"In the game of life, you've got to play the hand you're dealt." That is the tagline of Adam Dennis' favorite movie, Rounders, and for the Toronto native, goaltending has always been in his cards. Dennis has been on the ice since he was three years old and now, 20 years later, his dedication has paid off. He was chosen as Buffalo's sixth round pick, 182nd overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft and signed on October 12th, 2006.

"He has a strong, fluid butterfly style. He's very calm and relaxed in net, unlike many young netminders, and that bodes well for him." (Everythinghockey.com).

Dennis started his career as the backbone of the Guelph Storm of the Ontatrio Hockey League. There, he helped the team win the OHL Championship and a bid at the Memorial Cup Tournament in Kelowna, BC.

In 2005 he was traded to the London Knights of the OHL, where he played with fellow Sabres prospect Dylan Hunter. Dennis helped lead them to the OHL Championship, his second in two seasons, and helped them win the prestigious Memorial Cup.

Dennis was named the 2006 OHL Goaltender of the Year and set an OHL record with 44 wins in a season. He was ranked third in the league with a .915 save percentage and went 9-1-2 in November to earn Goaltender of the Month honors. He completed his OHL career with 100 victories.

In 2006-2007, Dennis appeared in 35 games for Rochester. He blanked Springfield 3-0 for his first career pro shutout on November 18th. He finished the season with 18 wins and a .894 save percentage.

Dennis suited up for the Rochester Americans in 2007-2008 and in his first start of the season on made 28 saves. He earned his third shutout and second in four days to earn first star honors against Grand Rapids. Dennis played a career high 46 games for the Amerks last season.




Check back Friday, August 8th for the next prospect profile, Jhonas Enroth...