Jr. Amerks team fees vary by age group and reflect the specific needs of each team’s schedule and level of play. As a general reference, season fees for a 9U team are approximately $3,000, while 14U teams typically fall in the $4,000–$5,000 range. These fees cover core hockey-related expenses such as ice time, referees, league and tournament entry fees, coaching support, and overall team operations. Equipment, apparel, and travel costs are not included.

The Jr. Amerks are a nonprofit organization operated primarily by experience professionals who volunteer their services, which allows overhead to remain intentionally low. A significant portion of player dues is reinvested directly into the program, supporting on-ice development, competition, and team resources rather than administrative costs. The organization does not rely on a large salaried staff or unnecessary overhead, enabling funds to be directed where they have the greatest impact on the player experience.

Maintaining affordable fees does not equate to reduced quality or fewer services. The Jr. Amerks combine a strong commitment to the game with the operational discipline required to manage the largest youth hockey organization in New York State. This model supports a high standard of development, competitive opportunities, and long-term player growth while remaining mindful of value for families.

The Rochester Ice Center serves as the home rink for the Jr. Amerks, and the organization prioritizes having all AAA teams train there as much as possible. Centralizing on-ice activities allows for consistency in ice quality, instruction, and overall player experience.

Beginning in 2026, the program is planning more consistent and predictable weekly schedules across age groups. The objective is to better align team practices, individual skills sessions, video review, and off-ice training with Next Level Strength & Conditioning, creating a structured and sustainable development rhythm throughout the season.

A typical in-season week may look like the following:

• Monday: Team practice at Rochester Ice Center, 6:00–7:00 pm
• Tuesday: Next Level strength and conditioning workout at Rochester Ice Center, 6:00–7:00 pm, followed by an on-ice skills session or powerskating from 7:30–8:30 pm
• Wednesday: Off Day
• Thursday: Video session from 6:00–6:15 pm, followed by team practice from 6:30–7:45 pm at Rochester Ice Center
• Saturday: Home Game at RIC
• Sunday: Away Game or Off Day

Exact schedules may vary by age group and season phase, but the overall structure is designed to provide consistency, balance, and high-quality development while remaining manageable for players and families.

Individual skill development is a core component of our program. Each team participates in weekly skills sessions focused on key areas such as power skating, puck handling, and competitive battle drills. These specialized skills and power skating sessions are led by our coaching staffs and are designed by Francois Methot, Hockey General Manager and Rochester Jr. Americans NAHL Head Coach. This structure ensures alignment across age levels while providing players with high-quality, age-appropriate instruction that reinforces team concepts and individual growth.

Beginning in 2025, the program expanded its goaltender development model by adding dedicated goalie instructors to attend weekly individual skills sessions, ensuring goaltenders receive consistent one-on-one instruction alongside team training. This weekly support complements the organization’s monthly goalie clinics conducted in partnership with New Edge School of Goaltending, led by Danny Kuntz, providing a comprehensive and position-specific development pathway for goaltenders throughout the season.

Players from outside the Rochester area are welcome to join our teams. The organization regularly includes players from Central and Western New York, as well as Southern Ontario. Most families commute from within approximately a two-hour drive of our home rink at the Rochester Ice Center in Fairport, New York.

At this time, the program does not offer housing, billeting, or academic placement as part of the Jr. Amerks model. Families considering relocation are encouraged to contact the organization directly to discuss expectations and ensure the program is the right fit.

Yes—video analysis is used selectively and in an age-appropriate manner across the program. Some Jr. Amerks teams utilize Hudl integrated with InStat, giving players access to full-game video, clips, and statistics. This also allows player profiles to be visible to junior and college coaches and scouts who actively use these platforms.

Video is applied thoughtfully to reinforce learning and decision-making without overwhelming players. The organization is careful to strike the right balance between instruction and development, recognizing that video usage should evolve with age and maturity.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Jr. Amerks are exploring QwikCut for select teams as an additional option. Any video tools adopted are evaluated through the lens of development value, ensuring they support learning objectives while remaining appropriate for each age group.

Spring and summer training opportunities are available for players who wish to continue their development beyond the regular season. Following tryouts in March and April, Jr. Amerks teams participate in spring and summer tournaments under the Upstate Kings name, competing in well-established events such as the Battle of Buffalo and the Chowder Cup. Participation in the Upstate Kings program is encouraged but not required, recognizing that many players also compete in other sports, including baseball and lacrosse.

In addition, The Academy at Rochester Ice Center offers its own summer team and training programs for players seeking additional on-ice development during the offseason. This dual-path approach provides families with flexible options to balance hockey development with other athletic commitments while continuing to build skills year-round.

Goaltender-specific training is a key component of the Jr. Amerks player development model. The organization partners with New Edge School of Goaltending to deliver structured, position-specific development for goaltenders across all age levels. Throughout the season, AAA goaltenders participate in dedicated goalie clinics that follow a carefully designed progression plan focused on mobility, athleticism, technical efficiency, and game awareness. Instruction is led by Danny Kuntz and the New Edge staff, with an emphasis on building habits that translate to higher levels of play.

Beginning in 2025, the program expanded its goaltender development offering by adding dedicated goalie instructors to weekly individual skills sessions. This enhancement provides goaltenders with consistent one-on-one instruction during the season, complementing the monthly New Edge clinics. Together, these elements create a comprehensive development pathway that supports long-term growth and prepares goaltenders to compete confidently as they advance in the game.

Jr. Amerks players regularly advance to the next level through a variety of pathways. There is no single route to success in today’s hockey landscape, and each player’s journey is shaped by individual development, timing, and opportunity. As the NCAA hockey environment continues to evolve, the process has become more complex—but it has also created an expanding range of opportunities for motivated and prepared players.

Alumni of the program have gone on to prep schools such as Northwood, Albany Academy, and a number of New England boarding prep programs. Others have advanced into junior hockey, including the USHL, NAHL, and Canadian junior leagues, before moving on to NCAA Division I and Division III hockey. With a strong track record of players competing at both the Division I and Division III levels, the Jr. Amerks focus on long-term development and placement in the right environment for each individual, rather than a one-size-fits-all path.

Visit our Alumni List to see the impressive accomplishments and destinations of our players!