Board Addition and Hockey Leadership Updates

The Rochester Jr. Americans Board of Directors has approved updates to the organization’s hockey operations structure, including the addition of Mitch Stephens to the Board of Directors.

Stephens is currently an assistant coach with SUNY Geneseo and a former player at the program. He also played professionally in Europe. Within the Jr. Americans, he coaches two girls teams and has three children in the program. Stephens will also serve as Travel Director for the 9U–12U Boys program.

The Board also approved the creation of a Hockey Operations Director role, to be filled by Mike Napieralski. Napieralski currently serves as an assistant coach for the 18U AA team and has been a head coach and assistant coach at multiple age levels within the organization over the past 10 years.

In addition, Ryan Gage will transition to Travel Director for the 13U–18U Boys program. Gage also serves as head coach of the 13U AAA team, has more than 20 years of coaching experience within the organization, and has three children in the program.