Rochester Americans assistant coach Mike Weber is off to the NHL.
Rochester Americans assistant coach Mike Weber is off to the NHL, hired by the St. Louis Blues as an assistant on Craig Berube’s staff, it was announced Thursday.
Weber spent three seasons on Seth Appert’s staff in Rochester. He worked primarily with the defensemen, helping in the development of Buffalo Sabres blueliner Mattias Samuelsson as well as recently departed Lawrence Pilut, a two-time American Hockey League All-Star.
“Let me start by thanking the Pegula family, the entire Buffalo Sabres organization, and the leadership of Kevyn Adams and Jason Karmanos, all of whom gave me an opportunity to come back to the organization I love and play a small part in building future success,” Weber said in a statement.
The former NHL defenseman was selected by the Sabres in the second round (No. 57) in the 2006 NHL Draft. He played 341 NHL games with Buffalo over eight seasons.
He retired from professional hockey in 2018 after sustaining a career-ending knee injury while playing for Frolunda in the Swedish Hockey League. He joined the Windsor Spitfires, his junior hockey alma mater, as an assistant coach, a role he held until he was hired by the Amerks ahead of the 2020-21 season.
“To Apps, especially, for giving me the opportunity to earn more trust and more responsibility: thank you,” he wrote in his statement. “The growth I experienced in Rochester was the most rewarding experience so far. Thank you for setting the standard and for allowing every individual the freedom to excel in their own way. It’s truly special. Thank you.
“And finally, to the Amerks faithful…
“Wow! Over the last two seasons, to see how you have supported your team in the arena and around the city has been nothing short of incredible. I’ll never forget the goosebumps I felt on our bench with our sellout crowds. From the fans waiting outside the arena after games to the conversations had picking up groceries, it was a special experience coaching for you. I know you will continue to provide this group with more passion and pride in the future.
“Thank you, Rochester.”