9U Teams (2015)

Group 223

9U AAA1

Kevin Watters, a Level 3 Certified USA Hockey coach with three years of coaching experience at Evolve Hockey, is a Rochester native with a significant background in hockey. His early play in the Rochester Youth Hockey organization and at Pittsford High School led to a successful collegiate career at SUNY Cortland, where he ranks 8th in all-time scoring. Post-college, Kevin played professionally in the UHL, CHL, and AHL, including a standout rookie season that saw him lead the Adirondack Frostbite in goals and participate in the 2006 UHL All-Star game.

Currently, Kevin lives in Penfield with his wife, Lindsey, and two sons, Colton and George.


Season Overview:

  • Full Season with 50+ Games including tournaments
  • Independent Tier I AAA Schedule
  • Two team practices per week (Full and Shared)
  • 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
Group 223

9U AAA2

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head coach mike deer

  |  716-390-5338

Mike Deer continues as head coach of the 2015 team, bringing a wealth of experience from his start as a parent coach in 2019 with the Doodlebugs program to leading Jr. Amerks mite teams. His coaching journey, fueled by his sons’ passion for hockey, has included roles with Jr. Amerks and Evolve as both head and assistant coach.

A Pittsburgh, PA native, Mike played for the Plum Mustangs before moving to Endicott, NY, where he served as the assistant captain for the Union Endicott Tigers and played AA hockey with the Binghamton Jr Rangers. His approach to coaching blends rigorous skill development with fostering a love for the game, seeing the rink as his "happy place" where he helps players excel and enjoy their hockey journey.

Beyond the ice, Mike owns Deer & Yunker Financial Partners and is a Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Investment Fiduciary.


Season Overview:

  • Full Season with 50+ Games including tournaments
  • Member of Western New York Amateur Hockey League
  • Two team practices per week (Full and Shared)
  • Skills clinics by RIC Academy & NAHL Jr. Amerks every 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
Group 223

9U AA1

Jeff Mordaci brings a lifetime of hockey passion and experience to the Jr. Amerks, where he has spent two rewarding years coaching in the mite and doodlebugs program. A native of Irondequoit, NY, Jeff's journey in hockey began at the tender age of 3. His early dedication to the sport led him to play travel hockey for the Rochester Amerks and later to a successful high school career at Irondequoit High School, where he celebrated a Section V Championship victory in 1998.

Jeff's commitment to hockey didn't stop after high school; from 1999 to 2003, he played a crucial role in establishing the club hockey program at SUNY Oswego. For Jeff, coaching is more than just a role; it's his way of contributing to the sport that has been a significant part of his life for nearly four decades.

Off the ice, Jeff lives in Penfield with his wife Jennifer, daughters Marilyn and Scarlett, and son Nate. He brings the same leadership and dedication to his professional life as the Corporate Treasurer at the Genesee Brewery. Jeff's extensive experience as a player and coach, combined with his personal commitment to the sport, make him a valuable asset to the Jr. Amerks community.


Season Overview:

  • Full Season with 40+ Games including tournaments
  • Member of Western New York Amateur Hockey League
  • Two team practices per week (Full and Shared)
  • 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
Group 223

9U AA2

Based on observations of players in the 9U age group throughout the week, the Jr. Amerks hockey directors have decided to field one 9U AA team in the 2024-2025 season.

Group 223

Empire house league teams

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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, 2014 and December 31, 2015 are combined in the 10U Squirt age group.

Player evaluations are set for March 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.