PEKAR LOOKING TO MAKE AN IMPACT AT PROSPECTS CHALLENGE

Sep 17, 2021

By Suzie Cool

 

As Rochester Americans winger Matej Pekar heads into his second year in the pros, he’s heading into his third Buffalo Sabres Prospect Challenge this upcoming weekend at LECOM Harborcenter. After spending the entirety of the 2020-21 season with the Amerks, Pekar comes into this year with more experience and accountability.

Matej Pekar wants to be a leader for the younger guys this weekend. pic.twitter.com/qCiKU0vnIL

— Rochester Americans (@AmerksHockey) September 17, 2021

“He did not look like a young player yesterday. I thought he looked like an older player, he looked strong on the puck, he was physically demanding, he didn’t look like one of the young kids on the ice. I thought that was a really good sign,” stated Amerks head coach Seth Appert when asked how Pekar has looked over the first couple of days of Prospect Challenge.

 

Last season, Pekar led all Rochester skaters and finished second among all AHL rookies with 50 penalty minutes while registering six points (1+5) in 25 games. After a fight with Cleveland Monsters forward Brent Gallant in the first period back on April 14, Pekar’s confidence had shifted and enabled him to notch six points (1+5) in his last eight games of the year. Pekar went on to share the Most Improved Player award with fellow Amerks rookie Dominic Franco in 2020-21.

 

Being a veteran when it comes to the Sabres Prospect Challenge, Pekar heads into his third go-around hoping to play as good as he can and to help the younger players in their first time around.

 

“I’m just trying to play as good as I can and help all the young guys that are here for the first time. I just want to be the good guy all-around and be a good teammate to everybody and lead by example.”

 

The Sabres prospects are set to take on the New Jersey Devils at 7 p.m. on Friday night at the LECOM Harborcenter, followed by an afternoon game at 3 p.m. on Saturday against the Boston Bruins to finish up their round robin action. Both games are open to the public with tickets going for $10 as well as being streamed on Sabres.com.