The Rochester Americans will induct defenseman Doug Janik and forward Steve Langdon into the Amerks Hall of Fame as the Class of 2019. Janik and Langdon were unanimously selected for induction by the Amerks Hall of Fame Committee and will take their rightful place in the prestigious club on Friday, Feb. 8 when Rochester hosts the Springfield Thunderbirds at The Blue Cross Arena at 7:05 p.m. on Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Legends Night.
Set to become the 63rd member of the exclusive club, Janik spent five seasons patrolling the Rochester blueline from 2001 to 2006, establishing himself as one of the most dominant defensemen in franchise history. Janik recorded 91 points (18+73) over his five seasons with the club, ranking 31st all-time among Rochester blueliners, while also leading the Amerks to four straight playoff appearances. His 376 career games are the third-most of any defenseman and rank 14th all-time.
"I'm forever grateful for the time I spent and the many great people I had the opportunity to meet during my time in Rochester," said Janik, a second-round pick (55th overall) of the Buffalo Sabres in 1999. "I'm honored to be recognized by such a proud franchise. My family and I are greatly appreciative for everything the Rochester Americans have helped us to achieve, both on and off ice."
Janik is currently in his third season as an assistant coach with the AHL's Springfield Thunderbirds.
Langdon spent five of his six pro seasons in Rochester from 1974 to 1979, and much like Janik, helped the team to four straight playoff appearances, including a trip to the Calder Cup Finals in 1977. In 313 career games with the Amerks, Langdon scored 97 goals, ranking him 20th all-time, and added 87 assists for 184 points. He also recorded 14 points (3+11) in 35 postseason appearances.
"I'm very honored to join the Rochester Americans Hall of Fame," said Langdon. "It was a privilege to have spent the majority of my career with such a storied franchise. The city of Rochester has been home for me and my family for over 40 years and I'm proud to consider myself a lifelong Rochesterian."
For the past several years, Langdon has been instrumental in building and maintaining a network of local Amerks Alumni and has spearheaded numerous charitable endeavors, most notably the Thomas M. Nichols Scholarship Fund, which awards a scholarship to a local high school senior that actively participates in Section V hockey and displays excellence in their work ethic, character and determination.
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