The Rochester Americans have decided to retain former general manager Jody Gage in some as yet undetermined capacity, most likely in a “senior hockey advisory” role.
This is a boon to local fans and the organization itself, in that Gage’s managerial experience includes two Calder Cup Final appearances and five division titles.
His on-ice accomplishments dominate the club’s record book (via Wikipedia):
Gage won the Les Cunningham Award in 1987–88 after a 60-goal season (second player in league history to accomplish this feat). He was the third player in AHL history to score 1000 points, the fifth player to play 1000 AHL games, and the fifth member of the AHL’s 500-goal club.
Gage led Rochester to a Calder Cup in 1986–87 and back to the Calder Cup Finals in 1989–90, 1990–91, and 1992–93.
The man dubbed “Mr. Amerk” retired during the 1995–96 season and finished his AHL career with 504 goals, 1,048 points, seven 40-goal seasons, and 51 playoff goals.
Presented with a somewhat “hands-off” position as general manager when the Panthers assumed full control of the roster and available talent shipped their way one year ago, his office was predominantly one of title only.
Keeping a local icon – not to mention a great “hockey guy” – in the mix is a wise move for the Cats and Amerks (whose new ownership may or may not have had future plans for him…not all the blame can be credited to Panthers management yet).
As the divide widens between Rochester’s winning seasons and Florida becoming involved in day-to-day operations full-time, a link to the past is not only a necessity, but a priority.
Thought his being stripped of duties was a mistake from the start; this is a logical move which may over time rectify the situation.
Imagine Denis Potvin having no official position within the Panthers organization…