four point night (1+3).

Here are the Rochester team statistics (showing only the current roster players) after 39 games:

Good news for Rochester Americans and Florida Panther fans is that there are some talented players here who will likely shine brighter with time. The turnaround in Rochester was not only timely, but quite necessary for both clubs. A few sighs of relief has undoubtedly crossed the lips of Panther and Amerk directors and staff lately. Now improvement is the key word and continued upgrading of the Americans standing in the AHL.

It is crucial for future development and a healthy Florida franchise that the affiliates, especially the AHL one, are vigorous and strong. Montreal and its affiliate Hamilton Bulldogs, which the Amerks beat yesterday, are a proof of this importance. Just take a look at their track record; and most Canadien players have come through this line of success – from AHL to NHL. And, as we all know, success breeds success; at whatever level it is achieved.

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