TACO BELL WRAP-UP: HELENIUS’ HAT TRICK GETS AMERKS A WEEKEND SPLIT
Rochester increases playoff lead on Belleville and Utica
Mar 23, 2026By Andrew Mossbrooks | @ Mossbrooks48
The Rochester Americans (26-24-5-4) began a home-heavy stretch with games Friday and Sunday at Blue Cross Arena, hosting Syracuse and Hartford, respectively.
After Rochester’s rally fell short against the Crunch, the team would get a second chance at a comeback Sunday and capitalize as they circled the wagons against the Wolf Pack.
HATS OFF, HELE
Sunday started off as the Konsta Helenius show with the Sabres prospect netting each of Rochester’s first three goals in the team’s 6-3 win over Hartford.
Helenius scored to even the game early before the Wolf Pack went on to gain a 3-1 lead in the opening period. After that, Helenius struck in the final minute of the first, then again within the opening 60 of the middle period for a breakaway goal to complete the second career hat trick for the 19-year-old.
The Ylöjärvi, Finland, native is second on scoring for the Amerks with 48 points (18+30). Helenius is also second across the AHL in points by a teenager.
JONES CLIMBING THE CHARTS
Zac Jones is putting up numbers that are beginning to rival some all-time seasons by an Amerks defenseman.
The 25-year-old posted a highlight reel goal in Friday’s 5-3 loss to the Crunch to exceed the 50-point mark on the season. At 51 (9+42), Jones not only continues to lead the league in points by a blueliner, but also has the most points by an Amerks defensemen in 15 years.
The last Amerk to do what Jones has done was Michael Kostka, who recorded 54 points (16+38) in 2010-11. Jones needs three points to catch him. The year prior, Clay Wilson recorded 60 points (14+46) in the 2009-10 campaign while patrolling the blueline for the Amerks.
Amerks Hall of Famer Bob Hess is the all-time single-season leader in points by a defenseman with 75 (17+58) in the 1980-81 season.
BILLIEVING
The Amerks success on Sunday follows the running trend of the team’s success on its annual Bills Day game. Since the promotion’s inception in 2022, the Amerks have posted a 4-0-1-0 record while sporting Bills-inspired jerseys. Over that span of time, the Amerks have wins over Bridgeport, Cleveland, Hartford, and Utica, outscoring the opposition by a 24-15 margin. Additionally, the Amerks have averaged a turnout of 7,982 fans at Blue Cross Arena for the gridiron-themed promotion.
Sunday’s six-goal performance was the most by an Amerks team in regulation since earlier this season on Dec. 10 at Belleville. The half-dozen goals are the most on home ice by the team since last season on Mar. 28, 2025, when Devon Levi and his teammates shut out the Bridgeport Islanders.
COMING UP NEXT
For the first time all season, the Amerks will play three games in as many nights, beginning with their final regular season tilt against the Toronto Marlies Friday night for Hometown Heroes night at Blue Cross Arena.
The Amerks then visit Syracuse Saturday to kick-off a home-and-home weekend that ends with Wrestling Day Sunday afternoon.