2026 - 2027 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 2018, 2019 and 2020 birth years. Registration is free. 2019 and 2020 players will skate on Tuesday, March 10, and 2018 players will skate on Wednesday, 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.
If you are unable to attend evaluations but would like your player considered for a Jr. Amerks 8U team next season, please complete the evaluation registration and contact 8U Mite Director Pat Curran at
with details about your player’s hockey experience.
Team Placement Information:
All players who participate in evaluations will be placed on an 8U team for the 2026–2027 season or may be recommended for our Intro to Hockey Program, based on readiness and development needs. After evaluations are completed, families will be notified of their player’s designated level for next season (Red, White, or Blue). Final team assignments will be announced during the off-season.
Learn more about our 8U Mite Program here; For questions please contact Mite Director Pat Curran at pat
| Birth Year | Last Name | Date, Time, & Location |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-2020 | A - J | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 5:30 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2019-2020 | K - Z | Tuesday, March 10, 2026 6:45 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2018 | A - J | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 5:35 PM Rochester Ice Center |
| 2018 | K - Z | Wednesday, March 11, 2026 6:45 PM Rochester Ice Center |
2026-2027 8U Teams
We plan to field several 8U Mite teams next season, offering young players a great start in their hockey journey. Our program will include at least one Red Level team that will compete in full ice games, plus 3-5 white level teams and 3-5 blue level teams . Player evaluations for the 2026-2027 season will be held at the Rochester Ice Center. Complete evaluation details cane found below.
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 | Coach | Contact Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8U Red | 8U | 2018 | Red | Dale Lagon | Contact Coach |
| 7U Red | 8U | 2019 | Red/White | ||
| 8U White | 8U | 2018-2020 | White | ||
| 8U White | 8U | 2018-2020 | White | ||
| 8U White | 8U | 2018-2020 | White | ||
| 8U White | 8U | 2018-2020 | White | ||
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2018-2020 | Blue | ||
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2018-2020 | Blue | ||
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2018-2020 | Blue | ||
| 8U Blue | 8U | 2018-2020 | Blue |