Don Stevens Talks Career, How The AHL Has Changed, The Future & More

In the 1970s and 1980s, the Amerks would have prospects in the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs systems, and it ended up in chaos. Rival teams would want their prospects to get the ice time while the opponents sat on the bench, and it left the head coaches with their hands tied.

Along with the structure of the league is the changing demographic. The AHL was a league filled with veterans and now, it’s prospect-heavy. “It’s a lot more skill, a lot younger players than it was back then. We had a lot more guys who were on their way out, a lot more guys with families,” Stevens added. The league is young and only getting younger, which makes many wonder about the sustainability and survival of the AHL. Not Stevens, who likes the direction the league is heading in.

The Future is in Good Hands, Stevens Certainly Thinks So

The NHL changed the rules recently and starting next season, teams can allow their first round selections to play in the AHL. In the past, prospects were either sent back to college or junior hockey, or they were rushed to the NHL. Most teams chose the latter option, often to the detriment of the prospect.

Now, teams can send a first-rounder who has the talent but needs to learn the game to the AHL first. “I think what was happening is you had younger kids that were coming in who were highly touted who were going straight to the NHL, which was just really detrimental to their development but they went in with all this pressure on them at a very young age, and they didn’t get a chance to develop into the pro game,” Stevens noted.

Players like Zayne Parekh or Buffalo Sabres first round selection Radim Mrtka would be best starting in the AHL, and instead, their development stagnates for a year. “They come here, and now they’ve got a chance to find out what pro hockey’s all about and change or develop their game if need be. So I think it’s huge what this league means to the NHL,” Stevens continues.

The league is better from a developmental perspective, even with the new challenges that have surfaced. College teams can now pay players. Veterans are being lured overseas for more money. The AHL is getting younger, and the quality of play, according ot some, has gone down.

Yet, Stevens thinks the league is in a good spot and will only improve over time. “Well, if it holds its present projector, it’s just getting bigger and better. Right now it’s commonly said that this is the best league in the world, and I believe it is, and maybe it will even gain more distance over the European leagues and that.”

Advice Stevens Has For Those Entering Hockey Media

Stevens will be the first to admit that he was lucky with his timing and that it’s harder to get a foot in the door or have a breakthrough compared to when he got his start in the 1980s. “I feel so fortunate that I came into this business when I did, because with me and my background and my lack of education, I don’t think I would have ever gotten a job. Back then, I just showed up, did my work.”

The last part of his statement was the most important and still relevant for anyone trying to break in. Stevens showed up and did his work. In hockey, or any career, the best ability is availability. The ability to be at the rink, regardless of the league, goes a long way. “Just being there every day, being on time, and just all those little things add up in the big picture,” Stevens added.

“But now, you have to get a degree and maybe even two degrees to be able to advance and move up. The biggest problem is that there are so many who want ot get the job that the only way they can offer their services is for free until they can find something but then you look at the other side of the business, and the media and teams can get people to work for free,” Stevens continued. It’s a harsh reality about hockey. The teams look at those covering the games and say, “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free,” and it leaves the next generation filled with many who want to be like Stevens, never getting a chance.

The best ability is availability but then Stevens looked over to his side in the announcers' booth and saw Andrew Mossbrooks, the Amerks' play-by-play announcer for road games when Stevens didn’t travel with the team. Mossbrooks took the long road to the AHL with his start in the ECHL and built up relationships to make it to the next level. The saying “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is a cliche in the hockey world. “It’s all about who you know, so the thing I would tell youngsters is develop your calling list and stay in touch with them,” Stevens added.

Any regrets?

In 40 years, plus another 18 in previous broadcasting experience is bound to have a few missteps along the way. Stevens had a few but like the Frank Sinatra song My Way, “but then again, too few to mention.”

Ok, he actually mentioned two big ones. “One of the biggest regrets I’ve had for many years was I had to turn down the job for the LA Kings when I was 29 years old for personal reasons, and so I always regretted that until the last couple of years when I started realizing that I’ve really got a good thing in Rochester.” Imagine a world where Stevens is calling Kings games for four decades. Do you want to imagine a world? Does it feel right? Sure, he’d be great in the role but Stevens and Rochester were just made for one another, and it’s something he came to peace with as his career went on.

“Rochester is a great place to raise a family. I’ve got great kids and grandkids, so yeah, it’s worked out well,” Stevens mentioned. Speaking of raising a family, that was the other thing he noted when looking back at his career. “I think in my instance, it’s overly committing to the job. My family suffered for it, and that’s always a disappointment if there is one.” Like many in the hockey world, Stevens spent a lot of time away from his family. It’s made those few times where they attend games all the sweeter.

And in Hershey, the sweetest place on earth, that’s how his final regular season ended, with his family surprising him and the game, like Stevens himself, allowing everyone to leave happy. The Amerks needed a point to clinch a playoff spot, and the Bears needed a win to secure a home playoff game. The game ended in a 5-4 overtime win for the Bears.