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MICHAEL HOUSER SEASON IN REVIEW

MICHAEL HOUSER: SEASON IN REVIEW

Jun 25, 2023

Although it was Michael Houser's third season with the Americans, it was his first full-time season in Rochester. He appeared in 21 games for the Amerks, and posted a .906 save percentage.

Houser was voted the team's Unsung Hero for the 2022-23 campaign, and was a crucial part of the team's success: when he was called upon on the ice, but every day off of it. 

"It was nice to be in Rochester the entire year," he said at this end-of-season media. "I love playing here. This team was so fun to be a part of."

While Houser admitted he thought he was a little inconsistent early in the season, he certainly found his game after the All Star break. While the Amerks were able to string together a few very successful stretches, it was with Houser starting one game a week while Malcolm Subban started two.

"I thought that's when the team starting going on a little run, and playing good hockey," Houser said of that span. "Early in the year, we were a little inconsistent at times, but later in the year, we were going on stretches where we played really good hockey for weeks on end."

"I thought that went hand-in-hand with how my game was going as well."

The consistency was felt throughout the lineup, and the team really grew into the kind of team they wanted to be. Houser tallied nine wins this season, but two of them came at a key time of the season: in late March during the big playoff push.

Houser started two-straight Saturday nights in Utica. On March 25, he posted his only shutout of the season: a 1-0 win after four rounds of a shootout. On March 31, he recorded another shootout win: this time, 4-3.

He followed it up with another win in Utica on April 8. All three games elevated the Amerks in the North Division standings, and the Amerks would end up tied for second place, ahead of the Comets, to secure the first-round bye. 

"I had one shutout this year, which is nice. And it was in Utica, which is even nicer. It's fun to win there."

It must have be really fun: Michael Houser was 4-1 in Utica this season.

THE GOALTENDING TANDEM

Being the No. 2 goaltender can sometimes comes with challenges, like not playing in a lot of games, but Houser really thrived in what that role could mean off the ice this season. He and Subban became the best of friends, and their camaraderie was evident to everyone.

"Off the ice, him and I get along so well," Houser said of Subban. "He's probably been my favorite goalie partner I've ever played with."

Houser and Subban were roommates, sharing a house with Mitch Eliot and Mason Jobst. "Our house that we had, we had a great time," Houser continued. "I could live with Subby all the time. He's hilarious. He's always entertaining."

In the Calder Cup Playoffs, Houser supported Subban however he could, as Subban played in every game. And Subban was so appreciative. "Awesome, awesome guy. Unreal," he said of Houser.

"The house we had, living there, it makes it easy on each other: to push each other and have that camaraderie there. It's huge for goaltending, and I think it goes a long way."

The two were able to push the other to be the best goaltender because of the trust and chemistry they built off the ice. Subban added that their relationship improved their own games, but was huge for the team as well.

"Houser is unbelievable: he's a great goaltender and a great friend, for sure."

Michael Houser, affectionately known as the Housecat, was also a great ambassador for the Amerks. He was happy to help with promotions — no matter how silly — and with community appearances and partnerships.

He cooked dinner for families at Ronald McDonald House. He read books and talked hockey with kids as part of our Wendy's Reading Power Play. He helped launch Amerks Amber Ale at the Genesee Brewhouse.

He made friends at UR Medicine Golisano Children's Hospital over the holidays. He spoke to an elementary school to discuss financial literacy with Kinecta Federal Credit Union. He visited Oak Hill as part of the partnership with the PGA Championship.

And he always had a smile on his face... and a very contagious laugh, too.

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