The AHL Rochester Americans' future has “again become a subject of speculation -- with radio reports claiming the team is exploring other venues in which to play,” according to Sharp & Roth of the ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE. However, Pegula Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Amerks and Sabres, said speculation they are looking to move the Amerks is “100 percent wrong.” PS&E Managing Partner and President Russ Brandon said, “We’re not planning on going anywhere.” Sharp & Roth note the team “already has sent in its game dates" to the AHL for '17-18. They also are "working with arena manager SMG on promotions next year, and the team website is accepting season ticket renewals for next season.” Brandon added that there has been "no contact with any other city, other than continuing their dialogue with the city of Rochester.” Brandon "called the Amerks' 61-year AHL history and long affiliation" with the Sabres "‘a hallmark’ and the goal is to preserve things for decades to come” (ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE, 3/2). In Buffalo, John Vogl notes the Sabres have “said for several years that Rochester’s Blue Cross Arena is unsuitable" for the Amerks' needs. The Sabres "declined to play a preseason game there this year, instead opting for Pegula Ice Arena on the Penn State campus” (BUFFALO NEWS, 3/2).
