Sabres Prospect Devon Levi Goes Viral for Mistaken TV News Appearance

The 24-year-old goaltender was labeled a 'Rochester resident' during a weather report, despite splitting time between Buffalo and Rochester.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 12:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey goaltender in action, with sharp, overlapping planes of color and form that capture the dynamic movements of the sport.A playful, fractured visual representation of a hockey goaltender's split-second reactions, mirroring the unexpected viral fame of Sabres prospect Devon Levi.Buffalo Today

Buffalo Sabres prospect and Rochester Americans goaltender Devon Levi went viral after a local Rochester news reporter mistakenly identified him as a 'Rochester resident' during a weather segment, unaware of Levi's rising hockey stardom. Levi, who has been splitting time between Buffalo and Rochester, took the mix-up in stride and even posted a playful weather update on Instagram, drawing amused reactions from fans on social media.

Why it matters

The story highlights how even professional athletes can blend into the background and be mistaken for average citizens, a reminder that fame and recognition are not always a given, even for promising young prospects like Levi. It also shines a light on Levi's commute and the challenges of balancing life between the AHL and NHL as he works to establish himself in the Sabres organization.

The details

During a recent TV news segment about a winter storm in the Rochester area, a local reporter introduced Levi as a 'Rochester resident' while the hockey player offered practical advice to viewers about staying safe. Levi later poked fun at the mix-up on his Instagram, posting a weather update that said, 'Still cold. Stay safe.' Fans and the Amerks' social media team also joined in on the joke, highlighting the irony that this 'Rochester resident' is actually a highly touted Sabres prospect.

  • Levi posted the weather update on his Instagram on April 12, 2026.

The players

Devon Levi

A 24-year-old goaltender in the Buffalo Sabres organization, currently playing for their AHL affiliate, the Rochester Americans. Levi has been splitting time between Buffalo and Rochester as he works to establish himself in the Sabres' crowded goaltending depth chart.

Buffalo Sabres

The NHL team that drafted and signed Levi, currently one of the top prospects in their system.

Rochester Americans

The AHL affiliate of the Buffalo Sabres, where Levi is currently playing and developing his skills.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'Stay home, enjoy time with your family, stay safe, and stay warm.'”

— Devon Levi, Sabres Prospect

“'Still cold. Stay safe.'”

— Devon Levi, Sabres Prospect

“'Rochester resident Devon Levi provided a weather update this morning.'”

— Let's Go Amerks!, Rochester Americans Social Media Team

What’s next

Levi will continue to split time between the Sabres and Americans organizations as he works to earn a full-time spot in the NHL, with the Sabres' crowded goaltending depth chart potentially delaying his ascent to the big leagues.

The takeaway

This story serves as a lighthearted reminder that even professional athletes can blend into the background and be mistaken for average citizens, highlighting the challenges young prospects like Levi face in establishing their identities and building their fanbase as they work to make the jump to the NHL.