Hello Rochester Ice Cats!!
We cannot wait to start the 2021-2022 season with you all. We wanted to take a minute to give updates regarding this season and to formally introduce ourselves.
Registration Information: *NEW INFORMATION
All participants must be registered with American Special Hockey Association prior to registering with Rochester Ice Cats. For all that would like to register yourself, please head to https://www.specialhockey.org/page/show/5887416-registration to do so. For those that are 18+, you will need to complete background check/sexual harassment training in addition to your registration. Any questions, please contact us and we can help!
Ages 18+ American Special Hockey Registration:
• Any player over the age of 18 must complete a background check and sexual harassment training prior to fully registering for the season (Cost $35). Once this process is complete- you can then join us in registering either during open skate or a picnic (information below)
• There is the ability to complete a waiver should the sexual harassment piece not be applicable. Please contact us separately should you wish to discuss this piece further.
Under 18 American Special Hockey Registration:
• Registration has not changed- Register through American Special Hockey and then register with the Rochester Ice Cats. Register at https://www.specialhockey.org/page/show/5887416-registration
• Please reach out if any assistance is needed.
Rochester Ice Cats 2021-22 season Registration (separate from ASHA registration):
- Sept 16th 4-8pm registration picnic at Millennium Lodge at Greece Canal Park 241 Elmgrove Rd, Rochester, NY 14626. No need to bring a dish to pass, our organization will be handling all food and beverages.
- Registration will cost $150 dollars this season. Please bring cash or check. We’re looking at Venmo as a payment option and will let everyone know if we’re able to accept this form of payment in the future.
Ice Schedule:
October 17th-March 20th
Sundays from 4PM-6PM
Tentative Tournament/Game Information:
Buffalo- 1st weekend of November
Albany- MLK JR weekend
Rochester Ice Cats Tournament- April
*We’re looking to commit to a few more tournaments once we’ve established the roster for the 2021-22 season. Buffalo has expressed interest in playing a game with us in Batavia some weekend during the season, we will also be seeking to play a few games with local High School teams. More information to come in the future.
Miscellaneous Information:
Apparel Etc.
We are partnering with a new company for apparel and other items- stay tuned for a new online store to find some awesome Rochester Ice Cats stuff!
COVID-19
At this point in time, we have no updates or changes to share. However, we will certainly follow the guidelines set forth by Bill Gray’s, NYS Department of Health, and Monroe County Department of Health as we did last year if things change. We will provide updates closer to the beginning of our season if/when changes occur. As many of you have seen, Canada has just recently opened its boarders. To enter Canada, proof of vaccination and a negative test are required. With these current requirements, attending any Canadian tournaments/games would present a challenge with the testing requirements set forth. Therefore, it appears the 2021-22 season won’t include our friends to the North.
A Little Information About Us:
Jeffrey Chopan: (585) 490-8207
Jeff has been volunteering as a coach with the Rochester Ice Cats since the 2013-14 season. Jeff grew up in the Rochester area and enjoys golf, photography, music, and spending time with family/friends. Jeff grew up playing hockey in various house and travel leagues. Jeff spent his Junior year of high school with the Jr. Amerks and gave serious considerations to head to Canada to play Junior hockey there. However, Jeff decided to stay in Rochester and finish high school. After finishing high school, Jeff’s passion for hockey slowly disappeared as he pursued a degree in Human Services. That all changed with an email to Rochester Ice Cats coach Tom Simmons many years later. Jeff has spent almost twenty years in the human services field working primarily with individuals with intellectual disabilities. Jeff has also worked with individuals under the Department of Health and Office of Mental Health, spending most of his career providing case management to individuals he serves. Long story short, Jeff’s email to Tom requesting to volunteer with the Ice Cats rekindled his love and passion for hockey. Combining Jeff’s love for hockey with his love for helping others has been the perfect fit! Jeff can’t express enough how much this program means to him and he’s looking forward to a bright future for our organization!
Ryan Konko: (585) 520-6104
Ryan has been volunteering as a coach with the Rochester Ice Cats since the 2018 season. Prior to the Ice Cats, he had served as a coach with Breaking Barriers Lacrosse adaptive lacrosse program. Ryan works at Lifetime Assistance, Inc. and is currently attending SUNY Brockport to pursue a career as an Adaptive Physical Education teacher. In his spare time, Ryan coaches and volunteers with the Special Olympics, and plays recreational ice hockey, floor hockey, and lacrosse.
Victoria Decker: (607) 437-7926
Victoria has been a Licensed Master Social Worker for 10 years working with individuals with developmental disabilities and in the medical setting. While Victoria may not know how to skate, she will be behind the scenes and on the sideline cheering along and helping with anything that is needed. Victoria has a 6 year old daughter, loves to read, and enjoys traveling.
Best regards, Rochester Ice Cats!
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