2025 - 2026 season // Hockey Program

rising 9u (2016)

Transitioning from 8U Mite hockey to 9U Travel or 10U House hockey marks an exciting step in a young player's development, introducing new challenges, opportunities, and team experiences. We have options for every player.

2025-2026 Programs At A Glance

Group 223

9U travel teams

Travel hockey requires the highest level of commitment from players and their families. Travel teams practice more often during the week, and games played on the weekends are often out of town, whether it’s an hour drive to Buffalo for league play or an out of town tournament. We expect to field at least three competitive 9U travel teams in the 2025-2026 season at the AAA and AA level. Teams are formed based on tryouts. Learn more about our Jr. Amerks Travel Program.

10U girls only teams

At 10U, girls have the opportunity to choose whether they will continue on a youth team (mixed boys and girls), or play for an all girls team. Girls will play a competitive season at 10U that is a hybrid between both Travel and House. Girls teams are of mixed birth years, and will include both 2015 and 2016 players next season. We hope to field two 10U Girls teams next season, and teams are formed based on tryouts. Learn more about our Jr. Amerks Girls Program.

10U house teams

House hockey is competitive play that requires a lower level of commitment from players and families, and is also a great place for players to develop their skills. House teams compete against other House teams in the Rochester area. 10U house teams are of mixed birth years, and in the 2025-2026 season will be made up of 2015 and 2016 players. Players must attend House Evaluations to be placed on a team. House Evaluations are not tryouts; every player who registers will be placed on a team. Learn more about our Jr. Amerks House Program.

9U program details

Below lists our planned Jr. Amerks 2016 birth year teams for the 2025-2026 season. Each of our programs offer a comprehensive experience, including practices, games, tournaments, and skill development sessions. The difference is in the level of commitment required and the point at which your player is in their development. AAA hockey requires the highest level of commitment and players will face the highest levels of competition during the season. House hockey is competitive play that requires a lower level of commitment from players and families, and is also a great place for players to develop their skills.

AAA, AA and Girls teams are set based on tryouts. There are no tryouts for House teams. Instead, players attend House evaluations, and every player who registers for House evaluations is placed on a team.

Team Roster SizePracticesSkills SessionsNext Level Training SessionsGamesEstimated Cost
9U AAA13-15 Skaters + 1-2 GoaliesOne Weekly Full-Ice
One Weekly Shared
WeeklyWeeklyIndependent Schedule
50 including 3-4 tournaments
$2,500 + Uniforms and Tournaments
9U AAA/AA13-15 Skaters + 1-2 GoaliesOne Weekly Full-Ice
One Weekly Shared
WeeklyWeeklyWNYAHL
50 including 3-4 tournaments
$2,500 + Uniforms and Tournaments
9U AA13-15 Skaters + 1-2 GoaliesBi-monthly Full-Ice
Two Weekly Shared
Every other weekMonthlyWNYAHL
40 including 3 tournaments
$2,000 + Uniforms and Tournaments
10U Girls13-15 Skaters + 1-2 GoaliesOne Weekly Full-Ice
One Weekly Shared
MonthlyFive sessionsEmpire + Independent
50 including 4-6 tournaments
$1,500 + Uniforms and Tournaments
10U House13-15 Skaters + 1 GoalieTwo Weekly Shared MonthlyThree sessionsEmpire League
30 including 1-2 tournaments
$1,300 + Uniforms and Tournaments

Tryouts and Evaluations Schedule

Tryouts will be held at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley Sports Complex. A $50 registration fee applies, and online registration opens on February 4, 2025. For any questions, please contact the respective team's head coach or visit our Contact Us page.

LevelDay 1 Day 2
9U AAA TravelTuesday, March 4, 2025
6:00 PM
Rochester Ice Center
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
5:15 PM
Rochester Ice Center
9U AA TravelThursday, March 6, 2025
6:15 PM
Rochester Ice Center
Friday, March 7, 2025
5:00 PM
Genesee Valley Sports Complex
10U Girls Only TravelTuesday, March 4, 2025
5:15 PM
Rochester Ice Center
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
7:15 PM
Rochester Ice Center
10U HouseMonday, March 24, 2025
6:00 PM
Rochester Ice Center
Tuesday, March 24, 2025
7:00 PM
Rochester Ice Center

frequently asked questions

We plan to field at least three competitive travel teams (AAA, AA, and a team competing at a lower AAA or higher AA level) and house teams for 2016 birth year players.

Travel teams compete in the WNYAHL or independently, with 50+ games for AAA and 40+ games for AA. House teams compete in the Empire League with approximately 16 league games plus playoffs.

The Jr. Amerks focus on maximizing each player's potential, emphasizing skill improvement and development at all levels, from House to Tier I (AAA). Every player participates in dedicated skill development sessions tailored to their age and skill level, with a curriculum based on the modern game of hockey. By prioritizing development over winning, we ensure long-term success and growth for our players and teams. 

Learn More About Our Development Program

AAA teams have three practices per week, while AA teams have two practices per week. Both participate in skills clinics, specialized goaltending clinics, and off-ice training sessions led by top professionals. Learn more about our training partners.

Organization dues for 9U and 10U teams vary based on the level of play. AAA travel team dues are approximately $2,500, AA travel team dues are under $2,000, and 10U house team dues are around $1,200. These dues include league and playoff fees, games, practices, skill sessions, goaltending clinics, and off-ice training.

Additional out-of-pocket expenses, such as uniforms, tournaments, and travel, can vary by team but are often significantly offset through fundraising efforts.

For information about financial assistance, please visit Shortsleeve Memorial Scholarship

Coaching applications are now open. The Hockey Operations Committee reviews all applications and selects coaches aligned with our mission of providing exceptional instruction and fostering player development.

Typically, the hockey season begins in August and ends in late March or early April, depending on your player's age and skill level. 

Per the rules of New York State's West section, registration opens on February 4, 2024. 
Travel team tryouts require a $50 tryout fee. This covers your player for all tryout dates including AAA and AA. Players who attend House Evaluations must submit a $100 deposit. This deposit will be applied to your 2025-2026 season dues. 

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.

Our organization is committed to delivering top-notch instruction and development for goaltenders. With the expertise of New Edge School of Goaltending, our program follows a meticulously designed progression plan. The drills and coaching techniques implemented are geared towards cultivating highly competitive, mobile, athletic, and fundamentally sound goaltenders who can excel in the hockey ranks.

Prepare to elevate your game like never before. Our comprehensive goalie program focuses on honing your abilities and equipping you with the skills necessary to conquer any challenge on the ice. With access to elite instruction and a tailored training program, you'll have the tools to unleash your full potential.

If you have questions about a specific team, please reach out directly to the head coach. You can send questions to us via our Contact Us Page
Our home rink is the Rochester Ice Center, which features two NHL-size sheets of ice and will include a premier arena opening in September 2025. While we aim to schedule most of our teams at Rochester Ice Center, we also utilize other local rinks, including Paul Louis Arena, Webster Arena, Tim Horton's Iceplex, Canandaigua Civic Center, and Scottsville Ice Rink.
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