Amerks' Pysyk released from hospital

Defenseman Mark Pysyk was released from Strong Memorial Hospital late this afternoon and is "doing well," the Rochester Americans say, following his collapse during a pickup basketball game at the arena this morning.

The statement from the team did not make mention of Pysyk's playing status in the near future, nor was there any indication of what caused the medical emergency.

That he was released after evaluation by doctors at Strong just hours after being transported by ambulance to the hospital could very well be an indication that there very likely is not a significant medical issue.

Pysyk was fairly alert and his vital signs were close to normal when he was transported by paramedics, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was at court side at Blue Cross Arena at the Rochester Community War Memorial.

The Amerks didn't practice today but met for a team breakfast and workout. Several players went onto the basketball court for a pickup game. The hockey rink had been switched over for basketball to accommodate the Rochester Razorsharks' 1 p.m. game.

Pysyk, 23, apparently dropped to his knees and then collapsed. There was no indication of a cause, and there is no public history of any sort of similar issue during his three seasons with the Buffalo Sabres organization.

The talented defenseman played in the Amerks' 4-3 overtime loss to the Toronto Marlies Friday night, just hours after he had been reassigned by the Sabres. He was recalled on Sunday and played two games this week for Buffalo.

A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Pysyk has played in 51 AHL games this season for the Amerks (3 goals, 13 assists, 16 points) and 7 NHL games with the Sabres (2-1-3). He was selected on the first round (24th overall) by the Sabres in the 2010 NHL draft.

This season he has been recalled by the Sabres, and then subsequently returned to the Amerks, three times: twice in December and then the five-day promotion this past week. He has played 70 career NHL games.

The Amerks are idle until Wednesday, when they play at Utica. They aren't home again until March 13.