16U AA1 Team
Trevor Dennis is set to lead the 2008 AAA team as head coach for the upcoming season, leveraging his deep connections in the hockey world to benefit his players. Having started with the Jr. Amerks in 2020, Trevor quickly moved up to the head coach position, a role he's held for two seasons.
His journey through AAA and high school hockey in Rochester, along with a successful stint at NCAA DIII SUNY Potsdam, has given him a rich understanding of the game. Importantly, Trevor's ties to prep schools and junior hockey leagues are a key asset. He uses these connections to help players aiming for college hockey, offering them avenues for exposure and growth.
As he steps into another season, Trevor's goal is to build a team ready for competitive play while guiding players towards their collegiate aspirations, making the most of his extensive network and coaching experience.
Season Overview:
- 40+ Games plus tournaments with exposure opportunities for prep schools, juniors, and college scouts
- High School friendly pre/post split season schedule
- Independent Tier I AAA / AA Schedule
- Two team practices per week (Full-ice)
- One Skills clinics by RIC Academy & NAHL Jr. Amerks per week
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning
- Team building and community service events
4/11/2024 - Please note the following coaching assignment changes.
- Steve Shufelt will no longer be coaching.
- Andy Mclennin will be head coach of 16U AA2
- Mike Napieralski will be head coach of 15/16U AA Mixed team.
16u AA2 Team
Andy McClenin, hailing from Ontario, NY, and a Wayne Central High School alum, has transitioned from a youth player at Rochester Youth Hockey to the head coach of the 15U AA team with the Rochester Jr. Americans last season. Starting his coaching career as his son Cameron took up hockey, Andy has been an integral part of the Jr. Americans coaching staff since 2012. Outside of hockey, he has dedicated over 13 years to Corning Advanced Optics and lives in Fairport, NY, with his wife Lynn and son Cameron. His journey from player to coach reflects his passion for hockey and commitment to nurturing young talent.
Season Overview:
- 40+ Games including tournaments
- High School friendly pre/post split season schedule
- Member of Western New York Amateur Hockey League
- Two team practices per week (Full-ice)
- Skills clinics by RIC Academy & NAHL Jr. Amerks every other week
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning
- Team building and community service events
15U/16U AA Mixed Age Team
Coach Mike is a seasoned veteran in the world of hockey, with over three decades of experience in playing, officiating, and coaching. He is a proud Rochester native, who developed his passion for the sport while playing in the Rochester Youth Hockey program and shining as a standout player at Greece High School. Mike continued his playing career with the Rochester Junior Americans of the Golden Horseshoe Junior B Canadian Hockey League and culminated his time on the ice with four successful years at Kent State University, where he served as team captain and was recognized as a league all-star.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Coach Mike transitioned his focus to officiating and spent over 10 years in the USA Hockey Development Program. He earned a reputation as a skilled official, working NCAA Division I and Division III games for ECAC and Atlantic Hockey, and even officiated several IIHF tournaments, including the 2006 ECAC West DIII Championship game.
Retiring from officiating in 2013, Coach Mike has worked with every age group between mites and midgets as head coach or assistant coach. He has dedicated himself to developing the skills of young hockey players, specializing in powerskating and skill development. He has served as the Director of Travel Hockey for players aged 8U-12U and is the lead coach for the Jr. Amerks American Development Model (ADM) program.
Coach Mike currently resides in Fairport with his wife Julie and their three hockey-loving sons, Jack, Matthew, and Dan.
Season Overview:
- Full season split-season team with 40+ Games including tournaments
- High School friendly pre/post split season schedule
- Member of Western New York Amateur Hockey League
- Two team practices per week (Full ice)
- One Skills clinics by RIC Academy & NAHL Jr. Amerks every other week
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning
- Team building and community service events
Empire house league teams
We will be offering several house teams for the upcoming season, competing in the local Empire Amateur Hockey Conference. Players are born between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2006 are combined in the 18U Midget age group.
Player evaluations are set for early April 2024 to determine team placements. The season kicks off in September, offering young players a fantastic opportunity to develop their skills and compete in a supportive and dynamic environment.