10U GIRLS
The 10U Girls team is designed as a development-focused program centered on building strong foundational skills, confidence, and a love for the game. At this stage, the emphasis is on skating, puck skills, hockey habits, and learning how to play within a team environment, while creating a positive and supportive experience for young players.
The team will be led by Mitch Stephens, who brings an exceptional background in both playing and coaching, along with a proven passion for player development. Mitch has extensive experience working with athletes at multiple levels, including time as a volunteer assistant coach with Cornell Big Red men's hockey and five seasons as an assistant coach at SUNY Geneseo, where he helped lead the program to conference championships and NCAA Tournament appearances.
A former All-American player at SUNY Geneseo, Mitch brings a teaching-driven approach that emphasizes fundamentals, skill progression, and hockey sense. His coaching style is well suited for the 10U level, where establishing good habits and confidence is critical to long-term development.
With experienced leadership and a clear focus on development, the 10U Girls team provides an excellent environment for young players beginning their journey within the girls program.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 40+ Games include tournaments
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
12U GIRLS TIER I
The 12U Girls Tier I team is built as a strong, development-focused program designed to establish foundational skills, habits, and confidence while competing against top Tier I competition. Entering the 2026–27 season, the team returns a stable coaching staff and a solid core of players, providing continuity and a clear pathway for long-term growth within the girls program.
The team will be led by Co-Head Coaches Mitch Stephens and Trevor Sousa, combining elite playing and coaching experience with a strong emphasis on mentorship and personal development.
Mitch Stephens brings an exceptional hockey résumé and a proven background in player development. He previously served as a volunteer assistant coach with the Cornell Big Red men's hockey for four seasons before relocating from Ithaca to Rochester. Prior to that, Mitch spent five seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater, SUNY Geneseo, where he helped lead the Knights to two SUNYAC championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances, including two national semifinal runs.
A native of Forrest, Manitoba, Mitch enjoyed an All-America playing career at SUNY Geneseo, graduating in 2007 with a degree in business administration. He was a USCHO Division III Player of the Year runner-up, an AHCA First Team All-American, a finalist for the Sid Watson Award, and SUNYAC Player of the Year. Following college, he spent six seasons playing professionally in the United States and Europe, including time in Germany and Italy.
Trevor Sousa brings a unique and highly impactful background in youth development, education, and leadership. With more than 15 years as a high school physical education teacher, Trevor has a proven ability to connect with young athletes and foster confidence, resilience, and accountability. He currently serves as an assistant coach with the Victor Varsity Hockey team and is also a Girls Varsity Golf Coach, consistently helping student-athletes reach their potential.
Trevor holds a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from SUNY Cortland and a master’s degree in Health Education from Mississippi State University. His approach emphasizes personal growth, mental strength, and creating a positive, team-first environment.
With experienced co-head coaches, a stable foundation, and a clear development pathway, the 12U Girls Tier I team provides an excellent environment for young players to build skills, confidence, and a lasting love for the game.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- 4-6 Tournaments
- New York State Tournament Bound Team
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
head coach Jeff Topor
12U GIRLS TIER II
The 12U Girls Tier II team will operate as a full-season program with a strong emphasis on player development, skill progression, and building confidence in a supportive team environment. The program is designed to help players continue developing fundamentals while gaining consistent game and practice experience throughout the season.
Jeff Topor will serve as Head Coach of the 12U Girls Tier II team. Jeff brings valuable experience working with players at the youth and AAA levels and is known for his ability to teach the game, connect with players, and create a positive, structured environment that supports development. His approach emphasizes strong fundamentals, attention to detail, and helping players build confidence while continuing to grow their overall game.
For questions or additional information, please contact Scott McDonald at
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games including tournaments
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
14U GIRLS TIER I
The 14U Girls Tier I team enters the 2026–27 season as a competitive, high-performing group built to challenge top Tier I programs while continuing to develop players for the next stages of the girls hockey pathway. With a strong returning foundation and consistent leadership, the team is positioned to compete at a high level throughout the season.
Returning as head coach is Matt Mang, who brings a diverse hockey background and a steady, team-first coaching approach. Matt’s hockey journey began in Providence, Rhode Island, and Rochester, New York, where he played travel hockey before serving in the United States Navy. Following his military service, he continued his playing career at the semi-professional and Senior A levels in British Columbia, adding valuable experience and perspective to his coaching résumé.
Matt emphasizes work ethic, accountability, and competitive habits, creating an environment that supports both individual growth and team success. His approach is well-suited to the 14U level, where players continue refining skills while learning how to compete consistently in high-pressure situations.
Off the ice, Matt is a sales manager for a Rochester-based technology company and lives in Canandaigua with his wife and two children. His continued leadership provides stability and continuity as the team looks to take the next step competitively within Tier I girls hockey.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- 4-6 Tournaments
- New York State Tournament Bound Team
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
14U GIRLS TIER II
The 14U Girls Tier II team will operate as a full-season program with a strong emphasis on player development, skill progression, and building confidence in a supportive team environment. The program is designed to help players continue developing fundamentals while gaining consistent game and practice experience throughout the season.
The team will be led by Head Coach Nate VanKouwenberg. Nate brings extensive experience in player development, having spent eight seasons as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the RIT men’s hockey program. He most recently served as Head Coach of the Rochester Edge Girls program and returns to the Jr. Amerks for the upcoming season.
Nate is the owner of Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Fairport, where he works with athletes ranging from youth to professional levels, and runs Pro Level Total Hockey Training, providing elite on-ice and off-ice development opportunities.
In addition to his work in hockey performance, Nate is a long-time Physical Education and Health teacher and a former collegiate defenseman and team captain at SUNY Brockport. His background in both education and high-performance training provides a strong foundation for developing well-rounded athletes both on and off the ice.
For questions or additional information, please contact Scott McDonald at
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- Tournaments with exposure opportunities with prep schools and college scouts
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
16U GIRLS TIER I
The 16U Girls Tier I team is designed as a high-end, exposure-focused program for players pursuing college hockey opportunities. Entering the 2026–27 season, the team will compete in a demanding Tier I schedule highlighted by multiple high-level tournaments and showcase events, providing consistent visibility to college coaches and scouts.
The program emphasizes pace, structure, and individual development within a competitive team environment. With a tournament-heavy schedule and a strong training foundation, the 16U Tier I team is built to prepare players for the next stages of their hockey pathway while competing against top programs throughout the region and beyond.
Leading the team is Bob DiNicola, who brings more than a decade of coaching experience and deep familiarity with the organization. Bob has coached girls hockey within the program for several years, working with players across multiple age groups and consistently emphasizing skill development, accountability, and team culture.
Originally from Syracuse, Bob played his youth hockey in competitive travel programs before advancing to the high school level and later competing in NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY Brockport. His playing background strongly influences his coaching philosophy, with a focus on fundamentals, decision-making, and preparing players for higher levels of competition.
Bob is a USA Hockey Level 4 certified coach and has spent the past ten years dedicated to developing young athletes, particularly within the girls game. He lives in Ontario, New York, with his wife, two daughters, and two dogs, and remains deeply connected to the local hockey community.
With an experienced coach, an exposure-driven schedule, and a commitment to player advancement, the 16U Girls Tier I team provides an elite environment for athletes serious about competing and being seen at the college level.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- Tournaments with exposure opportunities with prep schools and college scouts
- New York State Tournament Bound Team
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
head coach Peter Pouthier
16U GIRLS TIER II
The 16U Girls Tier II team will operate as a full-season program with a strong emphasis on player development, skill progression, and building confidence in a supportive team environment. The program is designed to help players continue developing fundamentals while gaining consistent game and practice experience throughout the season.
Peter Pouthier will serve as Head Coach of the 16U Girls Tier II team. He brings prior coaching experience at the 16U level, having worked with the Rochester Coalition 2007 group as an assistant coach. Peter is committed to creating a positive team environment while helping players continue to develop their skills and compete at a high level.
For questions or additional information, please contact Scott McDonald at
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- Tournaments with exposure opportunities with prep schools and college scouts
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
19U GIRLS TIER I
The 19U Girls Tier I team is built as a high-end, college-focused program for athletes preparing to compete at the next level. Entering the 2026–27 season, the team is structured to compete for the New York State Championship while maintaining a strong emphasis on player development, exposure, and long-term advancement to college hockey.
The team will be led by Co-Head Coaches Stephen Gionta and Scott McDonald, combining elite professional experience with one of the most accomplished coaching résumés in women’s college hockey.
Stephen Gionta brings extensive professional and international experience to the program. He retired from professional hockey in 2019 following a 14-year career that included more than 750 professional games and over 300 NHL appearances with the New Jersey Devils and New York Islanders. He concluded his playing career with the Bridgeport Sound Tigers of the AHL and currently serves as a scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning. A Rochester native, Gionta developed locally before advancing to the USA Hockey National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and later playing college hockey at Boston College. He remains deeply committed to the growth of the girls game and hosts an annual girls hockey summer camp in Rochester.
Scott McDonald brings an elite track record in women’s hockey development and program leadership. He currently serves as head coach of the NCAA Division III women’s hockey program at St. John Fisher University. From 2006–2018, McDonald was the head coach of the RIT Women’s Hockey Team, compiling a 205-154-29 record over 12 seasons. He remains NCAA Division III’s all-time leader in winning percentage and RIT’s all-time leader in coaching victories. A graduate of Niagara University, McDonald played defense for the Purple Eagles and helped lead the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
With dual leadership, a demanding Tier I schedule, and a development-first philosophy, the 19U Girls team offers a premier environment for players committed to competing at the highest level and preparing for college hockey opportunities.
Season Overview:
- Full Season with 50+ Games
- Tournaments with exposure opportunities with prep schools and college scouts
- New York State Tournament Bound Team
- 2-3 team practices per week (Full and Shared)
- 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
HEAD COACH TBD
19U GIRLS TIER II
The 19U Girls Tier II team is planned as a full-season program designed to provide a structured, competitive, and development-focused environment for players at the 19U level. The program emphasizes continued skill development, team play, and finishing the youth hockey experience in a positive and supportive setting.
At this time, there appears to be sufficient interest to field a full roster, and the organization intends to move forward with the team pending confirmation through the tryout process.
The coaching staff for the 19U Girls Tier II team has not yet been finalized. Coaching assignments will be determined as the organization approaches tryouts, or during tryout week, based on player placement and overall team needs.
This team is well suited for players seeking a competitive and development-driven season within the girls program.
For questions or additional information, please contact Scott McDonald at