18U AAA Team
Jim DiLiberto, a Rochester, NY native, has made a significant journey from being a prominent player to a dedicated coach. An Aquinas Institute alumnus, he excelled in the AQ Hockey program, earning All Greater Rochester honors and leading Section V in scoring in 2014. He continued his passion for sports at Canisius College, captaining the ACHA hockey team and earning a master's in physical education in 2019.
This season, Jim returns as the co-head coach of a Rochester Jr. Americans AAA team, ready to apply his extensive experience and passion for hockey. Since 2019, he has been a key figure on the Fairport Varsity team, initially as an assistant coach. His coaching style is anticipated to have a substantial impact on the Jr. Americans.
Alongside his coaching duties, Jim works as a physical education teacher in the Penfield School District, where he contributes to the academic and athletic development of his students.
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 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
18u AA1 Team
Nick Pierandri is returning as head coach. He brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the group.
After playing travel hockey as a kid in Connecticut, Pierandri attended and played for Salisbury School in Connecticut, where he was named an All-Prep School first-team selection during his senior year. He went on to play four seasons in NCAA Division I college hockey for Boston College under the leadership of legendary coach Jerry York.
Pierandri began his coaching career as the Head Coach for Pittsford JV hockey team and won the league Championship in his second year. After, he became the 1st Assistant for the Pittsford varsity program and helped the team to the Section V Championship and a State Final appearance.
Following five years at Pittsford High School, he became the head coach of Syracuse University men's division I ACHA team. At Syracuse, Pierandri had five straight winning seasons with over 100 wins in that span, three league championships, and two ACHA national tournament bids. Most recently, he joined the Fairport High School varsity coaching staff.
Season Overview:
- 40+ Games including tournaments
- High School friendly pre/post split season schedule
- Two team practices per month during high school season
- 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
18u AA2 Team
Eric Nestler takes the helm as Head Coach of the 18U AA Jr. Americans team, after serving two years as Assistant Coach. A Rochester native and Rush Henrietta High School standout, Eric played college hockey for the University of Buffalo from 2012 to 2016, where he demonstrated both skill and leadership on the ice.
Currently working for TruAgent, Eric lives in Irondequoit with his wife and daughter. His extensive experience in hockey, both as a player and coach, positions him well to lead the Jr. Americans to success.
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
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.