AMERKS ANNOUNCE CHANGES TO HOCKEY OPERATIONS STAFF
Amerks announce new hires to equipment and training staff for upcoming season
Sep 21, 2026Rochester Americans General Manager Stacy Roest announced today several changes to the team’s hockey operations staff for the upcoming 2026-27 season. Aaron Hoffmeyer has been named the team’s head equipment manager and will be assisted by Brandon Schroeder, while Travis Johns and Rob Tiedemann will both serve as assistant athletic trainers.
Hoffmeyer joins the Amerks organization following a two-year stint with the Utica Comets (AHL), where he served as assistant equipment manager from 2024-26. Prior to that, he spent two seasons with the Tri-City Americans (WHL) as an equipment manager after holding the title of head equipment manager with the Norfolk Admirals (ECHL) in 2021-22.
Hoffmeyer also spent two years in Plymouth, Mich. with the United States National Team Development Program (USNTDP). While with program, the Michigan native held various roles as an equipment staff member with the junior national team as well as the women's national team.
Schroeder comes to Rochester after spending the last two seasons with the Iowa Wild (AHL), where he was also the assistant equipment manager. Schroeder, a Michigan native, spent parts of three seasons with the Flint Firebirds (OHL) holding various equipment managerial roles from 2019-2023. Schroeder was also the head equipment manager for the Thief River Falls Norskies of the SIJHL during the 2018-19 campaign.
Johns enters his first season with the Amerks after spending the previous 10 as the head athletic trainer with the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs of the SPHL. Since the club’s inception in 2016, Johns worked 493 games, including his 400th back on Dec. 31, 2024. In addition to his role with the Yard Dawgs, Johns was an athletic trainer for Carilion Clinic from 2016-26.
Johns spent one year as the head athletic trainer with the Rochester Lancers, formerly of the Major Arena Soccer League, before serving as an athletic trainer at Houghton College. He is a 2014 graduate of Alfred University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training.
Tiedemann recently finished his second stint as a seasonal intern athletic trainer with the Las Vegas Raiders (NFL). He spent the two previous years as an athletic training student at Texas State University Athletics, earning his master’s degree in athletic training in 2026 and a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science in 2024.
Tiedemann is also a decorated military veteran, having served multiple tours with the U.S. Army Infantry Center.
Rochester opens its 71st American Hockey League season a home on Friday, Oct. 2 against the defending Calder Cup champion Toronto Marlies at The Blue Cross Arena. Season Ticket Memberships for the 2026-27 season, which start as low as $22 per game, are on sale now and come with several Members-only perks and benefits. Full and Half Season Membership options are also available. For more information on Amerks Season Tickets or to sign up today, call 585-454-5335 or visit www.amerks.com/memberships.