2026-27 Rising 2017 - Rochester Jr. Americans Youth Hockey Organization

2026 - 2027 season // Hockey Program

rising 2017

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.

travel registration

girls travel registration

house registration

Player Interest Form

2026-2027 Programs At A Glance

9U travel teams

Travel hockey requires a higher level of commitment from players and their families. AAA and AA travel teams are formed by single birth year (for example, 2017 birth year players compete at the 9U level), which allows for consistent development and age-appropriate competition. Travel teams practice more frequently during the week, and weekend games are often played out of town—whether it’s an hour drive to Buffalo for league play or participation in out-of-area tournaments. 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 2017 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 & 10U program Options

Below lists our planned Jr. Amerks 2017 birth year teams for the 2026-2027 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 Size	Practices	Skills Sessions	Next Level Training Sessions	Games	Estimated Cost
9U AAA (2017)	13-15 Skaters + 1-2 Goalies	One Weekly Full-Ice One Weekly Shared	Weekly	Weekly	Independent Schedule 50 including 3-4 tournaments	$2,500 + Uniforms and Tournaments
9U AA1 (2017) 9U AA2 (2017)	13-15 Skaters + 1-2 Goalies	Bi-monthly Full-Ice Two Weekly Shared	Every other week	Monthly	WNYAHL 40 including 3 tournaments	$2,000 + Uniforms and Tournaments
10U Girls (2017 & 2016)	13-15 Skaters + 1-2 Goalies	One Weekly Full-Ice One Weekly Shared	Monthly	Five sessions	Empire + Independent 50 including 4-6 tournaments	$1,500 + Uniforms and Tournaments
10U House (2017 & 2016)	13-15 Skaters + 1 Goalie	Two Weekly Shared	Monthly	Three sessions	Empire League 30 including 1-2 tournaments	$1,300 + Uniforms and Tournaments

Now accepting coaching applications

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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, 2026. For any questions, please contact the respective team's head coach or visit our Contact Us page.

Level	Day 1	Day 2
9U AAA Travel (2017)	Tuesday, March 3, 2026 6 pm Rochester Ice Center - Stellar	Wednesday, March 4, 2026 6:15 pm Rochester Ice Center - Stellar
9U AA Travel (2017)	Thursday, March 5, 2026 6 pm Rochester Ice Center - Rink 3	Friday, March 6, 2026 5 pm Genesee Valley Sports Complex
10U Girls Only Travel (2017 & 2016)	Tuesday, March 3, 2026 6:45 pm Rochester Ice Center - East	Wednesday, March 4, 2026 7 pm Rochester Ice Center - East
10U House (2017 & 2016)	Monday, March 23, 2026 2017 - 5:30 pm Rochester Ice Center	Tuesday, March 24, 2026 2017 - 5:30 pm Rochester Ice Center

frequently asked questions

What teams will be available for 2017 birth year players in the 2026-27 season?

What is the difference between travel and house teams for 2016 players?

What is the Jr. Amerks’ approach to player development?

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

What are the training opportunities for travel teams?

What are the expected costs for travel teams?

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

What is the coaching selection process for the 2025-26 season?

When does the season begin and end?

How do I sign-up for tryouts?

How much do tryouts cost?

Is there specialized goaltender training?

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.

2026 - 2027 season // Hockey Program

rising 2017