AMERKS NAME LEADERSHIP GROUP, ANNOUNCE METSA AS 65TH CAPTAIN
Third-year pro becomes fifth-youngest captain over last 30 years
Oct 9, 2025By Andrew Mossbrooks | @ Mossbrooks48
On the eve of the Rochester Americans’ historic 70th season getting underway, the team unveiled its leadership group entering the 2025-26 campaign. The group is headlined by defenseman Zach Metsa, who becomes the 65th captain in Amerks franchise history.
Metsa is no stranger to being in a leadership role, having captained Quinnipiac University to its first-ever National Championship in 2023.
Metsa becomes the fifth-youngest captain the Amerks have had over the last 30 years, dating back to 1995. The only captains younger than the 26-year-old in that same timeframe were Clarke MacArthur (25), Drew Larman (25), Scott Nichol (25), and Dane Jackson (26).
“It's tough to put into words,” said Metsa. “This franchise is special to me. I've been so fortunate these past three years to be here, and I’ve played with some great groups and played with some great players. The history behind the franchise, everything that comes with it, there's a weight to it and I’m very proud and honored to have it.”
Metsa finished third in team scoring last season, leading all Amerks’ defensemen with 46 points (7+39). His point totals ranked ninth across all AHL defensemen and his 39 assists finished fourth highest. Across two seasons and 123 games, Metsa has amassed 14 goals and 70 points.
Off the ice, the Amerks’ newest captain has been the team’s winner of the AHL Man of the Year Award back-to-back seasons. The award is given annually by the AHL to players with outstanding contributions to the local community and charitable organizations.
Amerks head coach Michael Leone also appointed four alternate captains to round out the team’s leadership group.
Wearing an “A” for a second season is center Josh Dunne, who posted 29 points (10+19) during the regular season, then added three goals and seven points over eight playoff contests. The sixth-year pro saw his efforts rewarded towards the end of the season with a two-game call-up to the Buffalo Sabres.
Dunne is accompanied by a pair of alternate captains also with half a dozen years of experience.
Defenseman Jack Rathbone will wear an “A” for the first time in his pro career after accruing 51 penalty minutes over 63 games with the Amerks the year prior.
New to the team is forward Carson Meyer, a former teammate of Dunne’s in Cleveland. Meyer will begin the year still rehabbing from a lower body injury, but is expected to bring a scoring touch to the Amerks lineup, posting 65 goals over 201 AHL games. The Powell, Ohio, native has also appeared in 41 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets over parts of three seasons.
Brendan Warren, the longest tenured active Amerk, will close out the quartet of players named alternate captains. Warren, 28, has spent his entire 195-game AHL career in Rochester. After signing a two-year contract with the Amerks during the offseason, Warren was given a letter for the first time in his pro career.
“It means a lot to me,” said Warren. “I'm really proud. I think I've been through a lot here. I've gained a lot of experience and I've grown to really love this city and this organization.”
Rochester opens its historic 70th anniversary season at Blue Cross Arena Friday, Oct. 10 against the Toronto Marlies.