Posts by Colleen Lynch
Shreveport Mudbugs accepted into the NAHL for the 2016-17 season
2016 OHL DRAFT PICKS
A total of 18 TPH (Total Package Hockey)-trained players were drafted to the Ontario Hockey League on April 9, including nine who attend the TPH Center of Excellence.
Leading the way were TPH CoE student-athletes Blade Jenkins and Bode Wilde, who were drafted in the first and second round, respectively.
“Congratulations to the players, parents and staff at the TPH Academy on being selected in the OHL Priority Selection Draft,” said OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development & Special Events Joe Birch. “The environment created at the program provides players an excellent opportunity to develop as elite student-athletes and prepares players for the next level. We anticipate to see many more players drafted out of this program in years to come.”
Both Jenkins and Wilde were selected by the Saginaw Spirit. Jenkins, a Michigan commit and Compuware U16 standout, went No. 4 overall while the Harvard commit and Chicago Mission U16 star, Wilde, went at No. 35.
TPH CoE students Caleb Everett (Saginaw Spirit) and Drew DeRidder (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) were taken in the sixth round. Two rounds later, recent Denver commit Will MacKinnon was drafted by the Guelph Storm.
A trio of CoE student-athletes and Little Caesars U16 players in Xan Gurney (Barrie Colts), Christian Krygier (London Knights) and Cole Krygier (London Knights) were drafted in rounds nine and 10. Chase Pletzke was selected in the 14th round by the Spirit.
Additionally, nine other TPH-trained athletes, including players from the TPH OHL Cup team, TPH Thunder AAA team, and TPH MHA Top 80 program, were selected in the draft.
The TPH CoE student-athletes who were drafted to the OHL have used TPH’s variety of hockey resources to develop and grow into well-rounded players on and off the ice. An elite training program, the TPH CoE features a unique blend of academics and athletics to help players develop a complete hockey lifestyle.
“When I first visited the TPH Academy and met the staff, it was evident that it was an environment that was conducive to learning,” said Adam Dennis, OHL director of recruitment. “Whether it be on the ice or in the classroom, the students were engaged and excited to be there. It comes as no surprise that we are starting to see a direct correlation to the OHL Priority Selection. TPH has proven to be a leader in elite athletic development and I look forward to working together for years to come.”
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
TPH-trained players selected in 2016 OHL Draft
Blade Jenkins – TPH CoE/Compuware U16/ 1st Round to Saginaw Spirit
Danil Antropov -TPH Prospects/Toronto Marlies U16/ 1st Round to Oshawa Generals
Akil Thomas – TPH Prospects/Toronto Marlies U16/ 1st Round to Niagara Ice Dog
Bode Wilde – TPH CoE/Chicago Mission U16/ 2nd Round to Saginaw Spirit
Alec Regula – TPH MHA Top 80 Program / TPH OHL Cup Team/Cranbrook High School/ 4th Round to London Knights
Lucas Crawford – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 5th Round to Owen Sound Attack
Caleb Everett – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 6th Round to Saginaw Spirit
Drew Deridder – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/6th Round to S.S. Marie Greyhounds
Will Mackinnon – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 8th Round to Guelph Storm
Ben Shultheis – TPH Thunder AAA Team/9th Round to Owen Sound Attack
Xan Gurney – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/9th Round to Barrie Colts
Christian Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/9th Round to London Knights
Cole Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 10th Round to London Knights
Hunter Nofs – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 11th Round to Hamilton Bulldogs
Hunter Carrick – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Grizlies U16/ 11th Round to Ottawa 67’s
Chase Pletzke – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/14th Round to Saginaw Spirit
Matt Staudacher – TPH 8 Week Summer Program/Shattuck St. Mary’s/14th Round to Niagara Ice Dogs
Jack Tucker – TPH OHL Cup/Buffalo Jr. Sabres/ 14th Round to Kitchener Rangers
USA NTDP announcement of 3 TPH CoE students making the team
Three TPH (Total Package Hockey)-trained standouts have been named to the prestigious U.S. National Team Development Program U-17 roster for the 2016-17 season.
Blade Jenkins, Will MacKinnon and Bode Wilde were all selected to the development team following last month’s evaluation camp, which was held in Plymouth, Michigan. All three have attended the TPH CoE and have used its variety of elite resources to develop a complete hockey lifestyle that translates to success and growth on and off the ice.
“All three of these players met with us on day one of school and mentioned that their number one goal was to play for the NTDP two years down the road,” said Brandon Naurato, TPH Detroit director of hockey operations. “We are extremely proud of them for the workload and sacrifices that they have made to earn the honor of accepting an invitation to represent Team USA. The opportunity in front of them to continue to develop as men on and off the ice while pursuing their dream of playing in the NHL is second to none with the resources that they will be provided with daily by the National Program.”
A 5-foot-11 defenseman, MacKinnon is lighting it up from the point for Honeybaked U16 this year, tallying 32 points in 57 games. The two-year CoE student-athlete was a member of the U.S. team that took home the gold medal at this year’s Youth Olympic Games. He recently committed to play college hockey at seven-time national champion Denver University.
“It was really exciting,” MacKinnon said when he learned he made the NTDP. “It’s going to be pretty cool to represent the USA. I did it in Norway for two weeks so it’s going to be really cool to get to do it again for the NTDP.”
Jenkins is in his second year at the TPH CoE and put up 36 points in 22 HPHL league games with Compuware U16 this season. A center with high-end talent, the 15-year-old committed to the University of Michigan back in January of 2015.
“At first it was a surreal feeling, to be honest,” he said. “It’s an honor when people ask you where you’re playing next year and you say you get to represent your country.”
Their fathers both said that pride is the first emotion they felt after hearing the news and reflected on what two years at the TPH CoE has done for the development of their sons on and off the ice.
“The environment that TPH provided where Will was able to balance school, get the rest he needed, follow training programs and get good nutrition and sleep was huge,” said Dan MacKinnon, director of player personnel for the Pittsburgh Penguins. “I credit Brandon Naurato and Sean Perkins for really drilling down into what Will needed to do to get better. It was so productive.”
“It took a lot of hard work over the last 10 years or so to get to this point,” Todd Jenkins said. “The desire for him to get better has always been there and I’m excited for where Blade is at now compared to two years ago. (The TPH CoE) expects a lot out of their kids, not only how they compete on the ice but what they do in the classroom and the community.”
Wilde attended the TPH CoE during the 2014-15 school year and committed to Harvard University last summer. The physical defenseman with offensive talent currently plays for the Chicago Mission U16 team and is one of the top 2000-born players in the U.S.
“I don’t even know how to describe it still, I’m just so excited,” Wilde said. “At TPH we worked a lot on shooting and I think that has helped me this past season and helped me at the evaluation camp too. They teach you the game within the game and the small details that you don’t know unless you’ve played hockey for as many years as they have. Knowing that before the camp was a huge advantage, not only for me but for Blade and Will.”
The 2016-17 U.S. NTDP U-17 team will be coached by Danton Cole, a Michigan State grad and Pontiac native. The three newly-minted NTDP players will be competing just down the road from the TPH Canton CoE at Plymouth’s USA Hockey Arena.
The TPH Center of Excellence is an elite training program for student-athletes that features a unique blend of academics and athletics. Its balance of on-ice instruction and classroom work pushes students in grades 6-12 to become well-rounded hockey players on and off the ice. The TPH CoE currently has locations in Canton, Michigan, and Gwinnett, Georgia, with a third school in Troy, Michigan, scheduled to open before the 2016-17 school year.
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
Visit TPH online at www.totalpackagehockey.com and follow TPH on Twitter and on Facebook.
TPH USHL Draft 2016
TPH (Total Package Hockey)-trained players were well-represented at the 2016 USHL Draft, with 32 total players, including 10 who attend the TPH Center of Excellence, drafted to the top junior league in the U.S.
“We are extremely proud of all the TPH-trained players that were selected in the USHL Draft this past week,” said TPH Detroit Director of Hockey Operations Brandon Naurato. “This is a time for all of them to enjoy the day and the workload that went into the opportunity in front of them. Understanding that this is only the first step will help all of our players enjoy the moment and continue on their path to earning a spot on a USHL roster in the future.”
A total of 16 TPH-trained players were selected in the first phase of the USHL Draft, with TPH CoE student Christian Krygier leading the way via a first round tender to the Lincoln Stars.
In the second round, TPH MHA Top 80 standout Alec Regula was selected by the Chicago Steel and TPH CoE student Caleb Everett was selected by the Muskgeon Lumberjacks. Youth Olympic Games gold medalist Drew DeRidder was taken by Cedar Rapids in the third round, while the fourth round featured fellow CoE classmates Mathieu De St. Phalle (Sioux City), Xan Gurney (Chicago) and Chalse Pletzke (Green Bay).
To round out the first phase of the draft, three more TPH CoE athletes were selected, including Cole Krygier (Lincoln), Jeremy Davidson (Bloomington) and Donny Borgula (Muskegon).
Other TPH-trained athletes who were drafted in both phases included players from the MHA program, the TPH OHL Cup team, the TPH Thunder AAA team, and the TPH 8-Week Program.
“Having been to TPH it is clear to see that the coaches and staff are fully committed to the development of not only the player but also the person,” USHL Director of Player Development & Recruitment Doug Christenson said. “TPH provides players with the opportunity to work on their game on and off the ice. TPH has produced quality players in our league and beyond. It will be exciting to see the next wave of TPH talent.”
TPH and its programs have been praised for building an environment that helps athletes grow into well-rounded players and people both on and off the ice. The TPH CoE, an elite training program that features a unique hybrid of academics and athletics, provides players with the opportunity to develop a complete hockey lifestyle.
“The USHL the top league in the world for producing student-athletes. These young men don’t only learn to be students of the game, they also are successful in the classroom,” said Jim McGroarty, who spent eight years as head coach/GM of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. “In the USHL, you really learn time management which is a very important skill for any adult in their future. An average day for any player is a grind, the USHL is men only league. You have to have an elite mindset on and off the ice to be able to have success.
“What I love about being able to work with student-athletes at the TPH CoE, is very similar to my tenure in the USHL, these kids have a love, a compete and a passion for the game. It’s great to see where each player is at when they come to TPH, then to see the improvement in their overall game. It is unbelievable. With the success the kids are having at CoE, as well as their achievements on the ice it is very rewarding not only for all the players but also for our staff. It is great to see our players, selected for the NTDP, OHL, USHL drafts, as well as college commits ,and watching them win the Youth Olympic Gold Medal was fun. ust to think that TPH has only been in existence for two year – the sky’s the limit. It’s great to see all the hard work these your athletes are putting into the game they truly love and getting rewarded.“
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
Full list of TPH Trained Players taken in 2016 USHL Draft:
Final List for USHL Draft Phase 1:
1. Christian Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 1st Round Tender to Lincoln Stars
2. Alec Regula – TPH MHA Top 80 Program / TPH OHL Cup Team/Cranbrook High School/ 2nd Round Pick to Chicago Steel
3. Caleb Everett – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 2nd Round Pick to Muskegon LumberJacks
4. Drew Deridder – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 3rd Round Pick to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
5. Mathieu De St. Phalle- TPH CoE/Chicago Mission U16/ 4th Round to Sioux City Musketeer
6. Xan Gurney – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 4th Round to Chicago Stee
7. Ben Shultheis-TPH Thunder AAA Team/OHL Cup/ 4th Round to Green Bay Gambler
8. Chase Pletzke – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 4th Round to Green Bay Gambler
9. Matt Staudacher – TPH 8 Week Summer Program/Shattuck St. Mary’s/ 5th Round to Muskegon LumberJack
10. Cole Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 5th Round to Lincoln Star
11. Jeremy Davidson-TPH CoE/Shattuck St. Mary’s/ 5th Round to Bloomington Thunde
12. Cannon Green – OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 5th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughrider
13. Hunter Carrick-TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Grizlies U16/ 6th Round to Madison Capital
14. Valentino Passarelli- TPH Thunder Alum /Honeybaked U16/ 7th Round to Fargo Force
15. Donny Borgula- TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 8th Round to Muskegon LumberJacks
16. Hunter Nofs – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 1oth Round to Tri-City Storm
Final List for USHL Draft Phase 2:
1.Matt Jennings- TPH Thunder/ 8 Week Program/Minot (NAHL) /3rd round to Green Bay Gamblers)
2.Jay Powell- TPH Thunder/ West Minster Prep /6th round pick to Chicago Steel
3.Nick Rosa- MHA/ 8 Week Program/ Wichita Falls (NAHL)/ 7th Round to Sioux City Musketeers
4.Johnathan Mcdonald- MHA/Ojg U18/ 8th Round to Fargo Force
5. Brendan Rons- 8 Week Program/ OJG U18/ 9th Round to Omaha
6.Paul Cotter- 8 Week Program/ Little Caesars U16/ 9th Round to Lincoln Stars
7. Cooper Zech- 8 Week Program/ Odessa (NAHL)/ 10th Round to Bloomington Thunder
8.CJ Boothe- TPH Thunder/ Fairbanks (NAHL) /11th round pick to Tri-City Storm
9.Ben Schmidling- TPH Thunder/ Prospects/ York SkipJacks U18 /12th round pick to Omaha Lancers
10. Josh Maine- MHA/ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s/ 13th Round to Omaha Lancers
11.Andrew Sinard- TPH Thunder/ 16th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
12. Nick Bowman- MHA/ Brother Rice HS/ 18th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
13. Sammy Nardicchio/ TPH CoE Alum/ 8 Week Program/ Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL)/ 19th Round to Tri-City Storm
14. Tyler Johnson-TPH Thunder/OHL Cup/ Topeka (NAHL) /20th round pick to Muskegon LumberJacks
15. Nick Grimaldi/ 8 Week Program/ Victory Honda U16/ 20th Round to Tri-City Storm
16. Jake Transit/ TPH CoE/ Honeybaked U16/ 20th Round to Bloomington Thunder
NAHA/TPH Partnership Awarded with Top Program in Country Honors
Huntsville, Alabama, May 26, 2016
The North Alabama Hockey Association (NAHA) who is partnered with Total Package Hockey (TPH) placed first among all of the November, 2015 Try Hockey for Free sites in the nation for highest player conversion rate. Total Hockey and USA Hockey are recognizing NAHA with the Grow the Game Award for its efforts to convert more Try Hockey for Free kids to youth hockey players. Events were hosted in both the Huntsville and Decatur Ice Complexes in November.
| “TPH made this happen for us, they care about the long-term state of the game and their passion for teaching |
and introducing the game drove us,” stated former UAH Charger and NAHA President Ralph Drensek. “They are often known for working with high-end players, but what most people don’t know, is how much they do for the grassroots and how effective they are at growing the game. This hockey season and school year alone they were in front of over 25,000 students at gym classes introducing the game.”
NAHA will be recognized at the USA Hockey Annual Congress, June 8-11, 2016 in Colorado Springs. In addition, Total Hockey is rewarding NAHA with a “First Stride” event; essentially a Try Hockey for Free with a twist. They will provide the association with sets of hockey equipment for players that meet the USA Hockey Try Hockey for Free criteria.
Selection for the award was based on the below criteria:
- Hosted a Try Hockey for Free Day event on November 7, 2015
- A minimum of 30 participants attended the Try Hockey event
- Host sites with the three top conversion rates of Try Hockey participants becoming USAH members and claimed by that association for the 2015-16 season as of March 31, 2016
NAHA finished with a conversion rate of 48.9%, helping 44 out of 90 kids become new hockey players.
“We are so grateful to the North Alabama Hockey Association, as they gave us a chance back in 2004 to support the day-to-day operations for hockey and the growth has been fun to watch. Thanks to the NCAA DI UAH Chargers and the SPHL Huntsville Havoc, we have a lot of great coaches in the community. We are so proud of our outstanding team that is the boots-on-the-ground, doing the school visits and introducing the game to the next generation of players. We always have to maintain a focus on the grassroots” stated Nathan Bowen, TPH Managing Partner.
A real key has been the full support from the Huntsville Ice Complex and the Point Mallard Ice Complex. Both facilities clearly see the value and priority of the grassroots efforts. They have been good long-term facility partners with NAHA and TPH.
NAHA and TPH have worked together for over 12 years to grow the game in North Alabama. Known as the “Hockey Capital of the South,” the association has grown from 718 players in 2004 to 1,024 players in 2016.
NAHA, founded in 1973, is a non-profit member of the Southern Amateur Hockey Association of USA Hockey.
About TPH
TPH is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by world class elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of growing programs while moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
Former Thunder coach Karlis Zirnis named head coach of the Shreveport Mudbugs
Thunder Hockey would like to congratulate Karlis Zirnis for being named the head coach of the Shreveport Mudbugs. The Mudbugs will play their inaugural season in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Please click on the link below to watch the press conference and for more details.
TPH Detroit Partners with the Saginaw Spirit
SPIRIT PARTNER WITH TOTAL PACKAGE HOCKEY FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
SAGINAW, Mich. – Saginaw Spirit General Manager Dave Drinkill announced Wednesday the hiring of Brandon Naurato and Sean Perkins from Total Package Hockey as Skill Development Coaches.
“By adding Brandon and Sean as our new skill coaches, it continues the reconstruction of the Saginaw Spirit program. Having the opportunity to meet both of these individuals this past season, it is easy to see why they have become the premier instructors and teachers of skill development in Michigan.”
Naurato, 31, brings a wealth of knowledge to the forefront including a familiarity with the state of Michigan. A Livonia, Michigan native, Naurato played his NCAA college hockey at the University of Michigan where he won a CCHA Championship in 2008. Naurato’s pro career spanned 180 games between Stockton (ECHL), Toledo (ECHL), Port Huron (IHL), Fort Wayne (CHL), and Dayton (CHL). Naurato is the Director of Hockey Operations in the Detroit branch of Total Package Hockey, which opened its doors in 2012.
Perkins, 29, grew up 90 minutes away from Saginaw in Commerce Township. The Detroit Compuware graduate played 130 junior games between the USHL, NAHL, and BCHL. Perkins also logged a lot of miles during his pro career, spanning five seasons. Perkins spent parts of three seasons in the ECHL with Cincinnati, Greenville, and Idaho. Parts of two seasons in Edinburgh (United Kingdom), a season in Demark, 10 games in Vimmerby, Sweden, and one season in the Central Hockey League with Missouri and Allen. Like head coach Spencer Carbery, Sean Perkins is also an ECHL Kelly Cup Champion, winning his with the Cincinnati Cyclones in 2008.
“Brandon and Sean work tirelessly on their trade.” said Drinkill. “They are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to help players reach their highest potential. Our players should be very excited to work with TPH throughout the season. I want to officially welcome Brandon, Sean, and Total Package Hockey to the Spirit family, as we start a new era of Saginaw Spirit hockey.”
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, providing programs to over 4,000 players and supporting more than 200 coaches, administrators, and volunteers each year. They manage and support youth and adult hockey programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH specializes in skill-based player development from grassroots and outreach programs that introduce the game to elite programs with a track record of moving players to junior and college hockey.
“We are honored and excited to be a part of the Saginaw Spirit Staff.” said Naurato. “It is our goal to help support the coaching staff and ownership group to develop future professionals through on-ice development and off-ice mentoring. Thank you to Dick Garber, Craig Goslin, and Dave Drinkill for the opportunity and their innovative approach to player development.”
Spirit head coach Spencer Carbery also touted the talents of TPH: “Brandon and Sean will be extremely valuable additions to our hockey operations staff. They possess the ability to help our players develop their skills and continue to improve. This addition will not only be great for our current players, but for our future players as well.”
To find out more information on Total Package Hockey, visit their website at www.totalpackagehockey.com
Shreveport names Anzalone as associate head coach
The Shreveport Mudbugs, proud members of the North American League, have announced that Francis Anzalone has been hired as the team’s associate head coach ahead of its first season in the NAHL.
A native of Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., Anzalone has spent seven seasons working in the NAHL and USHL and brings a wealth of knowledge and league experience to the Shreveport coaching staff.
“I feel very fortunate to be joining the Shreveport Mudbugs,” Anzalone said. “The vision of the organization, the quality of the people involved and the passionate fan base makes this a very intriguing opportunity.”
Mudbugs general manager Scott Muscutt said the addition of Anzalone bolsters a Shreveport franchise whose culture is built around character and passion for hockey and community.
“The Mudbugs are extremely excited to have Francis join our club,” Muscutt said. “He brings extensive NAHL experience and his energy, work ethic, attention to detail and passion for the game makes him a pro. He brings a long history and ability to develop and advance players to college hockey. He also not only possesses character, but has always demanded it from his players.”
The 28-year-old most recently served as head coach of the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings. In Anzalone’s three seasons with the Wings, fifteen players advanced to the Division I level. In addition, five of the six goaltenders Anzalone coached made Division I commitments, including future UND Fighting Hawk Peter Thome, who was selected by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the sixth round of the NHL draft last month.
Prior to his time in Aberdeen, Anzalone spent four seasons with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, working as a scout before being promoted to assistant coach. Alongside Shreveport head coach Karlis Zirnis, Anzalone believes his time spent in the top two junior leagues in the country will benefit the Mudbugs on and off the ice.
“I want to take all of my experiences and all of the knowledge I’ve gained and use it to help the organization and the players,” Anzalone said. “I want to help accelerate the process of fostering the right culture and help build a great program that the fans in Shreveport will be proud of and the right people in the hockey world will connect with.”
Behind the Shreveport bench, Anzalone and Zirnis will continue a hockey relationship they’ve had since 2008 when the new associate head coach worked at the bantam AAA level. Anzalone and Zirnis met at the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase in Nashville, which has further fostered the partnership between TPH and the Mudbugs.
Additionally, Anzalone’s father, Frank, was a longtime professional and collegiate coach and has worked in the same circles as Muscutt. The elder Anzalone is presently the NCAA Scout for the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
In Shreveport’s first season in the NAHL, Anzalone hopes to make an impact on the Mudbugs players and community.
“I love to teach and I love to make an impact on the players, not only as athletes but also as people,” he said. “I’m going to do everything I can to support and grow the vision of the Mudbugs and help each individual player be the best that he can be on and off the ice.”
http://nahl.com/news/story.cfm?id=18318
2016 U.S. Under-17 Select Team Announced
07/14/2016, 12:00pm MDT
By USAHockey.com
USA Hockey today announced the 20-man roster for the U.S. Under-17 Select Team that will compete at the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament at the Dr Pepper StarCenter Arena Frisco from Aug. 9-13 in Frisco, Texas.
All 20 players participated in USA Hockey’s Boys Select 16 Player Development Camp, which took place July 8-14 in Williamsville, New York.
The roster features 12 forwards, including Ryan Savage (Scottsdale, Ariz.) who led the Boys Select 16 Player Development Camp with 10 points, including five goals, in five games. The six-player defensive unit includes Christian Krygier (Novi, Mich.) and Brady Smith (Palatine, Ill.), who combined for eight points during the camp. Drew Deridder (Fenton, Mich.) and Isaiah Saville (Anchorage, Ala.) were selected as the U.S. Under-17 Select Team goaltenders.
Team USA won the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament last year in Arosa, Switzerland. It marked the sixth championship in eight tries for Team USA, which also claimed top honors in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008.
For Team USA’s complete roster, click here.
For complete Under-17 Five Nations Tournament coverage, click here.
NOTES: In addition to the United States, the 2016 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament will also include teams from Switzerland, Czech Republic, Slovakia and Germany … Cory Laylin (St. Michael, Minn.) will serve as head coach of the 2016 U.S. Under-17 Select Team, while Matt Millar (Los Angeles, Calif.), Scott Paluch (Bowling Green, Ohio) and Alex Todd (Angola, Ind.) will serve as assistant coaches … The 20 players on the Team USA roster represent 10 different states. Minnesota and Michigan lead the way with five players apiece, while Illinois has three … Ann Arbor, Michigan, was the last U.S. city to host the Under-17 Five Nations Tournament (2011). Team USA won the event, with players from 11 different states, going 4-0-0-0 … The Dr Pepper StarCenter Arena Frisco, host site for the 2016 Under-17 Five Nations Tournament, serves as the practice facility for the National Hockey League’s Dallas Stars … The annual USA Hockey Select 16 Player Development Camp provides top young players with elite instruction, as well as the opportunity to compete at the national level against other players in their age group.
TEAM USA SCHEDULE
| Date | Opponent | Time (CST) |
|---|---|---|
| Tues., Aug. 9 | Switzerland | 3:30 p.m. |
| Wed., Aug. 10 | Slovakia | 7:15 p.m. |
| Fri., Aug. 12 | Czech Republic | 7:15 p.m. |
| Sat., Aug. 13 | Germany | 7:15 p.m. |
http://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/669636?referrer_id=1093254
Andrew Sinard at Nashville Predators Summer Development Camp
Before moving on to the USHL in the fall, Andrew Sinard got a taste of what the next level is like at the Nashville Predators summer development camp from June 28 to July 2.
The former TPH Thunder 18U standout earned an invite to the camp after a strong AAA season that saw him notch 12 points in 30 games as a defenseman.
“It was awesome,” the Brentwood, Tenn., native said. “I think I got a lot better just by being surrounded by all that talent and the people who work in the Predators organization.”
Overseeing Nashville’s camp was Director of Player Development Scott Nichol, who led the players through a variety of events including testing, video sessions and nutrition education. Sinard said it was a great opportunity to get an inside look at an NHL organization.
“Being out there with a lot of extremely high skilled guys, I think it helped me get familiar with that level of hockey,” Sinard said. “I learned what it takes to get there and what I need to work on over the next couple of years as I develop.”
Sinard credits his TPH coaches, most notably Ron Gay, for helping him develop as a defenseman over the past couple of seasons.
“They definitely taught me to work hard and realize that it doesn’t matter what path you come from, you can still make it if you want it enough,” the 6-foot-6 defenseman said. “Ron Gay helped me realize that and helped me go from a AAA player to playing in the USHL next year.”
Gay said he’s not surprised at how far Sinard has come despite beginning his hockey career at a relatively late age.
“He’s listened to everything we’ve said and he’s been like a sponge, taking everything in,” said Gay, who works with numerous professional, college and junior hockey players throughout the country. “He’s a great athlete to begin with and with all the training we’ve done with his footwork and weight lifting – along with that size and coordination – there’s only an upside with him.”
Fresh off of the Predators development camp and a great final year in AAA, Sinard will be playing for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders this coming season, the same team that drafted him in the league’s 2016 entry draft.
He’s committed to Miami University and wants current and future TPH players to know that it’s possible to have a successful hockey career no matter where they are from.
“I’d tell them if you work harder than everyone else, you’re going to get better than everyone else,” Sinard said. “To really excel and get to the next level, it’s not easy, but it’s a lot of fun.”
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.