Player Development
We're committed to maximizing the potential of every Jr. Amerks player who steps on the ice, regardless of their age, team or beginning skill level. Player development is at our core. We want every player to improve their skills each year and perform at the highest level they can.
Every Jr. Amerks player, from our House program to our Tier I (AAA) program, receives dedicated skill development sessions as part of their season schedule. The training curriculum is based on the modern game of hockey and is the same for all levels of play, with modifications for age-appropriate development goals.
We put player development before winning, because we know that teams will experience greater success if players are constantly improving their skills as they advance.
Practice with a purpose, play with a passion
skills that translate to the next level
Our player development program is specifically designed to utilize age appropriate training systems and techniques to help our players maximize their full athletic potential with an emphasis on skating, speed and agility, puck control, shooting, and passing. In addition, we encourage creativity and nurture the players’ developing “hockey sense” through a variety of drills and small-area games that transfer to real game situations.
EXPOSURE opportunities
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 junior, college and professional scouts and coaches. With Jr. Amerks, aspiring athletes are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to achieve their hockey dreams.
Meet Our Hockey Development Advisory Group
We take pride in providing exceptional coaching and development opportunities for our young players. Our coaching staff includes top talent from the region, including former NHL, AHL, and European professional players. Led by our Hockey Development Advisory Group, our age-specific plans empower players to reach their potential within a team-first environment, nurturing skills, hockey IQ, and passion for the game. With a deep understanding of the sport and high-level experience, our coaches create a positive, supportive environment, focusing on discipline, resilience, and growth mindset.
Domenic Pittis
Hockey General Manager
Domenic Pittis is the Hockey General Manager of the Rochester Jr. Americans. A former professional player with experience in the NHL, AHL, and Europe, Pittis brings extensive coaching and player-development experience, including roles as an AHL coach and NHL skills coach. He leads the Jr. Amerks hockey program with a focus on player development, coaching, and advancement.
Francois Methot
Advisor
François Méthot previously served as Hockey General Manager and Director of AAA Hockey for the Rochester Jr. Americans. A former NHL, AHL, and European professional, Méthot became a highly respected coach and player developer in Rochester, helping numerous players advance to higher levels of hockey. In 2026, he was named Head Coach of the PWHL’s Boston Fleet.
nathan paetsch
advisor
Nathan Paetsch, the retired Canadian ice hockey pro, whose exceptional defensive skills and unwavering dedication have etched his name in hockey history. From his early days with the Moose Jaw Warriors to remarkable achievements in the AHL and NHL, his journey has been one of triumph and inspiration. As assistant coach of AHL's Rochester Americans and head coach of our 2010 AAA hockey team, he shapes the future of the sport, imparting vast knowledge and passion to aspiring players.
Stephen Gionta
advisor
Stephen Gionta, the Jr. Amerks Girls Hockey Director, is a revered figure in hockey. From his early days with the Rochester Junior A Americans to his remarkable achievements in college and professional hockey, Gionta has made an indelible mark on the sport. As a player, he played in over 700 professional games, including over 300 in the NHL. Currently a pro scout with the Tampa Bay Lightning, Gionta is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion. His passion and dedication continues to inspire players and fans alike.
Stay in the loop
News & Updates
Join Our Team: Intro to Hockey Director
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McAllister King Takes Part in Windsor Spitfires OHL Training Camp
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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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Our goal is to deny yours
GOALTENDER TRAINING
We have partnered with New Edge School of Goaltending to provide top-notch goalie development training in the Jr. Amerks player development program. Throughout the season, we offer dedicated goalie-specific training sessions for all goalies in the organization at no additional cost.
With the expertise of New Edge School of Goaltending, our program follows a meticulously designed progression plan. The drills and coaching techniques implemented are geared towards cultivating highly competitive, mobile, athletic, and fundamentally sound goaltenders who can excel in the hockey ranks.
player spotlight
Jr. amerks 13u aaa zach morin | 2007
Take a peek inside the success of our player development program through the experience of Zach Morin, who excelled in his 13U Tier I (AAA) season with the Jr. Amerks.
It never gets easier, you just get better
sports performance TRAINING
Next Level Strength and Conditioning works with all of our teams to provide off-ice performance training as a key component of our player development program. The Next Level staff is full of highly qualified strength coaches that design comprehensive training programs tailored to meet the specific needs of our athletes based on their age, experience, skill level and training goals.
Next Level trainers apply their expertise through the use of many strength building tools that help players improve their on-ice attributes and enhance their performance.
Our players to gain an edge on the competition through Next Level's training and reduce the risk of injury while building valuable team camaraderie!
