JJ Peterka Has Rookie Season To Remember

ROCHESTER, NY (WHEC) – The Amerks’ season came to an end on Wednesday night when a Rocket goal in the 3rd overtime sent them on to the next round. It brought an end to Rochester’s furthest run in 18 years. A part of that is credited to one rookie who took no time bursting onto the scene.

JJ Peterka scored in his second game played back in late October and continued to wrack up points frequently. He finished his first regular season campaign with 68 points, the tenth most in the AHL. He carried that right into the Calder Cup Playoffs with twelve points in ten games, tied for the second most in the league along with teammate Arttu Ruotsalainen.

"I think just because the games are like it’s a little bit more important and I think a little bit harder, like physical and I kind of like experience, like a new game for myself, like playing a little bit harder," he said. "And yeah, it really helped my development.

"Most teams don’t in American League there are 19 and 20 year olds aren’t there, coach you guys for us they were and they succeeded with that pressure a lot," head coach Seth Appert said.