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.
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.
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.