work with the best
The Jr. Amerks are dedicated to helping players grow their skills and love for the game. Through our partnership with the Rochester Ice Center, our experienced coaching staff provides top-tier instruction to support player development at every level. Meet the coaches shaping the future of Jr. Amerks hockey.
Francois Methot
A native of Montreal, Quebec, François Methot brings elite-level hockey experience and leadership to the Rochester Jr. Americans. A third-round NHL Draft pick of the Buffalo Sabres in 1996, Methot developed through the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before embarking on a 17-year professional playing career. He spent five seasons with the Rochester Americans in the American Hockey League, appearing in 334 regular season games and 39 Calder Cup Playoff contests. Following a successful professional career in Europe, he retired after the 2014–2015 season.
Methot has since transitioned into a prominent leadership role within the game. He has served as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Rochester Jr. Americans NAHL team for the past three seasons, playing a key role in advancing players to junior and collegiate opportunities.
In addition to his work behind the bench, Methot is the lead instructor for the Rochester Ice Center Academy, where he oversees high-level player development programming. He also directs one of the premier summer training programs in the region, THT, which attracts dozens of professional, college, and junior players each year.
Methot has trained extensively under renowned skating coach Boris Dorozhenko, incorporating advanced power skating techniques into his development approach. His focus on skill progression, skating efficiency, and attention to detail has made him a trusted resource for players at all levels looking to elevate their game.
Alyssa Sleasman
Alysa Sleasman brings extensive playing and coaching experience to the Rochester Jr. Americans. She serves as the Assistant Coach for the Jr. Amerks NAHL team and is the lead instructor for the Jr. Amerks' weekly skills development clinics, helping players refine their game throughout the season.
Raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sleasman made history as one of the first women from Raleigh to become a professional ice hockey player. She played NCAA Division I hockey at Cornell University, where she tallied 89 points over her four-year career, contributing to four ECAC championship teams. Sleasman served as assistant captain her junior year and co-captain her senior year, showcasing her leadership both on and off the ice.
In 2015, Sleasman joined the Boston Pride of the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), earning selection to the league’s inaugural All-Star Game and helping the Pride capture the first-ever Isobel Cup championship.
After retiring from professional hockey, Sleasman was hired by the Carolina Hurricanes in 2019 to lead women’s hockey initiatives and grassroots development programs. She designed and implemented season-long training curriculums focusing on technical and tactical skills.
Sleasman’s passion for developing players and her dedication to advancing hockey at all levels make her an invaluable part of the Jr. Amerks organization.
Jackson Barrett
Jackson brings a strong combination of playing experience and player development expertise to the Rochester Jr. Americans organization. He currently serves as an Assistant Coach for the Jr. Amerks 16U AAA team and contributes as a volunteer assistant with the Jr. Amerks NAHL team. In addition, Barrett is a lead instructor with the Rochester Ice Center Academy, where he plays a key role in delivering skills development sessions across all age levels.
Originally from Indianapolis, Indiana, Barrett played junior hockey in both the KIJHL and GOJHL before advancing to the collegiate level. He went on to play NCAA hockey at Buffalo State University, where he developed into a reliable two-way defenseman known for his hockey IQ and steady presence on the ice.
Barrett relocated to Rochester in 2025 and quickly became an integral part of the Jr. Amerks development model. Prior to joining the organization, he worked with the Academy at Harborcenter in Buffalo, gaining valuable experience in structured skill development and elite training environments.
Known for his strong rapport with younger players, Barrett connects naturally with athletes at the early stages of their development while maintaining a high standard for skill progression and accountability. His attention to detail, ability to teach the game, and commitment to player development make him a valuable asset to the Jr. Amerks coaching staff.
David Powlowski
A native of Rochester, NY, David Powlowski has been working with Jr. Amerks players in skills sessions for the past two seasons and serves as an assistant coach for the Jr. Amerks NAHL team.
As a Jr. Americans alumnus, David had a standout youth career, winning three New York State titles and earning a Nationals bronze medal at the AAA level. Recognized by NHL Central Scouting in 2012, he was drafted into the USHL before playing three seasons in the NAHL with the Wenatchee Wild, where he served as an assistant captain.
David continued his hockey journey at Nazareth College, leading the team in scoring during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons. He then signed his first professional contract with the Idaho Steelheads of the ECHL, the Dallas Stars affiliate, and completed his pro career with the Macon Mayhem in the SPHL.
David has transitioned seamlessly into coaching, leveraging his playing experience to develop youth hockey players in Rochester. His expertise and dedication make him a vital part of the Jr. Amerks program, helping players refine their skills and achieve their potential.
RYAN HAEN, GOALIE INSTRUCTOR
Ryan Haen is a veteran goaltending coach with experience across youth, junior, and NCAA levels. He has been with Evolve since 2016 and currently serves as Director of Goaltending for Bishop Kearney Selects. Haen is also the goalie coach for both the men’s and women’s teams at Nazareth University and joined the RIT women’s program in 2024. Known for his sharp eye for detail and calm teaching style, he’s helped develop some of the top goalies in the region.