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DELL PROVIDING AN INFLUENTIAL PRESENCE FROM THE CREASE

Feb 3, 2022

By Suzie Cool

 

After the Rochester Americans defeated the Charlotte Checkers 5-1 at The Blue Cross Arena on Wednesday night, that win etched a new mark in goaltender Aaron Dell’s professional career.

 

Dell has now backstopped the Amerks to six straight wins through his first six starts with Rochester. Until now, the netminder has never began a season with a win in each of his first six starts at either the NHL or AHL level.

 

More impressive, each of these starts with Rochester has been scattered throughout the 2021-22 campaign. Dell has spent a large majority of the season bouncing back-and-forth between Rochester, the taxi squad and the Buffalo Sabres roster, making it all the more important that he contributes and settles in the way he does when it comes time for his opportunities to backstop in the Flower City.

 

WATCH: AARON DELL POST-GAME | 2/2/22 VS. CHARLOTTE

 

“I think we’re a really hard-nosed team and we just kind of grind. We really work hard for each other here and that’s a huge part of our whole identity and I think I just want to contribute to that as well,” said Dell, who carried a shutout into the final seven minutes of the third period Wednesday before finishing with 35 saves en route to earning first star honors.

 

On top of his six straight wins in his first six starts for the Amerks this season, Dell has been a steady presence for the squad when making an appearance in net. In those six games Dell has only allowed 15 goals, while in each of his games he’s allowed three or fewer tallies. Additionally, Dell has made 176 saves in 365 minutes of play, while his save percentage sits at .921 and goals-against average at 2.47.

 

As Dell continues to prove just how important his veteran presence is in the crease for Rochester, with his extensive knowledge and time in the pros he’s just hoping that he can help a couple of his teammates along the way.

 

“I’ve been around, and I’ve seen all of the North American leagues. I’ve seen guys that should’ve made it that didn’t and guys that haven’t really had all the tools but were able to figure it out and stick around. If I can guide some of those guys that need a little help to show them what it takes, I’m happy to do that.”

 

While there was an offensive outburst from all lines during Wednesday’s contest against Charlotte, Amerks head coach Seth Appert made sure that he took a moment to voice what Dell brings to his team.

 

“At the end of the day that guy has been unbelievable down here. His attitude, his work ethic, the leadership he provides for our young men in there – our young guys all look up to him. He talks to our young prospects all of the time about what it’s going to take, about things they need to do to get better.”

 

Appert then finished with, “He’s just been so good for us that I just thought that I needed to say that.”

 

Dell is currently on pace to match his career-best seven-game win streak he posted from March 20 to April 7, 2015 with the Worcester Railers, ECHL affiliate of the New York Islanders. In each of his six appearances this season, he has made 25 or more saves while also averaging 30 shots-against.

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