The Rochester defenseman breaks the record for goals scored by an Amerks defenseman.
By CRAIG POTTER / C&C Worldwide Sports Director
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — At 16:21 into the second period, Zach Redmond made franchise history for the Rochester Americans as his 19th goal of the season, which is the most-ever scored by an Amerks blueliner.
Team captain Kevin Porter was breaking down ice in Binghamton Devils goalie Cory Schneider on a 3-on-0. Redmond was on his right wing as he drew Schneider towards himself, then passed the puck to Redmond, who fired it into the empty right side of the net.
“I actually didn’t know it was him but I figured you have to pass it on a two-on-oh,” said Porter.
Redmond surpassed Amerks Hall of Famer Rick Pagnutti of 18, set in the 1972-73 season.
“Zach is a great person for our dressing room,” said Amerks head coach Chris Taylor. “The way he helps our team and the organization is unbelievable. What he is doing on the ice is even more incredible. Overall, I am very happy for him to get the record.
“First and foremost, he’s a great person for our dressing room and you can’t say enough about what he does for our team, our organization and this community. The guys were more happy than he was and that just says what kind of person he is.”
“He has a pretty great shot,” added Danny O’Regan. “I was still on the bench when the puck got to his stick but, I was already raising my arms before he even shot it.
“It’s so cool. No one deserves it more.”
Earlier this season Redmond became the fastest Amerks defenseman to score 10 goals in the fewest amount of games to begin the season. That mark was held by Amerks Hall of Famer Don McSween in his first 21 games during the 1989-90 campaign. Redmond tallied his 10th goal in the 14th game this season.
The AHL record is 30 goals by a defenseman, which is held by John Slaney, set in 1999-00.
Unfortunately, Redmond sustain an injury on the final shift of the game and was unavailable for comment afterwards.
“He’ll be fine,” Taylor said.
However, Redmond didn’t look fine leaving the ice. He was in the basement medical area for X-rays.
The Amerks never trailed in the game, but did squander a 4-1 lead as the Devils battled back in the second stanza to knot the count at 4-4.
Scott Wilson, O’Regan, Taylor Leier, and Victor Olofsson scored the goals for Rochester.
O’Regan scored again on a power play to put the Amerks back in front to stay. Redmond’s tally proved to be the game-winner.
Wayne Simpson tacked on an empty net marker to secure the victory in the final minute after the Devils cut the margin to 6-5 with a goal early in the third period.
Goalie Scott Wedgewood made 25 saves to improve his record to 16-7-1-3.
Rochester increased its lead in the North Division to 3 points over the Utica Comets, (53-50).
*NOTES — Rookie Lawrence Pilut will not play in the AHL All-Star Classic this weekend in Springfield, MA., as he still is with the Buffalo Sabres on a callup…With Zach Redmond’s injury, his status for the AHL All-Star Classic is in doubt, as of Wednesday night. Pilut and Redmond were the only 2 Amerks selected to play in the Challenge.
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Rochester Americans forward Danny O’Regan (65) scores a power play goal to put the Amerks up 5-4 against the Binghamton Devils on Wednesday night (1/23/19) before 3,242 fans at the Blue Cross Arena. Rochester won 7-5.
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Brought to you by C&C Worldwide, supporting greecenylive.com, irondequoitlive.com, penfieldlive.com, websterlive.com and rochesternylive.com. Video by Craig Potter.
Rochester Americans forward Wayne Simpson (10) scores an empty net goal to secure a 7-5 win against the Binghamton Devils on Wednesday night (1/23/19) before 3,242 fans at the Blue Cross Arena.
Discover the Healthy Living Mall where you will find the Healthy Living Resources for you to attain your health goals. Check it out at: http://digijunction.com/health/potter10