Apr 15, 2022
By Suzie Cool
It’s no secret that many Buffalo Sabres fans were excited to watch the development of rookie JJ Peterka over the course of the 2021-22 campaign. However, do we think they knew they’d be in for quite the treat?
With the way that Peterka has emerged into his own, it’s apparent that his time with the Rochester Americans this year has been nothing but beneficial for his professional growth.
“JJ has just had such a great growth year. It’s been really fun to see and watch,” commented Amerks head coach Seth Appert when asked about Peterka coming to form in the second half of the season. “His daily approach has gotten better, and he shows up with more intensity every day.”
After scoring just four times through the first three months of the season, Peterka has went on to notch 42 points in 40 games since the turn of the calendar year. Now, Peterka’s uptick on the scoresheet in the second half of the year has him leading all American Hockey League rookies with 62 points, tied for second with 38 assists and third in goals with 24 in 63 games this season.
Additionally, with Peterka’s 62 points, he has become the first Amerks rookie to reach the 60-point mark since forward Thomas Vanek has 68 points on 42 goals and 26 assists in 74 games during the 2004-05 season.
While Peterka came in as one of the most highly anticipated prospects in the Sabres organization, the coaching staff in Rochester has continued to challenge him daily.
“Just being better with my habits, especially like back-checking and playing in the O zone,” commented Peterka when asked how the coaching staff has continued to challenge him this year. “That was like the main part, but we practice a lot of offense, too, and I think that’s helped me a lot and keeps me going.”
Peterka even discussed how these little things away…
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