Don Stevens, the long-serving play-by-play broadcaster for the Rochester Americans, will retire after the 2025-26 season. Stevens has been with the team for nearly 40 years and is recognized as the longest tenured broadcaster in American Hockey League (AHL) history.
For his final season, Stevens will call a limited number of games, including all 36 home contests at Blue Cross Arena. His retirement coincides with the Amerks’ 70th anniversary season.
“There are so many mixed emotions running through me that I don’t quite know what to think or feel,” said Stevens. “But what I do know, as I approach my 58th year of broadcasting and 40th season in Rochester, is that I am truly humbled and blessed by the immense support I have had and still receive in my career. I plan on spending the upcoming season honoring and thanking all of you for what has been an incredible journey over the years. Here’s to one more year, and, of course, Go Amerks!”
Scott Howson, president and chief executive officer of the AHL, commented on Stevens’ impact: “There is something uniquely special about the relationship between a team’s broadcaster and its fans. Don has provided the soundtrack for literally generations of Amerks fans, guiding them through all the indelible moments that have defined the franchise over the last 40 years. We look forward to helping celebrate his career this season.”
Chad Buck, vice president of business operations for the Amerks, added: “No other person in the history of our organization has been more synonymous with Amerks hockey than Don Stevens. For four decades, Don has narrated some of the most unforgettable moments in team history, which to this day have been immortalized by his unique and distinctive call. It’s only fitting that his final season in Rochester coincides with a milestone season in the history of our franchise for which he’s been a huge part of for nearly 40 years.”
Stevens joined Rochester before the 1986-87 campaign and has called over 3,300 games for the team. He also holds roles beyond broadcasting—serving as public relations director, TV host, radio talk show host—and founded and led the AHL Broadcasters/Writers Association.
Known as “The Dean of AHL Broadcasters,” Stevens witnessed significant changes during his tenure including league expansion to a record 32 teams and increased media coverage.
He calls games on local radio stations 95.7 FM/950 AM The Fan Rochester and select home games on CW Rochester. His work has also brought Amerks hockey to national audiences via NHL Network and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
Stevens was inducted into both the Amerks Hall of Fame (2011) and Rhinos Hall of Fame (2016), reflecting his influence across multiple sports franchises in Rochester. Over his career he received numerous awards such as two James H. Ellery Awards from the AHL for outstanding contributions to league coverage; a national ACE Award; multiple honors from local press clubs; recognition from Frontier Field Walk of Fame; and being named Sportsperson of the Year by local organizations.
His broadcasts included seven Calder Cup Finals appearances by Rochester and international tournaments like Switzerland’s Spengler Cup.
Rochester begins its landmark 70th AHL season at home against Toronto Marlies on October 10 at Blue Cross Arena. Season ticket memberships are available starting at $19 per game with various benefits offered through full or half-season options via www.amerks.com/memberships or by calling their ticket office.
