For more information about our travel teams, please visit our Contact Us page; or contact 9U-12U Director Ryan Gage at ; or 13U-18U Director Mike Napieralski at .
9U AAA [2017]
The team is led by Co-Head Coaches Mike Andzel and Ryan Gage, who bring a complementary blend of playing experience, coaching tenure, and deep involvement within the organization.
Mike Andzel brings a strong playing and coaching background to the bench. He played junior hockey with the Rochester Jr. Monarchs, advancing to the Junior National Championships, before going on to a four-year college career at SUNY Fredonia. During his time at Fredonia, his teams won back-to-back SUNYAC Championships and competed in two NCAA Division III Frozen Four tournaments, posting a combined two-year record of 54-6-8. Mike has coached within the organization for several seasons and most recently served as Head Coach of the 8U Mite Red team, where his focus was on foundational skating, skill development, and establishing strong habits at an early age. His coaching philosophy emphasizes skill progression, hockey sense, and creating a positive learning environment.
Ryan Gage brings more than 20 years of coaching experience across multiple age levels. He played college hockey at SUNY Geneseo and currently serves as a board member and Travel Hockey Director. Ryan’s long-term leadership within the organization provides continuity, consistency, and a clear understanding of player development pathways from youth through older age groups.
At the 9U level, the primary focus remains individual skill development, hockey fundamentals, and building strong habits. Practices emphasize skating, puck skills, decision-making, and compete level, while games are used as an extension of development rather than the sole measure of success. This approach is designed to prepare players for continued growth within the program.
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)
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- 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
- Estimated costs of $2,500-3,000 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included. Please note that all 9U and 10U goalies receive a 50% reduction in Jr. Amerks seasonal tuition.
10U AAA [2016]
The Jr. Amerks 10U AAA team enters the season with a strong foundation, a highly engaged coaching staff, and a group of players showing significant growth and potential. This is a talented and motivated team that continues to improve rapidly, supported by an environment that emphasizes skill development, confidence, and a genuine love for the game.
The team is led by Head Coach Mike DiPaola, who is widely respected for his ability to work with young players and manage a positive, well-organized team environment. Mike brings an approachable leadership style that helps players feel comfortable, supported, and eager to learn, while maintaining clear expectations for effort and improvement.
Supporting him is Chuck Dossier, whose background brings valuable experience and perspective to the staff. Chuck played college hockey at SUNY Brockport, competed professionally in Europe, and currently serves as the Head Coach at Aquinas Institute High School. His experience enhances the team’s competitive mindset while reinforcing strong fundamentals and hockey IQ.
The coaching staff is rounded out by Al Barton, the team’s Goaltending Coach. Al played Division I hockey at Niagara University and works extensively with goaltenders throughout the region, focusing on technical development, confidence, and long-term growth at the position.
Together, this coaching group has established a culture that balances enjoyment, hard work, and competitiveness. Combined with a strong core of players, the Jr. Amerks 10U AAA team is well positioned for continued development and a bright future within the organization.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Game Independent Tier I AAA Schedule
- 3-5 tournaments
- 3-Day Training Camp in August at Rochester Ice Center
- Two team practices per week (Full and Shared) primarily at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Weekly Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning with progress monitoring throughout the season
- Team building and community service events
- Estimated costs of $2,500-3,000 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included. Please note that all 9U and 10U goalies receive a 50% reduction in Jr. Amerks seasonal tuition.
11U AAA [2015]
The Jr. Amerks 11U AAA team is a highly talented group of players with significant long-term potential. The program is designed to establish strong foundational habits at the Tier I level while building toward sustained success, with a clear objective of competing for a New York State title at 12U during the 2027–28 season.
The team will be led by Austin Szczesniak, who brings a calm, composed leadership style and a genuine passion for working with young players. Austin is currently coaching within the organization at the 15U AAA/AA team and is well regarded for building positive, engaging team environments that balance enjoyment, discipline, and competitiveness. His coaching approach emphasizes skill development, hockey IQ, accountability, and respect, helping players grow both on and off the ice.
With a steady presence and strong connection with kids, Austin creates a culture where players enjoy coming to the rink, feel supported, and are consistently challenged to improve. The Jr. Amerks 11U AAA program is structured to promote long-term development while ensuring the experience remains rewarding, motivating, and fun for players and families.
This team represents a key building block within the Jr. Amerks development pathway and is positioned for sustained growth and future success.
Season Overview:
- Full-season independent Tier I AAA schedule with 50+ games
- Four to six tournaments, combining local and out-of-town events. Travel primarily within a three-hour radius, including Southern Ontario
- Three-day preseason training camp in August at Rochester Ice Center
- Two to three team practices per week (full-team and shared sessions), primarily at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Goaltender-specific training throughout the season, including weekly instruction during skills sessions with The Academy, along with specialized training from New Edge School of Goaltending led by Danny Kuntz
- Weekly off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning, including ongoing progress monitoring
- Team-building and community service initiatives
- Estimated costs of $3,000-3,500 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.
12U AAA TB [2014]
The Jr. Amerks 12U AAA team enters the upcoming season positioned to compete at the highest level within New York, with clear expectations of contending for the NYSAHA 12U State Championship. This group is built on strong fundamentals, competitive drive, and a commitment to daily development, providing players with a challenging and rewarding Tier I environment.
The team will again be led by Nick Rawden, who returns as Head Coach and brings extensive experience across youth and high school hockey. Nick has previously coached within the Jr. Amerks organization at multiple levels, including leading the 2014 AA teams and contributing to the 8U program, as well as coaching with the Webster Cyclones. Earlier in his career, he coached high school hockey in Syracuse, New York, where he focused on preparing players for the next stages of their development.
Nick is known for his ability to connect with young athletes and create a structured, positive team culture that balances accountability, confidence, and enjoyment. Under his leadership, the 12U AAA program emphasizes pace, hockey IQ, and competitive habits, positioning the team to pursue its state championship goals while continuing to develop players for long-term success within the Jr. Amerks pathway.
Season Overview:
- Full-season independent Tier I AAA schedule with 50+ games
- Five tournaments throughout the season
- Three-day preseason training camp in August at Rochester Ice Center
- Two team practices per week (full-team and shared sessions), primarily at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Goaltender-specific training throughout the season, including weekly instruction during skills sessions with The Academy, along with specialized training from New Edge School of Goaltending led by Danny Kuntz
- Weekly off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning, including ongoing progress monitoring
- NYSAHA 12U State Championship Tournament–bound
- Team-building and community service initiatives
- Estimated costs of $2,500-3,000 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.
13U AAA TB [2013]
Our AAA team at the 13O level is built on experience, accountability, and continued player development as athletes transition into full-ice, higher-pace hockey. The focus at this stage is refining individual skills, improving hockey sense, and introducing more advanced team concepts while maintaining a strong emphasis on work ethic and compete habits.
Head Coach Andy Christianson returns to lead the team, providing continuity and a clear development plan for players at a critical stage in their growth. Andy brings a structured, detail-oriented approach, emphasizing consistency, accountability, and preparing players for the increasing demands of AAA hockey.
Joining the staff is Jody Gage, a Rochester hockey legend with decades of experience as both a player and coach. Jody was a standout star for the Rochester Americans throughout the 1980s and 1990s and also competed in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings and Buffalo Sabres. Beyond his professional playing career, Jody has run summer hockey schools for many years and has helped more than 20 players advance to NCAA hockey. His coaching background includes working with AAA youth teams throughout the Rochester area, developing players such as Amerks alumnus Derek Whitmore, a Hobey Baker finalist, as well as current players committed to top programs, including a current OHL player committed to Michigan. Jody has also been invited to professional training camps, including the Toronto Blue Jays, reflecting the respect he has earned for his ability to develop elite-level athletes and prepare players for long-term success
Together, the coaching staff provides a strong blend of developmental focus and elite playing experience. Practices are designed to challenge players technically and mentally, while games reinforce growth, accountability, and team play—laying the foundation for continued advancement within the AAA pathway.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games including tournaments
- Independent Tier I AAA Schedule
- Tournament Bound Status will be determined after tryouts
- August Training Camp at Rochester Ice Center
- Two team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Weekly Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning with progress monitoring throughout the season
- Team building and community service events
- Estimated costs of $2,500-3,000 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.
14U AAA TB [2012]
Our 14U AAA team will operate under a high school–friendly split-season model, designed to support multi-sport athletes while maintaining a strong emphasis on long-term player development. The structure allows players to continue improving their skills while balancing high school hockey and other athletic commitments.
The team enters the upcoming season with the objective of being highly competitive at the state level, while remaining firmly development-driven. With a strong returning core and the addition of select new players, the team is positioned to compete for the NYSAHA State Championship and prepare athletes for success at the next level.
The team is led by Tim Finke, who returned to the organization prior to this season and will continue as head coach next year. Tim previously coached within the program from 2014–2022, working with players across all levels and coaching many of the organization’s current 2007, 2008, and 2009 birth-year players. His return has reinforced continuity, accountability, and a consistent development philosophy.
Tim brings a strong background in skating instruction and a detail-oriented approach that emphasizes habits, pace, and hockey IQ. A USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach, he focuses on individual skill development within a structured, team-first environment.
With stable leadership, a clear development pathway, and a schedule designed to complement high school hockey, the 14U AAA team provides an environment for players looking to compete, develop, and progress with confidence.
Season Overview:
- 50+ game independent Tier I AAA schedule
- Four - Five tournaments to maximize player exposure
- High school–friendly season model
- Tournament Bound status will be determined after tryouts
- August Training Camp at Rochester Ice Center
- Two team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Weekly Off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning with progress monitoring throughout the season
- Team building and community service events
- Estimated costs of $2,500-3,000 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.
The organization will not field a 15O AAA team this season as part of a collaborative approach focused on long-term player development and alignment.
16U AAA TB [2010]
The Jr. Amerks 2010 team is built for players with aspirations that extend beyond youth and high school hockey, with clear pathways toward junior and college opportunities. The program combines a demanding competitive environment with a development-driven approach designed to prepare players for the next stage of their hockey careers.
Entering the upcoming season, the team benefits from continuity and stability behind the bench, led by Alex Economides, who returns for his third season as Head Coach. Alex has been part of the Jr. Amerks organization since 2018 and brings extensive experience coaching at the AAA level across multiple age groups. His focus on accountability, pace, and hockey intelligence sets the standard for daily habits and long-term player growth.
The coaching staff is further strengthened by Ryan Shannon, an assistant coach at Aquinas Institute High School, who works closely with the team’s defensemen. A former college player at SUNY Brockport, Ryan provides position-specific instruction with an emphasis on structure, puck management, and decision-making under pressure.
On the ice, the Jr. Amerks 2010 team competes in a challenging split-season schedule, consistently facing nationally ranked opponents—often against teams ranked in the Top 50. This level of competition is intentional and designed to accelerate development while preparing players for postseason play. The team has a strong track record of advancing to the NYSAHA State Championship Tournament, reflecting both its competitive success and commitment to high standards.
The Jr. Amerks 2010 program emphasizes disciplined habits, team culture, and individual accountability, creating an environment where motivated players are challenged, supported, and prepared to pursue junior and college hockey opportunities.
Season Overview:
- 50+ game independent Tier I AAA schedule
- Five tournaments, including the USHL America Cup, to maximize player exposure
- High school–friendly split-season model
- Qualified for the New York State 16U Tournament
- Four-day preseason training camp in August at Rochester Ice Center
- Three team practices per week, primarily at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions weekly
- Video analysis and live streaming provided through HUDL Instat
- Goaltender-specific training throughout the season with New Edge School of Goaltending
- Weekly off-ice training with Next Level Strength and Conditioning, including ongoing progress tracking
- Team-building and community service initiatives
- Estimated costs of $3,000 in annual dues and approximately $1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.
18U AAA TB [2008/2009]
The Jr. Amerks 18U AAA team is designed for players at different stages of their development who are seeking a competitive environment during an important transition point in their hockey journey. The program supports players finishing their youth hockey careers as well as those continuing to pursue higher levels of competition beyond high school.
The 18U AAA program is built around a demanding competitive schedule, high performance standards, and a development model focused on preparing players for what comes next. The team competes against strong, nationally ranked opponents while maintaining an environment centered on accountability, pace, and hockey intelligence.
The team is led by Shawn Wilkins, who returns as Head Coach. Coach Wilkins is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach and brings extensive high-level playing and coaching experience, including NCAA competition at Rochester Institute of Technology, along with professional and international experience. In addition to his on-ice background, Shawn has built strong connections throughout the hockey world that help support player advancement. Each year, he has sent multiple players to USA Hockey and NYSAHA development camps, reinforcing the program’s ability to identify, prepare, and promote players ready for higher-level opportunities.
Operating under a high school–friendly split-season format, the 18U AAA team allows players to balance AAA hockey with other commitments. Approximately 75 percent of games are scheduled locally, helping limit travel while maintaining a strong level of competition. The schedule and training structure are intentionally designed to reflect the expectations players will encounter at the next level.
This team environment is well suited for motivated players seeking high-end competition, continued development, and preparation for future hockey opportunities.
Season Overview:
- 30-40 Games Independent Tier I AAA Schedule (75% local)
- Three tournaments
- High School Friendly Split Season
- New York State 18U Tournament Bound
- 3-Day Training Camp in August at Rochester Ice Center
- Two - three team practices per week primarily at Rochester Ice Center and Genesee Valley that will not start after 9:30pm
- Dedicated skills and skating sessions
- Goaltender clinics by New Edge School of Goaltending throughout the season
- Estimated costs of $1,400-1,800 in annual dues and approximately $500-1,000 in tournament team fees; uniforms, equipment, and apparel are not included.