OLISCHEFSKI "AT HOME" IN SABRES ORGANIZATION
Sep 17, 2022By Suzie Cool
After wrapping up his fifth collegiate season in 2021-22 at Providence College (H-East) thanks to an extra year of availability, forward Kohen Olischefski was signed to an amateur tryout with the Rochester Americans to finish out the AHL regular season and joining the team in the playoffs.
Now, Olischefski is signed to a one-year AHL contract with Rochester and attending his first Buffalo Sabres Prospects Challenge this week. And from top to bottom of the organization, Olischefski feels he couldn’t be in a better place to grow his game.
“Top to bottom, it doesn't really matter who you are within the team or what your role is, everybody's treated the same way,” commented Olischefski when he thought of the overall culture within the Buffalo Sabres organization. “Whether you’re in and out of the lineup like I was last year at the end of the year with Rochester, and in playoffs, you get treated with the same level of respect and that's awesome. That really helps you grow, helps you get comfortable fast, and helps you get acclimated with this league as fast as you possibly can.”
While in Rochester last season, Olischefski didn’t see much time on the ice, appearing in just three games with the team and registering two shots. However, Olischefski’s experience wasn’t focused on how much ice time he logged. Instead, he took in the experience of getting the opportunity to play at the professional level which, in turn, landed him his first two-way AHL deal.
“A ton of experience,” started Olischefski when asked what he got out of his stint with Rochester in 2021-22. “I think just the practices, even just watching the playoff series, kind of how big of a battle that is, how big of a grind it is for all the guys. Just being involved in a special run like that I think was something very cool to see firsthand and be a small part of. Even if I was in the lineup, it was so cool to see it firsthand.”
In his one year with Providence, Olischefski totaled 18 points while appearing in 38 games. Prior to Providence, Olischefski spent four seasons at the University of Denver from 2017-21 where he appeared in 134 career games and combined for 54 points.
Additionally, the Amerks forward spent four seasons in the British Columbia Hockey League with the Chilliwack Chiefs, tallying 125 points on 38 goals and 97 assists in 125 games.
From day one in Rochester last season, Olischefski has always felt at home, ultimately making his decision to sign a contract with the organization that much easier.
“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 just because of all the people involved and how it made it feel like home.”
Olischefski then finished with, “I was more than happy to stay. It was the easiest choice in my life.”
Tomorrow marks the final day of this year’s Prospects Challenge, with the Sabres taking on the top prospects from the Ottawa Senators organization. Faceoff is set for 1:30 p.m. at LECOM Harborcenter with tickets still available for $10.
Here is the remainder of the full game schedule for the 2022 Prospects Challenge after tonight:
Monday, September 19
• New Jersey vs. Boston, 10 a.m.
• Buffalo vs. Ottawa, 1:30 p.m.