Domenic Pittis Returns to Rochester as Jr. Amerks GM
The former Amerks forward and 2020 team Hall of Fame inductee takes over a youth organization of roughly 1,100 players, according to WHEC.
Domenic Pittis is back in Rochester, this time running the Jr. Amerks.
The organization has hired Pittis as its new general manager, putting the former Amerks forward in charge of what is described as the largest youth hockey program in the state of New York, roughly 1,100 players according to WHEC, spread from the rec level up through AA and Tier One.
Pittis is a familiar name in the market. He played 204 games for the Amerks and produced 246 points in that stretch, and he was inducted into the franchise's Hall of Fame in 2020. He also appeared in 86 NHL games.
His coaching resume includes time on an NHL staff with the Calgary Flames and work as an AHL assistant. Most recently he lived in California, where he served as director of hockey for Saint Mary's high school.
"I mean I was I was pretty passionate about the game. Took it pretty seriously. I, you know, really competitive. And I don't think that changed much as a coach," Pittis said.
His stated priority is retention: keeping players in the program from their first year to their last.
"I think the goal is always to try, to have kids that start here, finish here and then be able to go on and do what they want to be able to do," Pittis said.
The reception since his return, he said, has stood out.
"How welcoming they are even since we've been back. It's a noticeable difference. And I think that you know, everybody has a passion for it, and that that means something."
