The Road to College Hockey Looks Different for Every Player
At the Rochester Jr. Americans, we understand that there is no single path to college hockey—or beyond. Every player's journey is unique. Some skate for their high school team, others transfer to prep schools or pursue junior hockey opportunities across North America. Some make unexpected moves, take detours, or accelerate ahead.
What they all have in common is a strong foundation. The Jr. Amerks program provides that foundation—through elite coaching, high-level competition, and a focus on player development—so that each athlete is prepared to take the next step, wherever their path may lead.
Scroll down to explore the diverse journeys of our alumni and see how the Jr. Amerks helped shape their hockey careers.
Jack Dugan '98 | Forward
Born in 1998 and raised in Rochester, NY, Jack Dugan developed his game within the Rochester Monarchs—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans following the program’s name change in 2020. A dynamic and high-IQ forward, Jack played at the highest levels of youth hockey, including on the 14U, 15U, and 16U AAA teams, where his development was shaped under the guidance of top-tier coaches such as SUNY Geneseo alum Ryan Gage, Suny Cortland Alum Ryan LaShomb and AHL Rochester Americans Hall of Famer Jody Gage.
Jack’s time in the Monarchs program laid the foundation for his elite offensive instincts, vision, and competitiveness—traits that set him apart from an early age. He also skated for McQuaid Jesuit High School from 8th through 10th grade, but it was his AAA training and competition that propelled him toward higher levels of the game.
To further his development, Jack transferred to Northwood School in Lake Placid for his final two years of prep hockey. There, he continued to grow in a highly competitive environment, both on and off the ice.
After prep school, Jack joined the Chicago Steel of the USHL, one of the premier junior leagues in North America. In the 2017–18 season, he posted 66 points in 54 games, finishing among the league’s top scorers.
His performance earned him a selection in the 5th round of the 2017 NHL Draft by the Vegas Golden Knights. Jack then went on to star at Providence College (NCAA Division I), where he led the nation in scoring during the 2019–20 season and was named a Hobey Baker Award finalist.
Following college, Jack began his professional career with the Vegas organization and later played in the AHL with teams affiliated with the New Jersey Devils. His path from Rochester AAA hockey to the NCAA and professional ranks reflects the strength of his early development and the impact of dedicated coaching within the Jr. Amerks program.
Gunnar VanDamme '02 | Forward
Raised in Pittsford, NY, Gunnar VanDamme played the majority of his youth hockey with the Rochester Monarchs—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans. A reliable and skilled forward, Gunnar was a key contributor to the program through 17U, developing into a strong two-way presence.
In addition to his AAA career, he skated for Pittsford High School, where he played varsity hockey and continued to grow as a leader and competitor. For his 18U season, Gunnar joined the Buffalo Junior Sabres, seeking full-season competition and broader exposure.
His post-18U journey took him to the Lindsay Muskies of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he played a full season of junior hockey in Canada. He then advanced to the North American Hockey League (NAHL), suiting up for the Maryland Black Bears and making an immediate impact.
Gunnar’s dedication and persistence paid off with a commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. His path—from local AAA and high school hockey to Canadian juniors, the NAHL, and finally Division I—reflects the diverse and determined spirit of a Jr. Amerks alum.
Conner Fitzpatrick '02 | Forward
Born in 2002, Conner Fitzpatrick is a true example of long-term development within the Jr. Amerks organization—formerly known as the Rochester Monarchs. Conner played with the program from Mites through 18U, growing each year as a dependable two-way player and leader on and off the ice.
He also competed for McQuaid Jesuit High School before transferring to Phillips Academy Andover, where he re-classed and spent two years benefiting from elite academics and competitive prep school hockey. Forgoing junior hockey, Conner committed directly to Williams College, an NCAA Division III program known for its academic rigor and strong hockey tradition.
Conner’s journey highlights how a strong foundation and the right development environment can open doors to top-tier collegiate opportunities—even through a non-traditional path.
Andrew Haugh '03 | Defense
B
orn in 2003 and raised in Victor, NY, Andrew Haugh was a standout defenseman who developed through the Jr. Amerks system—formerly the Rochester Monarchs. He spent nearly his entire youth hockey career with the organization, playing on a highly competitive 16U team that advanced to both the New York State and USA Hockey National Championships. That team was led by former NHL player Scott Nichol and longtime professional Francois Methot, and included several players who went on to play NCAA hockey—including Jacob Kraft (Cornell), Tyler Procious (AIC), Giuseppe Fiorillo (SUNY Geneseo), Haley Winn (PWHL) and Conor Humphrey (SUNY Cortland).
Andrew also played three years of varsity hockey at Victor High School, where he served as team captain during his junior year and was known for his steady play and leadership on the blue line. During his junior year, he also skated for the Rochester Selects 18U team—a collaboration between the Jr. Amerks and Rochester Youth Hockey.
Without a full-season Tier I option available in Rochester for his senior year, Andrew joined the Buffalo Junior Sabres 18U team, gaining the exposure he needed to continue his career. He then played two seasons of junior hockey with the Boston Junior Rangers in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL), a league recognized for moving players on to NCAA Division III programs.
After completing his junior hockey career, Andrew committed to SUNY Brockport, continuing his academic and athletic journey at the collegiate level. His path reflects the value of strong coaching, high-level teammates, and the developmental foundation provided by the Jr. Amerks program.
Tommy Winn '00 | Defense
A Rochester native, Tommy Winn developed through the Rochester Monarchs AAA program—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans—playing at the highest levels from 14U through 18U. Known for his hockey IQ and consistent two-way play, Tommy was a dependable presence throughout his youth career.
Following his time in the Jr. Amerks program, Tommy moved on to junior hockey in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL)—one of the top Tier II junior leagues in North America. He spent two seasons competing in Ontario with the Nepean Raiders and Hawkesbury Hawks, gaining valuable experience and exposure at a high level of play. He then joined the New Jersey Hitmen (NCDC) for his final junior season, rounding out three years of competitive junior hockey.
Tommy went on to play four seasons of NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY Geneseo including serving as captain his senior year, one of the most respected programs in the country. His journey from Rochester AAA hockey through Canadian juniors and into the SUNYAC showcases the effectiveness of the Jr. Amerks’ development path and the importance of persistence, adaptability, and a strong foundation.
Giuseppe Fiorillo '03 | Defense
Born in 2003, Giuseppe Fiorillo is a skilled and reliable defenseman who developed within the Rochester Monarchs AAA program—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans. As a member of the dominant 14U Monarchs team, Giuseppe helped lead the group to a New York State Championship and a trip to the USA Hockey National Championships, skating alongside several future NCAA players.
That team was coached by Scott Nichol, current General Manager of the Milwaukee Admirals (AHL affiliate of the Nashville Predators), and Francois Methot, Head Coach and GM of the NAHL Jr. Americans and the current Hockey GM of the Jr. Amerks. Under their guidance, Giuseppe developed a high hockey IQ, elite compete level, and strong defensive instincts.
He played three years of varsity hockey at McQuaid Jesuit High School before re-classing and transferring to Nichols School, where he billeted and competed in prep hockey for two seasons. Nichols provided him the opportunity to face top-tier prep competition and further prepare for the next level.
After graduating, Giuseppe moved on to junior hockey with the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL)—one of the premier Tier II leagues in the U.S. Following his time in the NAHL, he committed to play NCAA Division III hockey at SUNY Geneseo, a nationally ranked program in the SUNYAC.
Giuseppe continues to stay connected to the Jr. Amerks program, returning every summer to train at the Rochester Ice Center as part of the THT development program, a partnership between Francois Methot and Next Level Strength and Conditioning. His ongoing commitment to improvement, combined with his strong foundation and elite coaching background, make him a proud example of the Jr. Amerks development path.
In 2023, Giuseppe committed to SUNY Geneseo, continuing his hockey and academic career at one of the top NCAA Division III programs in the nation. His journey reflects the strength of the Jr. Amerks’ development model and his own commitment to growing through every level of the game.
Jack Schlifke '01 | Forward
Born in 2001, Jack Schlifke is a lifelong product of the Rochester Monarchs—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans. He spent his entire youth hockey career in the organization, playing AAA from his early years through 18U while also competing for Penfield High School. Jack stood out for his work ethic, hockey IQ, and consistency on both ends of the ice.
After graduating from Penfield, Jack opted for a post-graduate year at Northwood School in Lake Placid, NY, where he gained additional development and exposure at the prep level. From there, he advanced to junior hockey, playing two seasons split between the Boston Junior Rangers (EHL), New Jersey Hitmen (NCDC), and New Jersey Rockets (NCDC)—three respected programs known for moving players to the NCAA ranks.
In 2022, Jack committed to SUNY Fredonia, where he continues his hockey career at the NCAA Division III level. His path reflects the value of long-term development, perseverance, and a commitment to improving at every level of the game.
Lenny Perno '02 | Goaltender
Goaltender Lenny Perno, born in 2002 and raised in Rochester, NY, is a longtime product of the Rochester Monarchs—now known as the Rochester Jr. Americans. Lenny developed through the program from the early years through 18U AAA, building a reputation as a focused, athletic, and dependable netminder.
In addition to his AAA career, Lenny played four years of varsity hockey at Aquinas Institute, where he was a consistent starter and a key part of the team’s success. Upon graduating, Lenny transitioned directly into junior hockey.
Over three seasons, he competed in both the USPHL Premier and the Eastern Hockey League (EHL)—playing for the Richmond Generals and Vermont Lumberjacks, before returning to Richmond for his final junior season. His performance across multiple leagues and regions demonstrated his resilience and ability to adapt at each level.
In 2023, Lenny committed to SUNY Potsdam, continuing his academic and hockey journey at the NCAA Division III level. His path from the Jr. Amerks AAA program to college hockey underscores the importance of consistent development, strong coaching, and personal dedication.