ROSEN, KULICH BACK IN AMERKS LINEUP TONIGHT

Jan 11, 2023

by Suzie Cool

 

For the first time since the conclusion of the 2023 IIHF World Junior Championship last week, Rochester Americans rookie forwards Isak Rosen and Jiri Kulich are expected to be in tonight’s lineup against the Laval Rocket.

 

Following the tournament’s rigorous schedule, Amerks head coach Seth Appert thought it was best to give Rosen and Kulich a few days off before rejoining the Amerks full throttle. On Monday morning, the Amerks rookies returned to practice at The Blue Cross Arena.

 

“We were able to get them some rest this past weekend and, I think, that was really beneficial for them,” said Appert.

 

The rest was earned considering both rookies did quite well at the annual tournament.

 

 

Rosen represented Sweden at the annual event, posting six points on four goals and two assists in seven games while helping the Swedes to a fourth-place finish. Meanwhile, Kulich returned home with a silver medal after coming up short to Canada in the gold medal game. In seven games for the Czech Republic, Kulich tied for second amongst all players with a team-high seven goals, including a hat trick in the 9-0 rout of Austria, and added two assists for nine points. He also scored the overtime-winning goal against Sweden to send the Czechs to the gold medal game.

 

“It’s just great to have them back,” said Appert when asked about the return of Rosen and Kulich on Monday. “They're talented, they're young, they have energy. They bring a lot to practice. You know, we missed them.”

 

Despite Rosen and Kulich missing six games while at the World Junior Championship, both are still currently among the Amerks scoring leaders.

 

Kulich has gone on to post 16 points on six goals and 10 assists in Rochester this season, while Rosen has totaled three goals and 12 assists for 15 points. With the Amerks, Kulich’s play away from the puck has continued to improve by back-checking more, winning puck battles and crashing opponents into the net, while Rosen has been challenged to win every puck battle, compete every shift and to do anything to win the puck.

 

 

After a couple days of rest and practice, Rosen and Kulich are ready to gear back up in an Amerks sweater tonight.

 

“Practice with the team has been very good, now I just want to play some games again,” said Rosen.

 

The Amerks, along with Rosen and Kulich, return to home ice tonight as they welcome the Rocket to The Blue Cross Arena for a 7:05 p.m. face-off. All of the action will be carried on The Sports Leader 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester as well as AHLTV.