Amerks head coach promoted to Sabers assistant coach

The Buffalo Sabers have a new assistant coach. It was announced Monday that Rochester Americans head coach Seth Appert has been promoted to assistant coach with the Sabres.

Appert will work with new Sabers head coach Lindy Ruff and his staff, which also includes former Americans Mike Bales and Matt Ellis as well as Marty Wilford.

“I am incredibly excited to join Lindy’s staff with the Buffalo Sabres,” Appert said. “It gives me the privilege to continue the work we have done in Rochester over the past four years to move our organization to where we all want it to be. I am grateful for my four years in Rochester. I have I loved being an American. I’m grateful to our fans and the players and coaches that we were able to create a family atmosphere with.

“One of my main priorities over the last few weeks has been finalizing the hiring and roles of the coaching staff,” Ruff said. “After conversations with Seth, he reaffirmed what I already knew: he’s ready for this opportunity. As we head into next season, I’m excited about the staff we’ve assembled, and the work has already begun to prepare training camp and the entire upcoming season.”

Appert was head coach for four seasons with the Amerks, during which he posted a record of 123-94-22-10. The news comes just three days after the Amerks were eliminated from the second round of the American Hockey League playoffs.

The Sabers fired head coach Don Granato in April after the franchise’s playoff drought extended to a record 13th season.

The Sabers also announced the promotion of Amir Gulati to video coordinator on Monday. Gulati served two seasons as video coach and team leader for the Amerks.