For the first time in what feels like a very long time, high expectations are preceding the Rochester Americans’ 2017-18 American Hockey League debut.
The excitement may seem off-base for a team that has not made it out of the first round of the Calder Cup playoffs since the 2004-05 season, let alone even make the playoffs since 2013-14.
Something feels different about this version from the Rochester Americans and it starts from the top down.
New management comes in, thanks to new Buffalo Sabres general manager Jason Botterill. With the firing of general manager Tim Murray, the Americans general manger opening will be filled by Botterill confidant Randy Sexton.