BUFFALO – Now you can start planning those trips to Rochester in the event of an NHL lockout, Sabres fans.
The Rochester Americans begin their 31st season as the Sabres’ AHL affiliate on Oct. 12 at the Blue Cross War Memorial against the Syracuse Crunch, a day before their parent club is scheduled to open its campaign at the First Niagara Center versus the Pittsburgh Penguins.
But with collective bargaining agreement talks stalling, who knows when the Sabres’ 42nd season could start?
The Amerks have 38 home games – 21 on Fridays, six on Wednesdays, three on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and two on Mondays – in their 2012-13 schedule, which was released Friday. Games Tuesday through Saturday begin at 7:05 p.m. Sunday and Monday contests have varying start times.
In other Amerks news, the club has re-signed Corey Fienhage, the 81st overall pick by the Sabres in 2008, to an AHL contract. The 22-year-old had four assists and 20 penalty minutes in 20 games with Rochester last season and five goals, 13 points and 28 penalty minutes in 32 appearances for ECHL Gwinnett.