BRIAN GIONTA TO PRACTICE WITH AMERKS

Rochester Americans General Manager Randy Sexton announced today that Brian Gionta has been invited to practice with the team for an extended period of time in preparation for international play. Gionta is scheduled to join the Amerks on the ice beginning Tuesday, Oct. 10 for the team’s 10:30 a.m. practice at The Blue Cross Arena.

“We were recently approached by Brian and his agent about him practicing regularly with Rochester as he prepares for international competition,” said Sexton. While Brian’s role with the team will be limited to practicing only, we feel this can be a real win-win situation for both he and the Amerks organization.”

The 38-year-old Rochester native has appeared in 1,006 National Hockey League games with the Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils over a 16-year professional career in which he has recorded 588 points (289+299) and 375 penalty minutes. Gionta has also compiled 68 points (32+36) over 112 career playoff appearances and was a member of the 2003 Stanley Cup-winning Devils.

Gionta has served as team captain in each of his last seven seasons, including the previous three in Buffalo. He totaled 103 points (40+63) in 230 career games with the Sabres from 2014-17, appearing in his 1,000th NHL game during the 2016-17 campaign.