Detroit Native Cameron Burt Joins TPH-Detroit Team

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI – Total Package Hockey is proud to announce the addition of Cameron Burt to the TPH-Detroit team. Burt will join the Detroit staff as a Player Development Coach / Mentor. 

“In speaking with Cameron it is easy to recognize the passion he has for the game and his passion for helping the next generation of hockey players,” said Dwayne Norris, TPH-Detroit Director of Hockey-Operations. “Cam is a competitor and knows from experience what it takes to reach the highest levels of hockey. We are excited for him to bring his knowledge and drive to the Center of Excellence to help our young student-athletes grow both on and off the ice.”

A native of Detroit, Burt grew up playing with the Michigan Ice Dogs before starting his junior career in the former Eastern Junior Hockey League (EJHL).  From there, Burt made the jump to the United States Hockey League (USHL) and earned a commitment to Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).  In just his second year at RIT, Burt was awarded the NCAA AHA Tournament MVP and helped RIT claim the Atlantic Hockey championship. 

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After graduating from RIT, Burt enjoyed a 7 year professional playing career with stops in the ECHL, American Hockey League (AHL) and overseas in Sweden (Allsvenskan), Germany (DEL2), Great Britain (EIHL) and Slovakia.

All of us in TPH join Dwayne Norris and the rest of the TPH-Detroit team in welcoming Cameron to the TPH family.

Casey Africano to Lead Academics at TPH-Phoenix CoE

Total Package Hockey, in partnership with Sequoia Choice, are pleased to announce that Casey Africano will serve as the Academic Site Coach for the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence. Casey brings a unique blend of athletic, academic and servant leadership-related experience to the TPH-Phoenix team.

“Casey Africano checks all the boxes we in TPH and our Arizona academic partner Sequoia Choice were looking for in an academic leader for our Phoenix CoE,” Director of Hockey-Operations Brett Blatchford said. “Casey is a former Division I athlete who has dedicated most of her adult life to student-athlete service and leadership. She maximized her time and experiences as a college athlete, has worked in a university setting and most importantly, understands the important role academics plays in athletic success. Her resume and accomplishments prove that.”

The resume and accomplishments Blatchford speaks on include a Bachelor of Arts Sociology and Theology from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master of Education in Policy and Leadership from Southern Methodist University. While at Notre Dame, Africano was a four-year member of the Fighting Irish Women’s Softball team and a four time Monogram Winner. While pursuing her athletic goals on the field, Casey also served as Community Service Coordinator for the team and occupied an important role as both a community service member and chairperson for the Notre Dame student-athlete advisory board. In her role, Casey successfully organized over 750 athletes in team and individual service opportunities, such as Habitat for Humanity, Fighting Irish Fight for Life, Relay for Life, various charitable causes at the South Bend Center of the Homeless and organized events for Fighting Irish athletes to dedicate time at children’s hospitals across South Bend. In addition, Casey was President of the Notre Dame Christian Athletes organization and was one of five seniors to be chosen to participate in the prestigious Rosenthal Leadership Academy, which is a student-athlete advisory council for Notre Dame athletes.

The California native’s commitment to learning and leadership continued at TCU, as Casey once again took advantage of various leadership opportunities while pursuing her Masters Degree. Since July 2018, Casey has worked full-time as a Coordinator in the Student-Athlete Development Office at TCU, a role that has provided her with experiences in a variety of areas, including organizing philanthropic projects, creating holistic experiences for student-athletes and overseeing efforts related to diversity and inclusion with TCU sports, to name a few.

“Both myself and Sequoia Choice Assistant Principal Sandy Ramirez felt that Casey’s resume and Zoom interview oozed leadership and a commitment to impacting student-athletes, first and foremost, in the classroom,” TPH Chief Academic Officer Bill Simms said. “Her many relevant experiences being around high-level athletes coupled with her desire to create a positive academic experience within the CoE will no doubt assist our inaugural class in adjusting to our unique, academy-style model. We are thrilled to have Casey on board, and we are excited to watch her and Brett make the Center of Excellence the ultimate Study, Train, Play destination in the Phoenix area.”

All of us in TPH join Brett, Bill and Sequoia Choice in welcoming Casey to the TPH family.

Interested in learning more about Sequoia Choice and the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence?

  • Click here to download our Center of Excellence brochure.
  • Click here to request more information on the CoE model.
  • E-mail Director of Hockey-Operations Brett Blatchford at bblatchford@totalpackagehockey.com
  • Click here to apply for the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence, which is the first formal step in the registration process for the 2020-2021 school year.
  • Interested in learning more about Sequoia Choice? Click here.

Brendan Burke Returns to Scottsdale, Joins TPH-Phoenix Team

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – Total Package Hockey is pleased to welcome former Jr. Coyote ‘AAA’ goaltender and Canadian Hockey League standout Brendan Burke to the TPH-Phoenix team as a full-time Player Development Coach & Mentor, with concentration on instructing the goaltenders who attend the Center of Excellence.  A Scottsdale native, Burke returns home to The Desert after wrapping up four years at the University of Alberta, where the 25-year-old graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics while tending the net for the Golden Bears, considered by many to be one of the top college hockey programs in Canada.

 

“Brendan is going to be a terrific fit for the Coach-Mentor role with TPH-Phoenix,” Director of Hockey-Operations Brett Blatchford said.  “His experiences playing at high levels and his desire to give back not just to a game that has been his passion, but also to a market that helped him discover his passion. will provide great perspective to our student-athletes.  Our inaugural class at the Center of Excellence will love Brendan’s infectious energy and his ability to relate to what each individual is going through, not just on, but also off the ice.”

 

After competing at the 16U level for the Jr. Coyotes in 2010-2011, Burke embarked on a five year journey in the Canadian Hockey League, first with the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks, from 2011-2015, where he was part of a WHL championship squad in 2013, followed by brief stints with the Calgary Hitmen and the London Knights of the OHL.  While a member of the Knights, Burke captured a Memorial Cup and was the recipient of the Dave Pinkney Award, given to the top goalie tandem in the OHL.

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Selected 163rd overall in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft by his hometown Coyotes, Burke elected to pursue his academic and athletic goals following his five years in the CHL, heading north to the University of Alberta.  In addition to his on-ice accolades, the Scottsdale native was a 2020 Academic All-Canadian award recipient and was nominated for UAB’s prestigious Randy Gregg Award, presented to a student-athlete who excels on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.

 

Burke is excited to return home to Scottsdale and continue his hockey journey by mentoring aspiring elite student-athletes at the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence.

 

“I feel very fortunate that my first job following graduation is in hockey, is in Scottsdale and involves doing for young players what so many have done for me,” Burke said.  “The Center of Excellence provides so many unique opportunities for goal-oriented student-athletes to reach their goals, whether it be in hockey, in school or in the real world.  Hockey players in the Phoenix area are lucky to have a program like the CoE right at the Ice Den in Scottsdale, and I am grateful to be a part of it.”

 

If you are interested in learning more about Burke and the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence, we invite you to visit the links below.

  • Click here to download our Center of Excellence brochure.
  • Click here to request more information on the CoE model.
  • Click here to apply for the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence, which is the first formal step in the registration process for the 2020-2021 school year.

MHA Expands to West Michigan

Byron Center, MI – The Michigan Hockey Advancement program (MHA) is excited to announce the addition of MHA-West. MHA-West will be fielding 16U and 18U teams. These teams will compete in a series of fall events and host weekly skill development and training sessions to help give our athletes a one of a kind development driven experience prior to the start of the high school season. MHA-West will be located out of Bryon Center, MI and host all tryouts and training sessions at Southside Ice Arena.

For anyone unfamiliar with Michigan Hockey Advancement , MHA provides a fall playing opportunity for dedicated, driven high-school level hockey players to prepare for their club seasons and gain exposure to coaches and scouts at the junior, collegiate and professional levels, while competing in a structured, team environment.

This environment is made up of positive, knowledgeable, hands-on coaches who seek to foster an atmosphere that mirrors that of the next level, while creating a true sense of “team.”  Everyone quickly realizes that personal success and group success go hand in hand.

Taylor Keyworth, MHA Associate Director, will be leading the charge for MHA-West. Keyworth currently serves the Director of Operations for TPH Grand Rapids and as the Head Coach of Byron Center High School.

“Given the connection between TPH Grand Rapids and TPH Detroit, we are excited to work together in expanding the MHA opportunity to West Michigan high school hockey players.” said Keyworth. “We believe strongly in the importance of preparing our players for the next level and helping them gain the exposure to coaches and scouts at that level. MHA West not only gives the players an opportunity to be seen in highly visible events, but also provides weekly local skill development skates.”

Joining Keyworth as part of the MHA-West staff is Mike Slobodnik, TPH Grand Rapids Partner and Grand Rapids Catholic Central High School Head Coach. “Working with TPH Detroit and Rick Gadwa, we have seen the player development and advancement success of the MHA program.” said Slobodnik. “I am happy to be a part of making a program like this more accessible to the Grand Rapids area.”

The MHA-West schedule is as follows:

  • July 23-24 – MHA West Tryouts – July 23-24 @ Southside Ice Arena [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER]
  • August 21-23 – MHA Exposure Showcase* – August 21-23 @ Farmington Hills Ice Arena
  • MHA Showcase – Dates TBD @ Grand Rapids, MI (3 game minimum)
  • CCM World Invite Motown Tier I – October 16-18 @ Detroit, MI (4 game minimum)
  • CCM World Invite Chicago- Tier I – November 6-8 @ Chicago, IL (5 game minimum)
  • Weekly Skill/Player Development Skates

*All players from the MHA West Tryout will be notified by July 25 if they are invited to the MHA Exposure Showcase. This is where MHA- West, MHA Detroit and the Fall Series Teams will be selected.

Any MHA West questions can be directed to tkeyworth@totalpackagehockey.com.

Michigan Hockey Advancement Accepted into NAPHL Fall League

Bloomfield Hills, MI – Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce our Michigan Hockey Advancement (MHA) program has been accepted in the North American Prospects Hockey League’s Fall League.

The MHA program provides a playing opportunity for dedicated, driven high-school level hockey players to prepare for their club seasons and gain exposure to coaches and scouts at the junior, collegiate and professional levels, while competing in a structured, team environment.

The MHA program has grown since its inception and now fields teams at the 18U, 16U, and 15O levels. Running from early September through October, each team plays between 20-25 games. The MHA 18U and 16U teams will be one of the eight teams in their respective age groups joining the NAPHL Fall League.

“From day 1, the MHA was and always will be focused on exposure.” said Rick Gadwa, MHA Program Director. “Acceptance into the NAPHL Fall League is another step taken to improve our players exposure level, educate them on the process of junior and college hockey, and truly give them a great opportunity”.

This newly created NAPHL Fall League is designed to give teams the ability to play in a league within a shortened window of time before the Minnesota, Michigan, and Wisconsin high school seasons begin. The NAPHL Fall League events are designed to maximize exposure for the players and bring together teams for like-minded and enhanced competition. Each NAPHL fall league team will receive two tenders from NAHL teams. Players will also participate in seminars that discuss the NAHL junior hockey experience, the ladder of development, as well as, NCAA compliance seminars.

The schedule for the MHA teams will start July 30th with tryouts. Following tryouts will be the invite only MHA Exposure Showcase on August 21st – 23rd where final selections will be made for each MHA team leading into training camp. The MHA Fall Series is highlighted by three NAPHL Fall League Showcase Weekends which include one weekend in Duluth, MN and two weekends in Blaine, MN where the latter is the NAPHL Playoffs Championships. Additionally, the MHA teams will compete in the MHA Showcase in Grand Rapids, MI.

If you are interested in the Michigan Hockey Advancement program more information can be found at totalpackagehockey.com/mha.

TPH Colorado Announces TPH Day Schedules (FREE)

Denver, CO – TPH Colorado is excited to announce the TPH Day schedules for both Denver and Superior. TPH Day is a completely FREE event that will allow families and players to hear presentations on the academics and Center of Excellence model as well as participate in an on-ice TPH practice. This is an opportunity to meet the TPH Colorado staff, see facilities, ask questions, and learn how #TPHGoesTheDistance.

If you are interested in the TPH Center of Excellence, this is a perfect opportunity to get a more full experience to better understand if it is a fit for you or your student-athlete at no charge. TPH Day – Denver will be held at the Family Sports Center on July 12th and TPH Day – Superior will take place at the Sports Stable on July 19th. Space is limited, below is the schedules and registration links for each location.


TPH Day Denver Schedule

July 12th at Family Sports Center

TimeEvents
12:30 - 12:40 pmCheck In / Receive Gift
12:40 p.m.Introduction & Welcome
12:40 - 1:15 p.m.Center of Excellence Model Overview
1:15 - 1:25 p.m.Pre-Ice Video
1:25 - 1:35 p.m.Dynamic Warm-up
2:00 - 3:00 p.m.On-Ice
3:30 - 4:15 p.m. Dryland (Academics at TPH Presentation)
4:20 p.m.Q&A / Thank You and Meal in Banquet Room at FSC

Click here to RSVP for TPH Day – Denver.


TPH Day Superior Schedule

July 19th at Sports Stable

TimeEvent
4:30 - 4:40 p.m.Check In / Receive Gift
4:40 p.m.Introduction / Welcom
4:40 - 5:15 p.m.Center of Excellence Model Overview
5:15 - 5:25 p.m.Pre-Ice Video
5:25 - 5:35 p.m.Dynamic Warm-up
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.On-Ice
7:15 - 7:45 p.m. Academics at TPH Presentation
7:45 p.m.Q&A / Thank You and Meal in Restaurant

Click here to RSVP for TPH Day – Superior.


Space is limited at the Center of Excellence for the 2020-21 academic year. If you are interested and are ready to take the first step towards reserving your spot at the TPH Center of Excellence, click here to apply.

Brandes, LoVecchio Join TPH St. Louis Team

Maryland Heights, MO – Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce additions of part-time Player Development Coach & Mentors, Scott Brandes and Jeff LoVecchio, to the TPH St. Louis team. Both have Missouri roots and will bring a great deal of playing and coaching experience to the TPH Center of Excellence in St. Louis.

Growing up in St. Louis playing for the Jr. Blues, today Brandes is the owner and head instructor of “End2End Hockey” in St. Louis. Specializing in power skating, Brandes has built his reputation as one of the premier instructors in the market. Brandes will be at the Center of Excellence once a week throughout the school year, helping teach and develop the student-athletes on the ice.

“Scott was my assistant coach in 2005 for our AAA Blues team that won the National Championship,” said Philip McRae, TPH St. Louis Director of Hockey-Operations, “He ran all of our development and skills skates that year and I believe Scott will be a great addition to the on-ice staff and have a huge impact on our students, specifically with their skating.”

LoVecchio grew up in Chesterfield, MO and played all his youth hockey in the St. Louis minor hockey system. After leaving St. Louis, LoVecchio spent three years in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and three seasons at Western Michigan University where he served as captain. Following college, LoVecchio continued on to a 10 year pro career including time in the AHL, Italy, Norway, Austria, and Japan.

Currently, LoVecchio is considered the top off ice hockey trainer in St. Louis training NHL players down to youth players. LoVecchio will be at the Center of Excellence once a month throughout the year to mentor the student athletes with advice and teaching points on lifestyle skills, daily habits, choices, nutrition, off ice training, and recovery.

“Jeff is the first to admit he was not the most skilled player or had the most god given talent.” said McRae. “He made it to Junior, College, and Pro from his work ethic, daily choices, and habits. Jeff truly practices what he preaches daily.”

Both Brandes and LoVecchio bring unique experiences and vast knowledge that will help provide a quality experience to the student-athletes at the TPH Center of Excellence – St. Louis. If you are interested in learning more about the TPH Center of Excellence – St. Louis, we invite you to visit the links below.

 

Hensley, Hirschy, Lacombe, and Singletary Highlight Guest Coaches for the 2020 TPH Indy Girls Camp

UPDATE: Gracen Hirschy will no longer be attending the 2020 TPH Indy Girls camp due to a commitment scouting in Europe.


INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The 2020 TPH Indianapolis Girls Camp is right around the corner and we are excited to bring an all-star guest coaching team.

 

Returning will be, 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist for the US Women’s National Team, Nicole Hensley. Hensley played her college hockey at Lindenwood University prior to her success representing the United States at two World Championships where Hensley and USA claimed gold. Presently Hensley is a member of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players’ Association. Nicole will be invaluable to our goaltenders at the camp, as well as a resource for the girls to know what it takes to play at the highest level.

 

This will mark the first year for the other guest coaches coming to the TPH Indy Girls Camp:

Gracen Hirschy, a native of Ft. Wayne, was a member of the US Women’s National Under-18 team as well as a two-time member of the U.S. Women’s Under -22 Select team.  She most recently played for MODO Hockey in the SDHL and played NCAA (W) at the University of North Dakota.

 

Allie LaCombe, a Minnesota native, is coming off a season where she wore multiple hats. LaCombe was the head coach of the Nashville Jr Predators Girls 14U team, assistant coach to the Nashville Jr Predators Girls 19U team, and finished the season competing in the National Women’s Hockey League with the Connecticut Whale. LaCombe’s experience in the game includes time spent playing college hockey at Syracuse University as well as playing overseas for Aisulu Altmaty in the European Women’s Hockey League.

 

Kahlie Singletary brings over 14 years of Tier I and Tier II Girls hockey. Last season, Singletary was the head coach of the Nashville Jr Predators Girls 19U team and assistant coach to the Nashville Jr Predators Girls 14U team.

 

We are excited to bring such an experienced and dedicated coaching staff to this clinic!

 

The 2020 TPH Indy Girls Camp starts July 31st and will run through August 2nd. The camp is open to girls of all skill levels and will have two age groups: 11U for ’13-’08 birth years and 17U for ’07-’02 birth years. Players will receive TPH’s proven training of relevant skills and drills to improve their skating, shooting, and passing, as well as apply these skills and make decisions under pressure.

 

The girls will be on the ice for at least 5 hours of skill work and will end the clinic with a scrimmage. The camp will also include off-ice workouts, video sessions, team building session, and an informational session.

 

Be sure to reserve your spot today before the camp fills up! Click here to register.

Shane Harvey, Ice Den Sports Performance Join TPH-Phoenix Team

Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that Shane Harvey, Director of Sports Performance for the new Ice Den Performance Center will also take on the role of Strength and Conditioning Coach for the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence.  Harvey brings twelve years of coaching and off-ice training experience to the student-athletes that attend the TPH-Phoenix CoE.

“Shane Harvey’s reputation, commitment to training athletes safely and effectively and the values he has about development make him a perfect fit to execute the training component of the Study, Train, Play CoE experience,” TPH-Phoenix Director of Hockey-Operations Brett Blatchford said.  “His beliefs are rooted in principles that have withstood the test of time, yet he is also progressive and innovative and understands that not all athletes train the same.  Shane’s commitment to individualizing and customizing the weight room experience for each student-athlete based on age, size and athletic base will allow us to make the greatest possible impact on the Hockey-Athlete’s who attend the CoE.”

Harvey, a Red Deer, Alberta native, is no stranger to training hockey players in the Phoenix area.  Since 2017, Shane has served as the Director of Sports Performance at the Center for Athletic Training & Physical Therapy located at the Ice Den in Chandler.  During this time, Shane has not just trained but also coached various Tier I and Tier II players from the Jr. Coyotes and Arizona Bobcats organizations.

Prior to his arrival in The Desert, the University of Southern Maine graduate has served as a head instructor for Okanagan Hockey Schools, a performance coach at the OA Sports Center in Saco, ME, the Director of Player Development for the Portland Jr. Pirates and during the 2014-2015 season, Shane served as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Pirates American Hockey League team.  The 32-year-old holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science, as well as certifications from the NSCA, TRX Functional Training, EXOS and USA Hockey.

“I am very excited to expand my role with the Jr. Coyotes while also having the opportunity to work together with TPH and their knowledgeable, passionate staff,” Harvey said.  “Our Performance Center will be state-of-the-art, built for hockey development and will put the needs of our athletes first.  I believe this will be a very successful partnership that will impact the athletes that train with both TPH and the Ice Den.”

The Center of Excellence model is open to Tier I ‘AAA’ and Tier II ‘AA’ 6-12th grade hockey players from across all organizations in the Phoenix area.  Blatchford believes Harvey’s involvement will appeal to the masses.

“Having Shane serve as our Strength and Conditioning Coach offers both continuity and freshness,” Blatchford explained.  “For CAHA players that attend the CoE but already train with Shane, working with him allows for greater customization and consistency.  For the student-athletes who attend the CoE that don’t play for CAHA teams, working with Shane will provide fresh perspective on how to improve strength, speed, athleticism and endurance, which are the pillars of being a successful TPH Hockey-Athlete.  Simply put, having Shane Harvey involved in the CoE is a win for both TPH and hockey in Phoenix.”

If you are interested in learning more about the TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence, we invite you to visit the links below.