work with the best
The Jr. Amerks have proudly partnered with Next Level Strength and Conditioning for many years, recognizing the critical role that off-ice training plays in a player’s long-term development. Located right inside the Rochester Ice Center, the expert coaching staff at Next Level delivers age-appropriate, hockey-specific strength and conditioning designed to enhance performance, reduce injury risk, and build confident, resilient athletes. Meet the team helping our players grow stronger—on and off the ice.
Dan Benfield | BS, CFSC
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and is a certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He serves as Next Level’s head strength coach for Jr. Amerks youth programming, overseeing off-ice performance and development for aspiring hockey players.
In his role as Account Manager, Dan is the primary liaison between the Jr. Amerks organization and Next Level Fitness. His collaborative approach ensures our training programs align closely with on-ice development goals.
Dan is widely respected by athletes and families alike; Jr. Amerks players consistently praise his ability to motivate and support them in pushing past limits and building strength as a team.
With his thoughtful, hockey-specific methodology, Dan plays a pivotal role in enhancing athletic performance, promoting injury resilience, and cultivating confidence across all youth levels.
Mike Moon | BS, CFSC
Mike brings a wealth of experience to the Jr. Amerks off‑ice training program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Exercise Science and is a Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC). He currently serves as Head Strength Coach at Next Level, overseeing strength and performance development for youth hockey athletes in the Rochester area.
In that role, Mike leads Next Level’s strength programs at Greece CSD, supports RIT Women’s Hockey (2019–2023), and Rochester Jr. Americans NAHL team. Within Jr. Amerks programming, he develops and manages customized off‑ice training curricula that align closely with on‑ice developmental objectives, while prioritizing injury prevention and athletic resilience.
Mike is highly regarded by athletes and their families for his motivational coaching style and tailored, sport-specific training methodologies. From performance testing to strength metrics, his approach helps elevate confidence and on-ice performance across all levels of play.
Nate Vankouwenberg | MA, CFSC
Nate VanKouwenberg serves as the Founder and Owner of Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Fairport, NY, and has been a dedicated Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Jr. Amerks program for many years. A Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC), Nate also holds a Master of Arts in Health Studies from the University of Alabama and a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education from SUNY Brockport.
In addition to overseeing Next Level’s training operations, he has spent nearly two decades as a Physical Education & Health Teacher and Director of Strength & Conditioning at Victor Central Schools. From 2015 to 2023, Nate served as the Strength and Conditioning Coach for the RIT Men’s Division I hockey program, bringing performance-level expertise to Next Level’s athlete development.
Nate is also the author of Functional Strength Training for Physical Education, a comprehensive guide used by PE teachers to implement functional movement and strength curriculum at the K–12 level. His leadership at Next Level includes running the summer "Pro Total Hockey Training" program—an elite on-ice and off-ice training system for college, prep, junior, and professional players.
Well-respected across the Rochester area, Nate is known for his functional, movement-based training philosophy—emphasizing long-term athletic resilience, efficient power development, and foundational strength. His holistic approach ensures that Jr. Amerks athletes receive tailored off-ice development that seamlessly supports their on-ice growth.
Joe Atatari | BA, BS, CFSC, FMS
Joe Aratari is a dedicated strength and conditioning coach at Next Level Strength and Conditioning in Fairport, NY, and a long-standing contributor to the Jr. Amerks off-ice development program. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from SUNY Brockport and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from SUNY Plattsburgh. Joe is also a Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) and certified in Functional Movement Screening (FMS).
Since joining Next Level in 2015, Joe has taken on several leadership roles, including Head Strength Coach, Manager, and Staff Development Coordinator. He also serves as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Penfield High School and is the New York State Director for the National High School Strength Coaches Association.
Joe is known for his athlete-centered approach to training, emphasizing foundational strength, movement quality, and mental resilience. His ability to connect with young athletes and foster both physical and personal development makes him a valued leader within the Jr. Amerks program and the broader Rochester athletic community.