Syracuse Stars Mission Statement
It is our promise to the players in our program to do our best to provide the education, structure, and means necessary to advance them to the next level. It is also important to us to develop the person, not just the hockey player. Character, commitment, work ethic and determination are all words that are best used to describe the Syracuse Junior Program and its players. We take immense pride in assisting players achieve their goals, be it the NHL, Major Juniors, or College hockey. The Syracuse Stars has a rich tradition of developing topnotch talent, and we look forward to continued success with each year.

Founded over twenty years ago by Don Kirnan, the Syracuse Stars Junior Hockey Club has developed into one of the best junior hockey programs in the United States. Under the guidance of Don Kirnan, the Syracuse Stars has developed and advanced hundreds of young hockey players to the next level. Some of the program's success stories include 5 players in the NHL, countless players in the AHL, and OHL; 2 players on the USA Hockey Under 18 Team, One member of the US Olympic Team, 3 current National Junior Team Members; numerous players in the USHL and NCAA Division I, and Division III college programs, as well as boasting the first American Born hockey player to ever be drafted #1 in the OHL. In addition, during each of the past eight years the Stars have placed at least one player on the US National development team.

Why Play Jr. Hockey?
Every year the same question is asked by players and parents as they try and decide what the best path to achieve their hockey objectives. There are many alternatives available. According to a survey of college coaches the most heavily scouted leagues were all at the level of Junior Hockey. Junior Hockey provides many opportunities for a player to improve and showcase their individual and team skills. The opportunities are provided through a schedule of highly competitive league games and participation in showcase and league tournaments including national tournaments. Additionally, Junior Hockey clubs frequently provide additional training and educational opportunities that enhance the players educational and current training programs. These programs include preparation for college entrance examinations such as the SAT and ACT tests and off ice strength and conditioning programs. No other programs offer the same variety of opportunities that Junior Hockey does. Both the ECAC and Hockey East recruit almost all their players from the ranks of Junior Hockey.