SHEAHAN READY FOR 'NORMAL ROLE' WITH AMERKS
Nov 2, 2022By Suzie Cool
On Monday, the Rochester Americans announced a pair of roster moves as the Buffalo Sabres recalled defenseman Jeremy Davies and loaned forward Riley Sheahan to the Amerks.
This move could prove to be a big one for Rochester’s offense, especially for a young group of forwards like the Amerks have. He joins Brandon Davidson and Matt Bartkowski as Rochester's latest veteran roster additions.
“It’s kind of tough going into practice knowing you're the extra forward and sort of just going in on drills every once in a while, so to be out there and in a normal role and feeling healthy is good and I'm excited for it,” explained Sheahan when asked how his adjustment to Rochester has been in just a few short days.
Sheahan, who returned to the Sabres organization following a year away, hasn't appeared in a game this season as he began the campaign on injured reserved. The 30-year old forward posted 13 points (4+9) in 53 games during his previous stint with Buffalo in 2020-21.
He’s certainly no stranger to some of the coaches and players he’ll be spending time with in Rochester after getting to know them over the last season and training camp this year.
“I got to know some of the guys during training camp, so it's a really good group. Really young group. A lot of energy and high-level coaching staff.”
In the National Hockey League, Sheahan has amassed 194 points on 74 goals and 120 assists in 635 NHL games between the Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Edmonton Oilers, Florida Panthers, Pittsburgh Penguins and Seattle Kraken. Additionally, Sheahan has tallied 58 points on 26 goals and 32 assists in 114 games American Hockey League contests with the Grand Rapids Griffins and Charlotte Checkers, winning the Calder Cup with the Griffins in 2013.
“Not much different than what my role kind of has been in the last few years,” explained Sheahan when asked what he expects his role to be in Rochester. “I think just being responsible in every zone of the ice and trying to help some of these kids develop and mature and understand the game. I think there's a lot of skill involved in playing, but a lot of maturity and a lot of knowing how to treat yourself off the ice and things like that. So, just trying to sort of lead that way and go from there and just enjoy playing on the ice.”
Tonight will be Sheahan’s first taste of Amerks hockey as they host the Syracuse Crunch for the third of 12 face-offs this season. Game time is slated for a 7:05 p.m. start and will be carried live on 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester as well as AHLTV.