Girls Program
Our girls program was built with one goal in mind: to grow the girls' game. As a Tier I organization, we offer players the opportunity to train and play at the highest level on girls-only teams while competing for USA Hockey state and national titles. Girls in our Tier I program follow a development plan designed to help them advance past youth hockey on to college and beyond.
Every girl who wants to play hockey has a place to play and an opportunity to succeed and have fun with the Jr. Amerks. Girls in the Jr. Amerks organization can also play on our youth house and travel teams and advance their development at their own pace.
Opportunities for advancement
USA Hockey State and National Competition
Our Tier I girls receive a high quality hockey experience for a fraction of the cost of prep schools. Teams play a highly competitive schedule and are eligible to compete for USA Hockey New York state and national titles. This gives our elite players the exposure needed to advance beyond youth hockey and a training and development program that allows them to live at home.
benefits of girls playing sports
Research shows that girls who play sports have higher confidence and self-esteem, higher states of psychological well-being, better grades in school, and learn important life skills like teamwork and goal-setting. But beyond that, the #1 reason why girls play hockey is because it's fun! Whether it's meeting new people, learning new skills, or just hanging out with teammates outside of practice or games, our girls program is about more than what you see on the ice.
Class of 2026
college advancement
The Jr. Amerks Girls Hockey Program is proud of its strong track record of helping players advance to the collegiate level. Most recently, five graduating Jr. Amerks continued their hockey careers at St. John Fisher University, Hamilton College, Rochester Institute of Technology, and SUNY Plattsburgh. Their success reflects our commitment to developing female players and providing the coaching, competition, and guidance needed to pursue opportunities beyond youth hockey.
get to the next level
Exposure and Development
We empower our players to soar to the highest levels of hockey. Through strategic partnerships with New York State Amateur Hockey and USA Hockey, our players have access to top-tier development camps. These renowned development programs provide unmatched training and exposure to prep and college scouts and coaches. With Jr. Amerks, aspiring athletes are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve their hockey dreams.
Stay in the loop
News & Updates
Join Our Team: Intro to Hockey Director
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Welcome Amerks Hall of Famer Domenic Pittis as General Manager
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Barry Smith Leads Girls Hockey Clinic at Rochester Ice Center
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Jr. Amerks Congratulate François Méthot on Next Chapter
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We’re Hiring: Hockey General Manager
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Player spotlight
Jr. Amerks Alum, KIARA ZANON
Zanon has established herself as one of the area’s most accomplished female hockey players, progressing from NCAA Division I hockey and winning gold with the U.S. Women’s National Team to now playing professionally with Toronto in the PWHL. She spent years training at Rochester Ice Center under former Jr. Amerks Hockey General Manager Francois Methot, who recently departed the organization to become Head Coach of the PWHL’s Boston Fleet. Her journey to the professional level is a tremendous example of where talent, hard work, and high-level development can lead.
girls hockey director
scott mcdonald
After several successful seasons as the Jr. Amerks 2010 AAA/AA head coach, Scott McDonald transitioned to lead the Jr. Amerks Girls Hockey Program as Girls Hockey Director. Scott brings extensive experience in advancing young female athletes from youth hockey to the college level, backed by his 12-year tenure as Head Coach of the RIT Women’s Hockey Team.
A former defenseman for Niagara University, Scott has a strong background in collegiate hockey both as a player and a coach. In addition to his role with the Jr. Amerks, Scott will be the Head Coach of the St. John Fisher University Women's Hockey Team, launching in the 2025-26 season. As Girls Hockey Director, he is dedicated to fostering growth, skill, and a love for the game among the Jr. Amerks female players, guiding them toward their highest potential in hockey.