PATRICK POLINO'S TOP THREE MOMENTS OF THE 2020-21 SEASON
Jun 3, 2021In a year unlike any other, the Rochester Americans 2020-21 season presented ample opportunities for players, that under normal circumstances, may have never been presented.
Rookie forward Patrick Polino was just one of those prime examples during the Amerks’ 65th season in the American Hockey League. In Polino’s first year in the pros, he was thrown right into the fire, notched his first pro goal and got to take in a season that he’ll never forget.
Here’s a closer look at Polino’s top three moments from the 2020-21 campaign.
1. AN OPPORTUNITY UNLIKE ANY OTHER
With an untraditional year, came untraditional circumstances when filling out the Rochester roster heading into the 2020-21 season. The undrafted Polino was just one of a few players signed to a tryout agreement two days before Opening Night on Feb. 5, giving him a chance to make his mark in a season unlike any other.
Polino, 25, joined the Amerks following a four-year collegiate career at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (ECAC), tallying 52 points (24+28) over 131 games for the Engineers. The Buffalo, NY, native enjoyed a breakout senior season as he established career-highs in both goals (11) and points (19) while appearing in all 34 games and serving as an assistant captain.
Before attending R.P.I., the 5-foot-9, 170-pound forward spent six seasons in the USHL with the Chicago Steel, Green Bay Gamblers and Lincoln Stars. In 208 junior games, Polino notched 100 points (43+57) while also skating in four postseason contests.
2. MAKING THAT PRO DEBUT
Just two days after signing his tryout agreement with the Amerks, Polino was thrown right into the mix and made his pro debut on Opening Night.
On Friday, Feb. 5, Polino laced up his skates and took the ice at The Blue Cross arena on the third line as the right wing, alongside fellow forwards Dalton Smith and Dominic Franco. In his first of 20 games on the year, Polino registered two shots on goal.
3. THAT FIRST GOAL FEELING
With less than a month of the 2020-21 campaign to go, Polino found the back of the net for his first of three goals on the year.
As the Amerks were off to a strong start against the Crunch on Friday, April 21, Polino found the back of the net within the first frame. Hacking away at a loose puck in front of the net, Polino optimized on the opportunity to knock in the third marker of the period for Rochester.