Amerks return to ice after long hiatus, new vaccination rule

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — Postponements kept Rochester off the ice for over a week. Now, the lengthy break is over and the Amerks return to Blue Cross Arena.

It’s been 19 days since fans could watch their beloved Rochester Americans inside Blue Cross Arena. Now, after multiple postponements, Rochester is ready to play again.

But it won’t come without some changes to rules the crowd must follow.

Children five years and over will have to show proof of vaccination to get into the game. All adults must follow that mandate as well. And masks must be worn by kids under five years old. People five and older are strongly encouraged to wear masks, but not required, according the the Amerks website.

All of these rules are set in place based on New York guidelines.

The Amerks will host the Providence Bruins for a 7:05 p.m. puck drop. Rochester won its last two games, but will have to re-gain some momentum lost with so many days in between games. It’s the first of two scheduled games with Providence this season.

Rochester’s NHL affiliate, the Buffalo Sabres, are also back at home for their first game since Dec. 17. The NHL had a brief pause in the season to regroup amidst COVID troubles.