The Rochester Americans closed out 2024 in fitting fashion, securing a 3-2 overtime victory over the Utica Comets at the Adirondack Bank Center on Saturday night. Mason Jobst’s second goal of the game, just 42 seconds into the extra period, sealed the win and capped a dominant weekend for Rochester, who extended their road winning streak to six games.
With the victory, the Amerks improved to 19-9-3-0, finishing the calendar year atop the North Division while further asserting their dominance over Utica. Rochester has now won 11 of its last 13 games and boasts a league-leading 13 road victories.
Clutch Performance by the Captain
In a game filled with energy and spectacle—highlighted by Utica’s debut of their Vepe-Icepro digital dasher boards—Jobst’s performance shined brightest. The Amerks’ captain delivered when it mattered most, scoring the game-winner after orchestrating the play that forced overtime in the dying seconds of the second period.
Second-Period Surge Propels Rochester
After a scoreless opening frame, Utica’s Xavier Parent broke the deadlock at 5:50 of the second period, capitalizing on a defensive zone turnover by Rochester. The Comets winger darted down the right side and fired a pinpoint shot past Felix Sandstrom to give Utica the lead.
But as they’ve done all season, the Amerks responded swiftly. Less than four minutes later, defenseman Kale Clague tied the game by pouncing on his own rebound following a setup from Riley Fiddler-Schultz and Vsevolod Komarov. Clague’s goal evened the score and shifted momentum firmly in Rochester’s favor.
The Amerks struck again with just 39 seconds left in the period, with Jobst finding space near the crease to bury a rebound off Zach Metsa’s shot. His late tally sent Rochester to the locker room up 2-1 and in full control.
Comets Fight Back, But Amerks Stay Resilient
The Comets refused to go quietly, tying the game just 26 seconds into the third period. Brian Halonen crashed the net and deposited a rebound past Sandström, reigniting the home crowd and setting the stage for a frantic finish.
Despite Utica’s push, Sandström remained composed, turning aside every remaining shot in regulation. The Swedish netminder stopped 23 of 25 shots, improving his record to 5-4-1 on the season.
Overtime Heroics
The extra frame belonged to Jobst. The Amerks quickly transitioned up the ice after a defensive stop in their own zone. Following an offensive zone faceoff win, Lukas Rousek maneuvered through Utica’s defense before dropping the puck to Jobst in the high slot. With precision, Jobst fired the game-winner past Isaac Poulter, silencing the Utica faithful and securing Rochester’s third straight win.
Amerks on a Tear to Close 2024
The victory marked the Amerks’ sixth win in seven meetings with Utica this season, reinforcing their dominance over the Comets. Rochester’s 13 road wins lead the league and highlight the club’s resilience and poise away from Blue Cross Arena.
The Amerks also close out the year having secured points in 21 of their last 27 contests, positioning themselves as one of the AHL’s premier teams heading into 2025.
Up Next
Rochester rings in the new year with a road trip to face the Springfield Thunderbirds on January 3, looking to continue their torrid pace in the second half of the season.
Game Notes:
- Attendance: 3,069 at Adirondack Bank Center.
- Three Stars:
- Mason Jobst (ROC)
- Brian Halonen (UTC)
- Isaac Poulter (UTC)
- Shots: Rochester 36, Utica 25.
- Goaltenders: Felix Sandstrom (ROC) 23 saves; Isaac Poulter (UTC) 33 saves.
- Special Teams: No penalties or power-play opportunities were awarded to either team.
Rochester enters 2025 on top of the North Division, showcasing a balanced attack and clutch performances that will be vital for the playoff push ahead.