Menu
KOHEN OLISCHEFSKI SEASON IN REVIEW

KOHEN OLISCHEFSKI: SEASON IN REVIEW

Jun 15, 2023

In his second year with the organization, Kohen Olischefski started his season with the Rochester Americans before being loaned to Cincinnati. He tallied 26 points (9 goals, 17 assists) in 43 games with the Cyclones throughout the season, while making multiple returns to Rochester.

Olischefski would receive his final recall to Rochester on March 18, 2023, and would center a line on March 21 after injuries plagued that position for the Amerks. Appert praised his preparation throughout the year in Cinncinati, earning him the spot in the Amerks lineup.

He scored his first American Hockey League goal on April 7 in Syracuse, and even if it wasn't the most exciting goal he'd score, it was memorable. The Amerks would go on to win 3-2 in overtime, keeping their push for a first-round bye alive.

He recorded two goals in his 16 regular season, but matched that number in the Calder Cup Playoffs.

PLAYOFF PERFORMANCE

Kohen Olischefski tallied his first professional playoff goal in Game 1 of the North Division Finals, and it was a beauty! Mason Jobst found Olischefski for a breakaway, and the Amerks scored short-handed.

Olischefski added another playoff goal against Toronto in Game 3, in front of an absolutely electric Blue Cross Arena crowd. Coming just 6:33 into the game, Olischefski's goal gave the Amerks the lead — and they never looked back.

Olischefski was humble, as always: "We're just such a fast line rush team, we're able to create chances when it doesn't seem like chances are there," he said after the series. 

"Fortunately, a couple have gone in for me so that's worked out nicely."

OFF THE ICE

Olischefski was a positive presence off the ice as well: he was always smiling at practice, always greeting everyone, and always volunteering to help out.

He participated in the Wendy's Reading Power Play program, reading books and answering questions about hockey for a group of elementary school-aged kids in Rochester.

When he signed his new contract last summer, Olischefski praised the organization: "The entire staff, all the guys here just made me feel at home from day one and I really started to love the place very quickly."

His love of his teammates and the city was evident in everything he did. 

OTHER CONTRIBUTORS FROM CINCINNATI

Kohen Olischefski wasn't the only Cyclone that stepped: Beck Warm appeared in two games, Matej Pekar played in 15 games throughout the season, and Josh Passolt suited up for one regular season game and five Calder Cup Playoffs games.

Pekar recorded 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists) in 28 games for the Cyclones, while Passolt tallied 47 points (25 goals, 22 assists) in 69 games. Passolt ranked third on the squad in goal-scoring.

Passolt, who appeared in his first AHL game during our final game of the regular season in Cleveland, was instrumental in securing our first-round bye. Passolt scored his first AHL goal off an assist from Cincinnati teammate Pekar.

"Going into the year," he said, "I was just hoping to get an opportunity at some point. That call came later in the season, but I tried to stay ready all year."

Passolt was ready. In his second career AHL game, the opening game of the 2023 playoffs for the Amerks, Passolt tallied another goal — this time, on the rebound from a great play from Jeremy Davies and Michael Mersch.

"I'm fortunate to have a good opportunity here and help the team as much as I can."

Olischefski and Passolt are both unrestricted free agents this summer, while Pekar is a restricted free agent. Fans can stay up-to-date with signings throughout the offseason with the 2023 Player Tracker.

Back to All