Article Written By Aidan Charde
Recap: Oct. 4 and 5 vs. Danbury Hat Tricks
It was another three-point weekend for the Rochester Jr. Americans, although it comes bittersweet after a third period lead ended in an overtime loss for the second time this season.
In game one, Rochester got off to a fast start with a strike from forward Hugo Branthsson just over one minute into the period. The Jr. Amerks would not relinquish the lead the rest of the night, adding a score from forward Landon Brownlee as the first period ended and Branthsson’s second at the end of the second frame.
Danbury did draw within one goal twice, but goalie Danick Leroux held strong when it mattered most to keep Rochester’s two points safe. Rochester also failed to score a goal on the powerplay for just the second time all season, though they were also held to a season-low one man-up opportunity.
The second game saw little action in the first period until a flurry of scoring happened as the final minute approached. In just 38 seconds, a 0–0 affair turned into a 2–1 Danbury lead, which held through the second period as well.
Branthsson once again found the back of the net with a power play goal early in the third period, tying the contest, before forward Adam Gionta gave Rochester its first lead of the game a few minutes later. Unfortunately, Danbury was able to earn an equalizer soon after, sending the game to overtime where the Hat Tricks ultimately prevailed.
Three points is a solid takeaway from the weekend as Rochester looks forward to returning home this weekend to host the Maryland Black Bears.
Preview: Oct. 11 and 12 vs. Maryland Black Bears
WHEN: Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. | Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
WHERE: Rochester Ice Center | Rochester, NY
PROMOTIONS: Oct. 11 – 80’s Night and Post-Game Skate | Oct. 12 – Hockey Fights Cancer Night
WATCH: NAHL.tv
FOLLOW: @JrAmerksNAHL
History
Last year, Maryland decisively won the season series, with Rochester holding a 2–4–2 record against the rival. However, fans were always treated to exceptional games between the two teams, with three overtime contests and all eight games being decided by two goals or fewer. Interestingly, Rochester’s lone shootout victory came against Maryland last year.
Branthsson’s dominant weekend
Hugo Branthsson rolls into this weekend off the heels of a four-point series against Danbury, including the game-winner in the first contest and an equalizing goal in the second. It was his second weekend with four points, having tallied three assists and one goal on opening weekend. He is tied with Calle Karlsson for the team lead in points with nine.
Have to finish stronger
Rochester has had no shortage of leads in games this season. Through nine games, the Jr. Amerks have held the lead at some point in all but one contest. The lone exception was their only regulation loss so far, a 2–1 loss to the Fairbanks Ice Dogs — and even in that game, they trailed for less than one minute of game time. While one point is better takeaway than zero, Rochester already has the most overtime losses in the NAHL with four, halfway to their 2023-24 total of eight.
Wins are wins
After ending last season on a high note with some of the best goalie play in the league, neither of Rochester’s goalies have been elite so far this season. But it has not mattered too much yet: Though Florian Wade and Danick Leroux hold the 23rd- and 27th-best goals allowed average in the NAHL (out of 51), the team has still earned points thanks to their performances. Leroux’ GAA is a full one goal higher than his total last year, but he holds a record of 3–0–1 in games this season. Meanwhile, Wade’s GAA of 2.516 and save percentage of .919 are both well above league average, even if his record is 1–1–3 so far.
A threat or an opportunity?
Through the first month of the season, Maryland is looking like they may be the team to beat. The reigning league runners-up have only looked bad in one game this season, a 4–0 loss to the Maine Nordiques in game two. Their starting goalie Benji Motew leads the league in save percentage (.959) and GAA (1.147) and the team as a whole allows fewer goals on a per-game basis than any other team in the league. A formidable opponent, though, leaves the door open for Rochester to show what they have. Rochester has scored the fourth-most goals in the league and they have shown the ability to keep games against Maryland close, so this series should be one for the ages.
