2025 - 2026 season // 8U Mite Program
Evaluations
Our 8U program (six-to-eight year-olds) has a team for every kid who wants to play hockey, from those just starting out to the most advanced players. We incorporate valuable elements of the USA Hockey American Development Model to help kids play, love and excel in the sport. With practices, games, tournaments, and team events, we focus on skill development in a fun and competitive environment. Players will progress from cross-ice to full-ice competition, preparing them to advance to the next level. And, because it's our mission as a not-for-profit to give every kid a chance to play hockey, we keep our programs as affordable as possible. Learn more about our 8U Program.
8U Mite Evaluations Schedule
8U Mite Evaluations are open to all players in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 birth years. Registration is free. 2018 and 2019 players will skate on Monday, March 10, and 2017 players will skate on Tuesday, March 11. Please attend the session that aligns with the alphabetical order of your last name.
Evaluations are not tryouts; all players who register will be placed on a Jr. Amerks 8U mite team next season. Players will be evaluated by Jr. Amerks coaches and placed on teams appropriate for their development. We follow USA Hockey's ADM model, using "red," "white" and "blue" designations for our teams to ensure an appropriate level of competition for every player.
Following evaluations, parents will be notified of their player's level for next season (red, white or blue team). Team assignments will be announced during the off-season.
| Birth Year | Last Name | Date, Time, & Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | A - L | Monday, March 10, 2025 5:15 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2018-2019 | M - Z | Monday, March 10, 2025 6:15 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2017 | A - L | Tuesday, March 11, 2025 5:15 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2017 | M - Z | Tuesday, March 11, 2025 6:15 PM Rochester Ice Center |
2025-2026 8U Teams
We expect to field several teams at all skill levels in the 2025-2026 season. Official teams will be finalized upon the completion of player evaluations, and coaches will be assigned during the off-season. Our "red" teams will play predominantly full-ice hockey, competing in the LECOM Harborcenter Mite League. Our "blue" and "white" teams will play cross-ice hockey in the Empire Amateur Hockey Conference, and incorporate more full-ice play in the latter half of the season.
All 8U teams follow the same Jr. Amerks development program, which is adapted from USA Hockey's ADM model and unique to our organization. All teams practice 2-3 times per week. This includes dedicated skills-based practices run by the Rochester Ice Center Hockey Academy and Jr. Amerks NAHL players. Teams will play in league games and tournaments throughout the season, as well as several inter-squad competitions designed to promote fun, creativity and confidence on the ice.
Contact us with questions about the Jr. Amerks 8U program.
| Team Name | Age Group | Birth Year | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8U Red | 8U | 2017 | Red |
| 7U Red | 8U | 2018 | Red/White |
| 8U White | 8U | 2017-2019 | White |
| 8U White | 8U | 2017-2019 | White |
| 8U White | 8U | 2017-2019 | White |
| 8U White | 8U | 2017-2019 | White |
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2017-2019 | Blue |
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2017-2019 | Blue |
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2017-2019 | Blue |
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2017-2019 | Blue |
frequently asked questions
Yes! All players in the 2017, 2018 and 2019 birth years throughout the community are welcome to attend Jr. Amerks 8U mite evaluations.
Typically, the 8U hockey season begins in September and ends in late March.
We partner with New Edge School of Goaltending to offer dedicated goalie-specific training sessions throughout the season, providing players with the opportunity to enhance their skills at no additional cost.
In addition, goalies receive group goalie instruction during their team's skills sessions run by Rochester Ice Center Hockey Academy.