Prospal - Buffalo Hockey Beat

After slow start, Sabres prospect Viktor Neuchev thriving in Rochester

ROCHESTER – In early November, Seth Appert decided rookie winger Viktor Neuchev needed a bit of a wake-up call. So the Americans coach typed some thoughts into Google Translate and handed the Buffalo Sabres prospect a two-page note in Russian.

Appert wanted Neuchev, 20, to understand the commitment and daily habits it takes to become a great AHL player. Early last season, Appert had a similar meeting with center Jiri Kulich, who would score 24 ... Read the full article

Despite scoring slump, Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich playing some of best hockey of career in Rochester

ROCHESTER – Three months ago, when Buffalo Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich left to captain Team Czechia at the World Junior Championship, the Americans believed the reward outweighed any risk.

Sure, Kulich, 19, might not score at the same blistering pace later in the AHL season. But wearing the prestigious letter is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“We knew he was going to be a potential detriment coming back to us,” Amerks coach Seth Appert said following Tuesday’s ... Read the full article

After recall and slump, Sabres prospect Isak Rosen scoring again for Rochester; Buffalo makes roster moves

ROCHESTER – What Sabres prospect Isak Rosen had heard about returning to the AHL following his first recall to the NHL turned out to be true.

To wit: when Buffalo summoned the Swedish winger in late November, he had recorded eight goals and a team-high 19 points in 16 games. Fresh off his strong rookie season, he had developed into one of the Americans’ drivers and top scoring threats.

Entering Friday’s road game against the ... Read the full article

Sabres’ Don Granato to miss game because of illness; Seth Appert to fill in

Buffalo Sabres coach Don Granato is ill and won’t be available for this afternoon’s home game, the team announced this morning. Rochester Americans coach Seth Appert will assume his duties behind the bench for the day.

Granato, 56, conducted Friday’s practice and addressed the media after the Sabres prepared for their game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at KeyBank Center.

When Granato went into COVID-19 protocol in 2020-21, general manager Kevyn Adams subbed behind the ... Read the full article

Sabres prospect Matt Savoie stands out in season debut with Amerks

ROCHESTER – Seven minutes into his season debut, Buffalo Sabres forward prospect Matt Savoie grabbed the puck down low during a power play and deftly fed Americans captain Michael Mersch a pass in his wheelhouse.

Mersch one-timed it past Charlotte Checkers goalie Spencer Knight, tying Wednesday’s game at 1 and giving Savoie, 19, his first professional point.

The play, which Amerks assistant coach Vinny Prospal drew up when he noticed the Checkers defended high, illustrated ... Read the full article

In Vaclav Prospal, Jiri Kulich has special mentor as he fights to make Sabres

BUFFALO – When Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal learned Sabres prospect Jiri Kulich trains in his hometown in Czechia during the summer, he headed to the local rink in Ceske Budejovice to introduce himself.

Prospal, one of the Rochester Americans’ new assistant coaches, ran into some of his former teammates, so he invited Kulich to his house for lunch to chat.

Having coached against Kulich and followed hockey closely, Prospal knew about the youngster’s lethal shot – ... Read the full article

New Amerks assistant coaches Vinny Prospal, Nathan Paetsch offer Sabres prospects notable experience

About six years ago, a mutual friend put Seth Appert and Vaclav “Vinny” Prospal in contact with each other.

Appert, now the Rochester Americans’ coach, was working at the U.S. National Team Development Program. Prospal, a veteran of 1,108 NHL games as a player, was coaching in the Tampa Scorpions youth organization.

As they chatted about hockey and player development, Appert realized how Prospal, who on Monday was named one of Rochester’s assistant coaches, embraced ... Read the full article

Sabres name Nathan Paetsch, Vinny Prospal assistant coaches with Amerks

The Buffalo Sabres today named former NHL players Nathan Paetsch and Vinny Prospal as assistant coaches on Seth Appert’s staff with the Rochester Americans.

They replace Mike Weber and Michael Peca, both of whom recently left the AHL team to take assistant coaching jobs in the NHL.

The Sabres also announced the coaching staffs in Buffalo and Rochester have received contract extensions. Sabres coach Don Granato earned an extension prior to last season.

Paetsch, 40, ... Read the full article