Gulati becomes first former Heartlanders staff member to reach NHL

Coralville, Iowa – Former Iowa Heartlanders video coach Amir Gulati has accepted a position as Video Coordinator of the Buffalo Sabres. Gulati, who was Iowa’s video coach during the team’s inaugural season in 2021-22, is the first former staff member in Heartlanders history to reach the NHL. 

Following his time with the Heartlanders, Gulati advanced to the AHL, serving as video coach for the Rochester Americans the last two seasons. 

“It’s hard to believe only three years ago, I was given the opportunity to represent the Heartlanders as their video coach in their inaugural season,” Gulati said. “Taking the job felt more like a Hail Mary than a solid plan, but little did I know [President] Brian McKenna, [Head Coach] Gerry Fleming and [then assistant coach] Derek Damon would change my life forever. They adopted me as one of their own, mentored me as a young video coach and outside the rink as a young man. I could not be more grateful for everything they did for me in my one season with Iowa, and what they’ve meant to me since I joined Rochester. 

“It would have been impossible to predict that after only two short years in Rochester, I’d be promoted to my hometown Buffalo Sabres as their Video Coordinator. Doing so with my head coach from Rochester, Seth Appert, who has meant so much to me, both personally and professionally, makes the transition even more special. I’m not sure I ever would have believed someone if they told me I’d be working on Lindy Ruff’s staff as a Buffalo Sabre, but to have the opportunity to do so is truly special. It was an honor representing Iowa as their video coach and thank you for the all the support. Go ‘Landers!”

Gulati joined Iowa for his first job in professional hockey. The University of Michigan graduate was a student video coordinator for the Wolverines’ Men’s Ice Hockey Team from 2015-18.

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