Amerks head coach will leave to become new assistant coach of Buffalo Sabres

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — After four seasons with the Rochester Amerks, head coach Seth Appert will leave his position to become an assistant coach of the Buffalo Sabres.

The Amerks made the announcement on Monday, saying that the search for his replacement will begin immediately. Appert is only the seventh coach in Amerks history to reach 100 career wins.

The announcement comes after the Amerks fell to the Syracuse Crunch on Friday night in game five of a playoff series, ending their season. Appert has led to Amerks to three straight playoff appearances, including an Eastern Conference Final in 2023 that became the team’s farthest playoff run in nearly 20 years. Appert also led to the team to three straight 30-plus win seasons.

In a statement, Appert said he’s grateful for his time in Rochester. “I’ve loved being an Amerk. I’m thankful for our fan base and the players and coaches we’ve been able to build a family atmosphere with.”

Appert said he’s excited to work alongside Sabres head coach Lindy Ruff, who is returning as a coach for the team after the team fired previous head coach Dom Granato. Granato was fired after Sabres playoff drought reached 13 seasons, the longest drought in the NHL.

“I’m incredibly excited to join Lindy’s staff with the Buffalo Sabres,” Appert said. “This gives me the privilege of continuing the work we’ve been doing in Rochester over the last four years in moving our organization forward to where we all want it to be.”

During his time with the Amerks, Appert helped with the development of some the Sabres’ top prospects including Jack Quinn, JJ Peterka, Jiri Kulich, and Isak Rosen.