Amerks Hall of Fame broadcaster among 14 local sports figures to be honored at annual Press-Radio Club Celebration of Champions presented by ESL Federal Credit Union June 11 at Innovative Field
May 24, 2024
By Andrew Mossbrooks | @Mossbrooks48
Rochester Americans Hall of Fame broadcaster Don Stevens has been named the winner of the 2024 Gary Smith & George Beahon Sports Media Excellence Award. Stevens will be honored among several other local sports figures at the upcoming annual Rochester Press-Radio Club Celebration of Champions presented by ESL Federal Credit Union on Tuesday, June 11 at Innovative Field.
“I am both honored and humbled to receive this award, especially one that is named after two icons in Rochester’s media history,” said Stevens. “Thank you so much to the Rochester Press Radio Club selection committee. To receive an award for what I do, at this late stage of my career, is incredible. Thanks to the Pegula sports organization for providing such an exciting product that makes all this possible, and, of course, thanks to all the fans for putting up with me this long. I am so blessed!”
“Don has been a staple of Amerks hockey for nearly four decades and this is a tremendous testament for everything he has done for not only the organization, but the entire Rochester sports community,” said Amerks Interim Vice President of Business Operations, Chad Buck. “Don’s distinct and iconic call has been synonymous with some of the most unforgettable moments in team history and his impact on the organization is truly immeasurable. This is yet another incredibly deserving honor and we look forward to many more years and many more memories with Don on the call.”
Stevens, who’s now a three-time winner of the award, recently completed his 38th season with the Amerks and 55th overall in sports broadcasting in 2023-24. In all, Stevens has called 3,250 games over his near 40-year career in Rochester and has been witness to some of the most memorable moments in the 68-year history of the franchise. He also remains the longest tenured broadcaster in the American Hockey League after joining Rochester prior to the 1986-87 campaign.
Stevens has seen many changes in the AHL since he first put on the headphones and called his first Amerks game at the old Rochester War Memorial. Known as the “Dean of AHL Broadcasters,” Stevens has witnessed the expansion of the league to…
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