FAIRPORT, NY – Counting down the days. The Rochester Jr. Americans are thrilled to announce their 2024-25 schedule for the NAHL’s 50th anniversary season. For the full schedule, click here.
The Jr. Amerks will play a 60 game schedule starting with opening night on Sept. 13 against the New Jersey Titans. Like last year, all 28 home games are on either Friday or Saturday night and played at the Rochester Ice Center. Start times will be earlier: between 6:30p.m. and 7:30p.m.
The North American Hockey League added three expansion teams this season, bringing the total to 35 teams scattered across the nation. Celebrating its 50th season in 2024-25, the NAHL is the oldest and largest junior hockey league in the United States. The NAHL is also one of the best in the world at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey.
The Jr. Amerks will compete in the East Division composed of ten teams. Rochester will see all opponents six times: four home, two away or vice versa. In an effort to condense travel and start a rivalry, Rochester and Elmira are the only teams that will meet eight times. Here are the opponents: Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks, Elmira Aviators, Johnstown Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Hampshire Mountain Kings, New Jersey Titans, Northeast Generals, Philadelphia Rebels.
In a strategic move, the Jr. Americans built their schedule with more home games in the second half of the season to minimize player fatigue and maximize fan experience. By having more home games after Christmas, the Jr. Americans will be far more well-rested as they compete for critical playoff points. Another benefit is avoid as many conflicts with high school and college football.
Quick notes:
- The Jr. Americans home opener on Sept. 13 will be just the fifth all-time meeting with New Jersey. It’s fans’ chance to get their first look at the newly constructed Jr. Americans team.
- The highly-anticipated first meeting with rival expansion team Elmira Aviators will come at home on Nov. 15th and 16th. This will be Elmira’s first taste of “Rowdy Town” and the electric atmosphere fans have to offer.
- Holiday break is shorter this season. December 21st is the final game before Christmas and it will be played in Maine. The Jr. Americans will return January 3rd at home.
- Packed home slate in March. The Jr. Americans will have six consecutive home games in a span of three weeks during the month.
- The Jr. Amerks will play East Division Champion Maryland Black Bears four times at home while only twice on the road. Maryland made it to the Robertson Cup Championship last season and has consistently been the team to beat in the East.
- The only time the Jr. Amerks will be going to New Jersey will be the last weekend of the regular season, on April 4th and 5th.
The NAHL Showcase, which is held in Minnesota, will take place between Sep. 25-28. All 35 teams will compete in four games against opponents outside their division. The event is a yearly gathering for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer. The Jr. Americans are expected to get their NAHL Showcase schedule in July.
The Jr. Americans are on a mission to create one of the best game day experiences in the NAHL. The organization is looking to improve and refine the game day experience this offseason. Not official yet, but the Jr. Americans are exploring adding a mascot to increase fan engagement. In addition, the hope is to add a video production and replay capabilities, both for NAHLTV and the videoboard. One thing is guaranteed: the Jr. Americans will remain committed to keeping their games an affordable price for the whole family. Whether it’s the face-paced hockey, exciting promotions, giveaways, or awesome atmosphere, Jr. Amerks games promise to be a fun time.
“We want our games to be electric,” Director of Media and Marketing Kyle Cannillo said. “It’s our hope that fans are on their feet, making noise, and invested from the start. Not only is the game itself exhilarating but we strive for our atmosphere to match that intensity.”
Tickets for Jr. Amerks games can be purchased online at rochesterjramerks.com/tickets or at the door. Season tickets are on sale here. The organization is in the process of finalizing potential ticket packages that will be new for the upcoming season. Once finished, it will be uploaded on their website. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.
Along with tickets, the Jr. Americans will begin the process of developing their promotional schedule, which should be released to the public later this summer.
Want to watch Rochester’s games on the road? NAHLTV is the exclusive streaming service of the NAHL. This will allow fans to watch all games live and on demand, both home and away. Last season the Jr. Americans were the most viewed team in the East Division.
For now, don’t forget to follow @JrAmerksNAHL on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram to stay connected to the latest news and updates.
For the full Jr. Americans schedule click here.
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The Rochester Jr. Americans are members of the NAHL which is the oldest and largest junior hockey league of its kind in the United States and one of only two USA Hockey-certified leagues that operate under the non pay-to-play model. Celebrating its 50th season, the NAHL is one of the best at advancing players to NCAA and professional hockey. All league games are viewable via NAHLTV. For more information, visit rochesterjramerks.com.
