FAIRPORT, NY – Counting down the days. The Rochester Jr. Americans are thrilled to announce their 2025-26 regular season schedule.
The Jr. Amerks will play a 59 game schedule starting with opening night on Sept. 12 against the Maryland Black Bears. Like last year, nearly all of the team’s 28 home games are on either Friday or Saturday night and played at the Rochester Ice Center. Start times will be similar to last year: between 6:30p.m. and 7:30p.m.
The North American Hockey League is now up to 34 teams scattered across the nation. In its 51st season, 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 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 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 opening weekend will be Sept. 12th & 13th against the Maryland Black Bears. It’s fans’ chance to get their first look at the newly constructed Jr. Americans team.
- Rochester will make only one trip to Danbury, Philadelphia, and their heated rival Maine. Funny enough, those are the first three road series of the season.
- The first rivalry matchup with Elmira will be at the LECOM Event Center the day after Thanksgiving on Nov. 28th and 29th.
- The home series on Dec. 19th and 20th is expected to be packed. This *might*… want to emphasize *might*… be a great opportunity to play in Rochester Ice Center’s new arena.
- Holiday break is longer this season. Dec. 20th is the final game before Christmas. The Jr. Americans will return Jan. 9th in Maryland.
- Packed home slate between mid-Feburary through March. The Jr. Americans will have 10 home games in a five week span. They will also have two Tuesday games starting at 6:30pm. That includes five home games in seven days between Mar. 13th and Mar. 21st.
- The Jr. Americans end their regular season in Elmira on Apr. 3rd and 4th. It is possible they host home playoff games which would be slated for Apr. 10th and 11th.
The NAHL Showcase, which is held in Minnesota, will take place between Sept. 24th – 27th. All 34 teams will compete in three 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 opportunities to schedule marquee matchups in the Rochester Ice Center’s third rink that is currently under construction. The facility boasts more seating, upwards of 1,200 which would be perfect for packed NAHL games. 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.”
While not on sale yet, tickets for Jr. Amerks games can be purchased online at rochesterjramerks.com/tickets or at the door. 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.
###
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.
