Logo of a long-standing minor league hockey team, the Rochester Americans. The Amerks came into existence in 1956 , joining the American Hockey League when one of its’ franchises, the Pittsburgh Hornets, was forced to suspend operations. They have been a highly successful AHL franchise over the years, winning 6 Calder Cup titles and making it to the Cup finals 10 other times. The team has produced a lot of head coaches who’ve gone on to coach in the NHL, including Billy Reay, Joe Crozier, Don Cherry, Mike Keenan, Jim Shoenfeld and John Tortorella. The greatest Amerk player is unquestionably Jody Gage, who had a long career with the team and holds all of the team scoring records. Known as “Mr. Amerk”, Gage is currently the team’s general manager.