ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Josh Dunne didn’t come from a hockey background.

"Growing up, my parents never played hockey,” Dunne said. “But they let me try it when I was a kid and I ended up really loving it.”

It's no surprise the 26-year-old forward still loves hockey, whether he's rocking the Buffalo Sabres' blue and gold or the Rochester Americans' red, white and blue.

"It's been great. My first year in Cleveland, we weren't very good. So I kind of experienced what it's like to be on a bad team and now I'll be on a good team," he said. "I love being on a good team. It makes it a lot more fun." 

It's fair to say Dunne and company have been having a blast, especially as a part of the Amerks, who have spent most of the year at the top of the AHL's North Division, as well as the entire league.

"I think this year we just have such a good balance and so much depth all over," he said.

Now with a handful of trips up to the NHL under his belt, Dunne has seen the difference between the two leagues and brings back some lessons to Blue Cross Arena.

"Having a high standard for executing plays, and not allowing kind of like lax physical plays during the game, and just always focused on doing the right things, and playing the right way and understanding that if you do it the right way for a full 60 [minutes], you'll get the right outcome," he said. 

Dunne's brought some of the success back up, but also helped light a fire of aggressive play under both rosters, getting into a fight in a game against the Florida Panthers.

"I think it's just one of those things that we got each other's back and I think it brings us closer together as a team," he added. "Everyone knowing that we're doing things for each other. And then it's easier for another guy to do something routine, and then it's easier for guys to start blocking shots and start finishing hits and backchecking because it's like everybody's doing it."

The Amerks’ record and run at the postseason bodes well for this roster, and what it could mean for the entire organization.

"That's what you remember. You remember the guys, you remember winning, you remember doing it for the city," said Dunne. "Last year, we went on a deep playoff run, and there was some of the most fun hockey I've ever played and I can't imagine not coming out on top with a win." 

There’s one mission left for a roster still having fun.

"I think we pushed ourselves to a better and better spot,” Dunne said. “And I think we still can push ourselves even more."