Imagine being a rising hockey star, only to be mistaken for just another face in the crowd. That’s exactly what happened to Devon Levi, a Buffalo Sabres prospect and goaltender for the AHL’s Rochester Americans, when he went viral for a recent TV appearance. But here’s where it gets interesting: the local Rochester news reporter had no idea who Levi was, simply labeling him as a ‘Rochester resident’ during a segment about the winter storm battering the region. Levi, ever the professional, offered practical advice: ‘Stay home, enjoy time with your family, stay safe, and stay warm.’ Little did the reporter know, this ‘resident’ was a hockey phenom with a growing fanbase.
The story took a playful turn when Levi later posted a weather update on Instagram, quipping, ‘Still cold. Stay safe.’ Fans quickly picked up on the irony, and the clip spread like wildfire on social media. Let’s Go Amerks! even tweeted, ‘Rochester resident Devon Levi provided a weather update this morning,’ complete with a winking emoji. And this is the part most people miss: Levi isn’t actually a full-time Rochester resident. Since signing with the Sabres, he’s been splitting his time between Buffalo and Rochester, commuting an hour and 15 minutes each way.
‘It’s super meditative,’ Levi shared about the drive. ‘It’s a chance to be alone, clear your mind, and just be with your thoughts. No screens, no distractions—just the road and maybe a podcast.’ It’s a side of Levi that fans rarely see: the calm, reflective athlete behind the pads and mask.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Levi’s path to the NHL isn’t as clear-cut as fans might hope. Despite his impressive AHL stats—a .907 save percentage and 2.69 goals-against average this season—the Sabres’ NHL crease is crowded. With Alex Lyon, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, and Colten Ellis already in the mix, Levi’s ascent to the big leagues might take longer than expected. Is the Sabres’ goalie depth a blessing or a bottleneck? Let us know in the comments.
This isn’t the first time a hockey star has been mistaken for an average Joe. A Buffalo reporter once unknowingly interviewed Sabres forward Alex Tuch for a story about infant swim lessons, and Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson gave a man-on-the-street interview at the 2023 NHL Draft just hours before selecting Connor Bedard. It’s a reminder that even the most recognizable figures can blend into the background—at least until the internet catches on.
Levi, for his part, is taking it all in stride. At 24, he’s already played 109 AHL games and is focused on honing his craft. Whether he’s giving weather updates or stopping pucks, one thing’s clear: Devon Levi is a name you’ll want to remember. But do you think he’ll make the NHL jump soon, or is the goalie competition too fierce? Share your thoughts below!
