Sabers name Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert as assistant

Buffalo Sabers interim head coach Seth Appert, top center, reacts during the third period of an NHL hockey game against the Columbus Blue Jackets, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023, in Buffalo, NY (AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Sabers have named Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert as an assistant coach on Lindy Ruff’s staff, the team announced Monday morning.

Appert, 49, has been Rochester’s head coach for the past four seasons, compiling a record of 123-94-32, with his 123 wins ranking fourth in franchise history. He also led the Amerks to the playoffs in each of the last three seasons, including an appearance in the AHL semifinals a year ago, the franchise’s deepest playoff run since 2004. Rochester was eliminated in the North Division semifinals by Syracuse on Friday.

Prior to Rochester, Appert spent three seasons as head coach of the U.S. National Team Development Program and 11 seasons as head coach at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Appert served as interim head coach of the Sabers on December 30 while former head coach Don Granato was ill, leading Buffalo to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

He replaces Jason Christie on the team, who was fired along with Granato on April 16. Mike Bales, Matt Ellis and Marty Wilford remain on the team.