Rochester Jr. Americans and Webster Youth Hockey Partner to Grow Girls Hockey In Rochester

The future is now for girls hockey. 

The Webster Cyclones are thrilled to announce a partnership with the Rochester Jr. Amerks to form the largest girls' hockey alliance in the Rochester region. We've dedicated the last few years to growing our girls' program here in Webster and building a solid foundation for our players to compete. Combine those numbers with the Rochester Jr. Amerks unparalleled player development focus and we've created an elite powerhouse, unmatched in the greater Rochester region. 

With elite Tier 1 and Tier 2 options now available, and the ability to field competitive teams at every age level, our girls have a home from the start of their youth hockey careers to the finish. Top-notch skills development will be led by former Rochester Amerks player and current Jr. Amerks General Manager, François Méthot, and former NHL player and current Jr. Amerks Girls Hockey Director, Stephen Gionta. Shane Madelora, former RIT goalie and current assistant coach for the RIT women's hockey team, who will lead our goalie clinics. 

"We're giving our girls an opportunity to grow their love for the game, develop bonds with each other and strengthen their skills, all the while ensuring they can compete at the highest level they wish to play," says WYHA Communications Director and mom of a 14U girls player. "The partnership with the Rochester Jr. Amerks also lays the groundwork for a path toward a Section 5 high school girls' hockey program. Together, we're building a more equitable future for our girls and I couldn't be happier." 

The specifics

Teams: The Tier 1 TB team will be fielded out of the Rochester Ice Center, wearing Jr. Amerks logo'd. apparel. The Tier 2 TB team will be based in Webster and those girls will wear Cyclones-branded jerseys. Depending on numbers, non-TB teams may come from either program. A girls' tournament will be established to showcase the teams from both programs and draw teams from outside our area to expand the competition. 

Joint Commission: A girls' committee will be formed with members from each organization to ensure equity and fairness to all players. This group will work collaboratively on development plans, coaching and team selections, as well as team placements (Rochester Jr. Amerks or Webster), when applicable. 

Clinics: Player skill development will be run through the Rochester Hockey Academy out of the RIC. Goalie clinics will be held separately.