Posts by Colleen Lynch
Josh Wilkins at Carolina Hurricanes Development Camp
Growing up in Raleigh, N.C., Josh Wilkins often had to travel to play hockey.
This year was a little different. The former TPH Thunder U16 captain didn’t have to go very far to participate in last week’s Carolina Hurricanes development camp.
It was a rare opportunity for the skilled forward to play in front of his mom, dad and other family members.
“I got to pay in front of them for the first time in a couple of years, so it was a cool opportunity and experience,” the 19-year-old said. “Especially to be in my hometown, it was great to get invited.”
The four-day camp was a chance for Wilkins to learn more about what it takes to make it at the next level.
“The Hurricanes teach you how to be a pro everyday,” Wilkins said. “They taught a lot about nutrition, how to handle things mentally and how to act like a good hockey player.”
Before jumping into the NAHL and USHL, Wilkins starred on the TPH Thunder and the TPH Thunder Midget Minor OHL Cup team. Wilkins scored 21 goals and added 15 assists in 34 games with the Thunder in 2013-14 and played exceptionally well at the 2012-13 OHL Cup, notching seven points in six games.
“When Josh came to TPH, he was physically mature, had an outstanding skill set and to his credit was open to learning more,” TPH President and Managing Partner Nathan Bowen said. “He bought into our culture and understood that academic performance would lead to athletic opportunities down the road. We’re so happy and proud of him for taking the next step and attending Providence when he’s ready. He’s an exceptional young man who loves the game and competes every day on and off the ice.”
He also featured prominently on the USA team that took home the bronze medal at the 2015-16 World Junior A Challenge, tallying four points in five games.
“TPH really helped me get exposure,” Wilkins said. “I got drafted to the USHL from the Thunder and I learned a lot from my coaches there. Nathan Bowen puts together a lot of good teams with the Thunder.”
Wilkins said his development as a player really took off playing for the TPH team.
“They get you in the gym and gave us a lot of good hockey workouts,” the 2014 draft pick of the USHL’s Sioux City Musketeers said. “When we practiced, we practiced hard. I really got a lot of individual work in.
“They also made sure I was taken care of in school and helped make sure my teachers and counselors knew what I was doing and what my situation was.”
As Wilkins’ career takes off – he’ll either play at Providence or back at Sioux City this coming season – he fondly remembers his time playing with TPH.
“There have been a lot of guys who have come out of TPH before me and I think each group looks up to the next group,” he said. “That shows the character of TPH.”
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.
Jay Williams at Washington Capitals Development Camp
As a kid, the Washington Capitals got Jay Williams interested in hockey.
Years later, the former TPH Thunder player got to wear his favorite team’s jersey as an invitee at the Capitals’ development camp two weeks ago.
“It was such an awesome experience,” Williams said. “Being able to go to the camp for the team I grew up cheering for at the rink I grew up playing at was unbelievable.”
The rink – Kettler Capitals Iceplex – is located only 15 minutes from Williams’ home town of McLean, Va., creating for a memorable week with the Caps.
At the camp, the goaltender learned what it takes to make it as a pro hockey player and went through various on-ice and off-ice events.
“Being on the ice with all these talented and bright young players and to have the opportunity to work with the Caps’ coaching staff was pretty special,” Williams said. “It was such a cool opportunity.”
Williams is coming off of an outstanding career at Miami University, where he played in 87 games and posted a goals against average of 2.37 and save percentage of .909. He finished his career with a 46-29-4 record and established himself as one of the top goalies in the entire country.
Prior to Miami, Williams tallied great numbers in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and Sioux Falls Stampede and was an integral part of the TPH Thunder 16U and TPH OHL Cup teams.
“TPH was so helpful for me with preparation and leaning how to take care of your body,” Williams said. “They helped me great ready to perform consistently at a high level. The coaches at TPH know what it takes to get to the next level.”
Nathan Bowen, TPH president and managing partner and Williams’ former coach, said the Thunder were fortunate to have him.
“It was obvious to us that he would play at a high level in junior hockey, Division I college hockey and professionally,” Bowen said. “He had the athletic ability to play at those levels, but what separated him from his peers was his level of compete and mental maturity as a young goaltender. He lives a hockey lifestyle, is committed to training and improving and was mature beyond his years.”
Williams, who was named to the 2016 NCHC All-Academic team with a 3.38 GPA, said playing with TPH helped him reach the goals he set growing up.
“Learning from my TPH coaches and playing in the tournaments we played in gave me every opportunity to perform well,” he said. “Playing for TPH, you’re going to get seen and get opportunities to move on and climb the ladder.”
Currently an NHL free agent, Williams is evaluating his options and hopes to sign a professional contract this summer. The 6-foot-2 goalie said he’s honored to be considered a role model for younger TPH players who are hoping to advance their hockey careers.
“I remember when I was younger and the kids you looked up to made it and had the opportunity to move on and play in college or professionally,” he said. “That was your inspiration and your motivation to continue to work hard. It’s excited to be in the position to have kids look up to you and have them know that the opportunity is there for them as well if they work hard.”
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.
Congrats to Long Time TPH Team Member Nichelle Simon who will compete on the American Ninja Warrior Season 9
BE ON THE AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR SEASON 9
I’m so proud to announce that I am going to be on the
AMERICAN NINJA WARRIOR SEASON 9!!
I’ve trained for a year and a half and my training has paid off! I want to especially thank my boyfriend Eric Smith for supporting, motivating and working out with me throughout this journey and for Chris Moore providing the path to success! I will be running the course in Daytona Florida on April 7-8th! If you want to come watch you can get tickets online at here.
TPH Thunder Alum Buncis Gets DI Commitment
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Johnstown Tomahawks are proud to announce that team captain Filips Buncis has committed to play Division I hockey at Arizona State University for the 2017-18 season.
Buncis, a native of Riga, Latvia, has played 124 games with the Tomahawks in three seasons. The 6-3 forward has scored 71 career points (21 goals, 50 assists) and was named the first European captain in Johnstown hockey history in September 2016.
He represented Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship in Montreal and Toronto earlier this season and was named to the NAHL Selects team at the 2017 Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth, Mich. in February.
For Buncis, the chance to play Division I hockey at a burgeoning program like Arizona State is a “new challenge.”
“I really liked the coaching staff, the campus and I saw it as a new challenge for me to help build a new Division I program,” Buncis said. “I believe Arizona State is a great fit for me. They are building a great program there.”
Buncis will be joining fellow countryman and Aston defenseman Gvido Jansons with the Sun Devils in 2017-18.
“I grew up with him and we are great friends,” Buncis said. “I will be cool to play on the same team with at ASU.”
In three short seasons, Buncis has established himself as a fan favorite in Johnstown, place where Buncis will look back on fondly.
“It has been an unbelievable three years here in Johnstown,” Buncis said. “Johnstown is a great hockey town with the best fans in the league. I am really glad I spent three years in Johnstown.”
Buncis also had high praise for the Tomahawks coaching staff.
“They have been a huge part of my development and helped me prepare for the next level,” Buncis said. “They trusted me with the captaincy this season and that has helped me grow as a player and person this season.”
Located in Tempe, Ariz., the Arizona State Sun Devils are a newcomer to NCAA Division I hockey as the program transitioned to Division I play starting in 2014-15. They currently compete as an Independent with plans to join a conference in 2017-18.
Tomahawks head coach, Mike Letizia, was proud of his captain for announcing his commitment.
“I could not be prouder of our captain Filips Buncis on committing to Arizona State,” Letizia said. “Filips has been one of the most decorated players in our team’s history with all the international competition he has represented his country in, being the first European captain in Johnstown hockey history and now becoming a Division I hockey player.”
Letizia commented additionally that Buncis is dedicated to the Tomahawks and the community.
“Since he has been with the Tomahawks, he has grown his game tremendously through his hard work and dedication to our hockey club,” Letizia said. “He has been a fantastic leader for this year’s team. Filips will be able to help build the tradition of ASU hockey, and I firmly believe the best is yet to come for this outstanding young man.”
In addition to the many accolades he has earned while a Tomahawk, Buncis will be departing for Latvia to attend the Team Latvia World Championship team camp in hopes of making the official roster for the 2017 IIHF World Championship in Cologne, Germany and Paris.
“I will be practicing with the best players in Latvia, basically my idols growing up,” Buncis said.
The tournament begins May 5 and concludes May 21.
Buncis said he plans on coming back to lead the Tomahawks into the Robertson Cup playoffs.
“I want to win it all with this team,” he said. “I know we can do it. I want to bring the cup back to Johnstown!”
Johnstown returns to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena March 17-18 for a St. Patrick’s Green Out Weekend. The team will wear specialty Irish jerseys against the Aston Rebels presented by the Holiday Inn.
Recruiting: Max Sasson commits to Maine
By @MichaelCaples –
Max Sasson wanted this story to start with a message to young hockey players in the same spot he once was.
Keep working, even if you aren’t playing for the team you want.
“Before I start, I want to say for all the kids who are worried that they didn’t make a 14U team,” Sasson told MiHockey, “I did not make one top team before this year started.”
Sasson didn’t let his team situation get in the way of his hockey dreams. The 2000 birth-year player kept working, and this year, he seized the opportunity to play for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies midget minor team.
“OJG is the only place I could have played u16,” Sasson said.
Now, he’s telling MiHockey about why he picked the University of Maine for his college hockey career. Sasson has thrived with OJG, leading his team with 38 points in 31 games (as listed on the Tier 1 Elite League website). The Total Package Hockey Center of Excellence student said he found the ‘perfect fit’ at Maine.
“I picked Maine because when I went on a visit, I felt right at home,” Sasson said. “It was just a perfect fit and I knew right away.”
He’s still a few years away from suiting up for the Black Bears, but he said he’s excited to have the chance to one day play college hockey.
“I am beyond excited to play college hockey,” Sasson said. “I knew once I went to the game at the Harold Alford arena in Maine that it was a easy decision to go to college. The atmosphere, playing in front your friends, and studying what you choose that’s why I am playing college hockey.”
“We’re very proud of Max – a great example of how hard work pays off,” said TPH Detroit director of hockey Brandon Naurato. “He has fought through adversity to better himself and better his chances of becoming a college student-athlete. Now, he’s one step closer to earning his degree while playing D1 college hockey.”
TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete Carson Riddle commits to WMU
Congratulations to TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athlete Carson Riddle on his commitment to Western Michigan University.
The Belle Tire U16 star is the 15th TPH Detroit CoE student to commit to an NCAA Division I school since 2014.
The Holly, Mich., native and 5-foot-9 forward has been lighting it up this season, his first one in midget minor. Through 24 games Riddle has posted 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists), which ranks second on his team. Riddle also leads his team in power play goals with three.
Riddle joins Xan Gurney as the second TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete to commit to the WMU program. Congrats to Carson on his commitment!
TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete Max Sasson tenders with NAHL’s Brookings
TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athlete Max Sasson has tendered with the North American Hockey League’s Brookings Blizzard.
Sasson is enjoying a successful season with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16 team. In 29 games with the Jr. Grizzlies, the forward has 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points.
Brookings currently has a 18-13-2-1 record this season in NAHL play. A franchise since 2003, the Blizzard have seen many players move on to play Division I college hockey.
TPH alum Nathan Krusko earns ECAC Rookie of the Week honors
TPH Thunder alum and current Harvard forward Nathan Krusko was named ECAC Rookie of the Week last week.
Krusko, a freshman from Alpharetta, Ga., tallied his first career hat trick in a 5-2 win over Quinnipiac on Jan. 6. In 16 games with the Crimson this season, Krusko has five goals and two assists for seven points.
With the TPH Thunder, Krusko averaged nearly a point per game in his midget major season, tallying 34 points in 35 games in 2013-14. He played his junior hockey for the Minnesota Magicians (NAHL) and Omaha Lancers (USHL).
TPH Detroit CoE’s Jake Transit and Cannon Green tendered to Mudbugs
Two TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athletes — Jake Transit and Cannon Green — have tendered to the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs.
The two Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U18 teammates join the Mudbugs, who are in the midst of their inaugural season in the NAHL and have a 18-11-0-1 record. Both CoE students will add skill to Shreveport’s forward group.
Transit, a 17-year-old from Royal Oak, Mich., has already featured in two games with the Mudbugs. In 24 games with the OJG U18 this season, he had 11 goals and 11 assists. Before joining OJG, Transit starred for the Honeybaked and Belle Tire programs.
Green, a 16-year-old from Hinsdale, Ill., had more than a point per game with OJG U18 with 28 points in 24 games. Last season with the Jr. Grizzlies’ U16 team, he tallied 25 points in 31 games.
TPH congratulates Erik Gordon on call up to U.S. NTDP
TPH would like to congratulate current Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) goaltender Erik Gordon on his call-up to the U.S. National Team Development program.
Gordon, a long time TPH standout with the TPH Thunder AAA program, is expected to start in the next two NTDP games. The Duluth, Ga., native is having an incredible season with the Brahmas, posting an 11-2 record with a .909 save percentage in 17 games. He also has a 2.23 GAA, which ranks fifth in the NAHL.
The goaltender ranks as one of the best to come through the TPH Thunder AAA program. In his U16 season with the Thunder, Gordon posted a remarkable 1.97 goals against average and .925 save percentage. The season before in bantam play, Gordon had a 1.12 GAA in 36 games. Gordon has also played in the OHL Cup with the Thunder.
Congratulations, Erik, on your achievement!