Posts by Colleen Lynch
Norris to Lead TPH Hockey Operation in Detroit
Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that Dwayne Norris will become the new Director of Hockey for TPH-Detroit. This announcement comes just weeks after former TPH-Detroit Director of Hockey Brandon Naurato accepted a position as a Player Development Consultant for the Detroit Red Wings.
As part of this transition, Naurato will remain in his capacity as both a Partner and Director of Player Development for all of TPH, and will continue to train TPH-Detroit student-athletes on the ice, through both the Center of Excellence and the 8 Week Progression Program.
“First off, we would like to congratulate Brandon on the unbelievable accomplishment of not only earning an opportunity to follow his passion at the NHL level, but also, for the chance to make a mark on his hometown team,” Total Package Hockey CEO Nathan Bowen said. “While Nar is passionate, bright and cutting edge, his desire to grind is his best quality. He has worked effortlessly to grow TPH’s presence in the Detroit market and has been the posterchild for our vision of positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through the game of hockey. We look forward to watching Nar succeed in his role with the Red Wings, while he continues to devout his energy to making all TPH student-athletes the best they can be.”
While Naurato is focused on playing his part in helping the Red Wings better develop its players, he is quick to point out that TPH will remain a priority as he begins a new chapter in his professional career.
“It’s an honor to have the opportunity to contribute to the Red Wings organization,” Naurato said. “What makes this opportunity extra-special is that it will allow me to keep impacting TPH. It’s not one over the other. I am totally committed to assisting Dwayne in bettering what we do, from training, to programming, to mentorship, and I will do everything I can to support our student-athletes in their development in hockey and in life. The kids have always been priority one. That will never change.”
In hiring Norris, TPH welcomes an individual with decades of experience in playing, coaching and management. The former Michigan State Spartan played four seasons in the green and white, from 1988 to 1992. Selected No. 127 overall by the Quebec Nordiques in the 1990 NHL Entry Draft, the St. John’s, Newfoundland native enjoyed a 16-year professional playing career after graduating from MSU. Norris spent the final 10 seasons of his playing career overseas in Germany. After hanging up his skates in 2007, Norris transitioned from the ice to the front office, becoming the General Manager of the Frankfort Lions, the team he played for during the previous four seasons.
Norris returned to the United States in 2010 and used his hockey management experience to begin a career in business. While working full-time, Norris has spent the last five seasons serving as the Director of Hockey for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies program. During this time, he has coached Grizzlies teams at the U14, U15 and U16 levels. Norris will maintain his role with the Jr. Grizzlies, while taking on the Director of Hockey responsibilities for TPH-Detroit.
CEO Nathan Bowen calls Norris a “hockey man” and believes his diverse resume will greatly benefit all student-athletes within TPH-Detroit programs.
“Dwayne is an impressive guy,” Bowen said. “His hockey and business knowledge, leadership experience and passion for mentorship aligns perfectly with the vision of TPH. Both our hockey department and our student-athletes are in the hands of an individual we have the utmost amount of respect for and confidence in.”
Bowen also referenced his level of intrigue not just with Norris, but also his body of work with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, a program known to be on the rise at both the Tier I and Tier II youth levels.
“For the past few years, I have watched the Jr. Grizzlies program grow the right way under Dwayne and Terry Bishop’s leadership,” Bowen said. “Quality organizations and quality people go hand-in-hand. I would like to thank the Jr. Grizzlies for allowing us to bring Dwayne on board. We would not have been able to make this happen without their cooperation and support.
Norris is energized to begin his new role and make hockey an even bigger part of his life.
“I feel incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to head the hockey operation for TPH in Detroit, a place my family and I have called home for 26 years,” Norris said. “TPH has an outstanding reputation across Detroit and the hockey world for helping players enhance their skills and develop into the types of young people that have success in life. When Nar and Nathan shared their vision for the future and outlined their five-year plan for TPH-Detroit, it became clear to me that this is an opportunity that doesn’t come around every day. To be part of growing TPH while I also maintain my commitment to the Grizzlies is very energizing and motivating.”
Hockey runs deep within the Norris family. Dwayne and his wife Traci are the proud parents of three boys, all of whom are chasing their hockey dreams at elite levels. Their oldest son, Coale will enter his sophomore season at Ferris State in the fall. Middle son Josh is a first-round draft pick of the San Jose Sharks and will be a sophomore at the University of Michigan, while youngest Dalton, property of the Tri-City Storm in the USHL, will skate for the U18 Jr. Grizzlies this season and attend the TPH Center of Excellence.
Norris hopes his experience as a “hockey dad” will help him better relate to families of current and prospective TPH players as they embark on their hockey journeys.
“The hockey waters can be challenging to navigate,” Norris said. “Traci and I are going through it now. I’d like to think the experiences we’ve had and the decisions we’ve made – the good ones and the not-so-good ones – will allow us to connect with moms and dads and sons and daughters who are trying to find their path forward. I am a dad first and foremost. I believe this will be an asset in my new role. My goal is to apply the same level of care to our student-athletes as I would if it were my own kids. Education is big in our family. It will be priority one within TPH-Detroit moving forward. If it’s not right for my kids, it won’t be done within TPH. That will be the litmus test for me in this role.”
With the 2018-2019 season right around the corner, Bowen was quick to point out that Norris’ arrival is just another addition to a long list of exciting happenings within TPH-Detroit, among them, the relocation of the Center of Excellence to Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
“We have a great opportunity in front of us in Detroit. The CoE is moving to an immaculate facility in a great location, where we are partnered with like-minded people in Steve Mazur, Jerod Swallow and Joe Neal, who share our vision. We have a terrific support staff. We’re coming off an incredible summer that saw four Detroit CoE alums get selected in the NHL Draft, 26 TPH-trained players attend NHL summer development camps, and now, we have a quality leader in Dwayne, who will build off Nar’s foundation and lead us forward. Now, more than ever, TPH is committed to our mission of exceeding expectations one choice a time.”
Rutger McGroarty commits to Notre Dame
Total Package Hockey is proud to congratulate Rutger McGroarty on committing to Notre Dame.
One of the top players in the 2004 birth-year class, McGroarty announced today that he has verbally committed to Jeff Jackson and the Fighting Irish hockey program.
“There is just no other place like it – I feel like it’s a home,” McGroarty said in a story on MiHockey.com. “I talked with a bunch of the players and they didn’t have one negative thing to say about Notre Dame. The coaches are top notch with Coach Jackson, Coach Slaggert, and Coach Pooley.”
McGroarty, a student-athlete at the TPH Center of Excellence in Detroit, is a forward with the Honeybaked 14U team. He has helped his HB squad capture back-to-back Michigan Amateur Hockey Association state championships.
He has spent the last three school years at the CoE while also participating on other TPH programs.
“TPH has had such a big impact in my hockey game – skating every day with a bunch of high-end hockey players who all want to be successful in the game,” McGroarty said. “It’s hard not to get better when you’re competing with and against a bunch of kids like that.”
His father, Jim, is a Player Development Coach and Mentor at the TPH CoE, as well.
TPH Detroit@TPHDetroitCongrats to #TPHCoE student-athlete @RutgerMcgroarty on his commitment to Notre Dame! #TPHFamily
Hunter Brzustewicz commits to Michigan
Total Package Hockey is proud to congratulate Hunter Brzustewicz on his commitment to the University of Michigan.
Considered one of the top defensemen in the 2004 birth-year class, Brzustewicz announced today that he has verbally committed to Mel Pearson and the Wolverines’ hockey program.
“I picked Michigan because it’s a great school and close to home,” Brzustewicz said in a MiHockey.com story. “When I asked people about Michigan, they say everything’s great, nothing bad about it. I just feel at home there and the coaches are awesome – real good guys.
“It’s been my dream school since I was little, when I first stepped onto the ice.”
A student-athlete at the TPH Center of Excellence in Detroit, Brzustewicz has spent the majority of his youth hockey career with Honeybaked, helping his HB squad to multiple state titles and an International Silver Stick championship.
He has spent two years with TPH-Detroit, and Brzustewicz said his experience on and off the ice has helped him develop both as a player and a person.
“I’ve been there for two years now, and TPH has helped me a lot because of all the great coaches there,” Brzustewicz said. “They help us become real men, not just kids, and on the hockey side, their skill work is unbelievable. My shot has improved a lot, my skills, everything all-around – hockey IQ, watching video every day, seeing those players do it, it just makes me want to do it too.”
TPH Detroit@TPHDetroitCongrats to #TPHCoE student-athlete @brzustewicz4 on his commitment to the University of Michigan! #TPHFamily
Damian Surma brings Detroit experience to TPH-Indy Team
Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that Damian Surma will assume the position of Player Development Coach & Mentor for TPH’s Indy division.
Surma will take on the same role he has held within TPH’s Detroit division since joining the company in 2014. In addition, Surma will serve as the Head Coach of the Indy Junior Fuel ‘AAA’ 2007 team. He takes over for Jared Mohr, who recently accepted a coaching position in Laredo, Texas, with a franchise in the upstart USA Central Hockey League.
“We are thrilled to welcome Damian Surma to the TPH-Indy family,” Greg Austin, Director of Hockey-Operations for the TPH-Indy division, said. “Surms has an extensive hockey background and has spent that past three seasons honing his craft in Detroit under the tutelage of Brandon Naurato. Coach Naurato’s on-ice development plan has aided in the growth of hundreds of players, seven of whom were selected in the NHL draft this past June. Surms has been alongside Brandon, learning from him while putting his own creative stamp on how TPH develops its players. Because of this, Surms’ transition to Indy will be seamless. We are delighted to welcome a man of Damian’s background and character to Indy. Our hockey operation got a lot better today.”
Indy Junior Fuel ‘AAA’ Director of Hockey-Operations Chris Lipsett echoed Austin’s sentiments and says he is looking forward to adding Surma to his coaching line-up for the 2018-2019 season.
“Having Surms coach in the Junior Fuel ‘AAA’ program will be of great benefit to all of our players, notably, the 2007’s that he will directly mentor,” Lipsett said. “Surms has played at many levels, from Major Junior to the minor leagues, to Europe and right up to the NHL. In Detroit, he also worked with a number of elite players such as Zach Werenski, Dylan Larkin, J.T. Compher and Josh Norris. Beyond his resume, however, it his passion for helping players of all ages hone their skills that families in our Junior Fuel ‘AAA’ program will appreciate the most.”
As Lipsett referenced, Surma brings his extensive playing resume with him to Indy. The Lincoln Park, Mich., native played his junior hockey in the Detroit area with the NAHL’s Compuware Ambassadors and the OHL’s Plymouth Whalers. In 1999, Surma was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 6th round of the NHL Draft. Surma spent three seasons in the Hurricanes organization, amassing over 200 games with the Canes and their minor-league affiliates, the Lowell Lock Monsters and Florida Everblades. He would go on to spend the next nine years of his professional career at the Double ‘A’ pro level in the U.S., as well as overseas in Italy.
While in Detroit, Surma was part of a hockey staff that has aided in the development of many elite players. Over the past few seasons, TPH-Detroit’s Center of Excellence alone has produced four NHL Draft picks, eight NHL Central Scouting-listed players, 28 OHL and 29 USHL draft picks and 25 NCAA commitments, just to name a few.
Surma is excited to bring his perspective and experience from both his playing days as well as his time mentoring student-athletes in Detroit to help TPH-Indy further impact student-athletes in a market he describes as “flourishing.”
“First off, I want to thank Brandon Naurato and the entire TPH-Detroit team for all they have done for me to this point,” Surma said. “I have developed a stronger hockey knowledge base thanks to all of my experiences, specifically those from TPH in Detroit. I come to Indy wanting to take all of my experiences to grow an already solid base that Greg Austin and his staff have quickly built over a very short period of time. Whether it be on the ice at the Center of Excellence, in the many other camps and clinics Indy offers, or with the Junior Fuel ‘AAA’ 07’s, everything we do will continue to be about executing the TPH vision of positively impacting the lives of student-athletes. Greg and Chris have set the bar. I look forward to helping raise it.”
TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athlete a young entrepreneur
In the fall of 2016, Adam House Jr. moved from Florida to Michigan.
His reasoning? To enroll at the Total Package Hockey Center of Excellence in Metro Detroit.
The House family was intrigued by the Center of Excellence’s mantra of ‘study, train, play’ – helping student-athletes reach their full potential both on and off the ice.
House wasn’t the typical player enrolling in the TPH CoE, starting two years younger than most of the enrollees at the school. He also had plenty of work to do with his hockey skills, as he arrived with the experience of only playing ‘A’ level hockey in the state of Florida.
Brandon Naurato decided to take a chance on House, seeing potential in the ’06 birth-year player.
“When I first met Adam and the House family, I couldn’t help but notice the passion and determination to excel,” Naurato said. “He was a special kid; we felt he could handle coming into the Center of Excellence at a young age and grow quickly as both a hockey player and a young man.”
Two years later, House is preparing to suit up for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies AAA ’06 squad; a testament to his work ethic and drive.
House is excelling off the ice, as well. Following in the footsteps of his father, Adam House Sr., House is has started his own business. The young entrepreneur is the owner and founder of “Jr’s House of Hockey,” a company selling hockey tape on Amazon (see the company’s Instagram page here). At just 12 years old, House is curating a brand following through social media and his passion for videography; see examples embedded below. He is using his education and experiences at the CoE to get real-world business experience before he even reaches high school.
“Being a student-athlete at the CoE has taught me a lot, both about hockey and about my education and life away from the rink,” House said. “Between watching my dad grow his own businesses, and the confidence I think I have gotten from my experiences at the school, I really wanted to try to start my own business. Hockey, obviously, is where I want to be, either as a player or a businessman, and I’m having a blast doing this.
“The CoE helps me improve as a hockey player and as a person; I’m learning a lot and trying to grow a business at the same time.”
TPH is proud to have House as a member of the #TPHFamily, as he continues to be a posterchild for the CoE both on and off the ice.
“We couldn’t be more proud of Adam and what he is doing,” said TPH CEO Nathan Bowen. “Watching him thrive in our CoE environment has been wonderful; he’s a perfect example of how we’re trying to help these student-athletes not only improve on the ice, but pursue their passions away from the rink. He is certainly setting himself up for success in whatever he pursues in the future. We can’t wait to see where he goes from here, and we wish him the best of luck with Jr’s House of Hockey.”
Check out Jr’s House of Hockey on Amazon here or by clicking on the image below.
Click on the tape to visit Jr’s House of Hockey on Amazon
Check out one of House’s video edits, as well.
ABOUT TPH: Founded in 2001, Total Package Hockey is a hockey service provider with the vision to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through the game of hockey. TPH prides itself on operating at a standard that exceeds expectations of players, families, coaches, advisors and all other entities of the hockey world, one choice at a time. Our staff is committed to providing positive, energetic, hands-on instruction and mentorship, in an effort to develop each individual on and off the ice. If each individual develops as a player, athlete and person, he or she will be better prepared to advance to the highest levels of junior, collegiate and professional hockey, while learning the skills necessary for success in the ultimate game: the game of life.
For more information about TPH, click here
For more information about the TPH Center of Excellence, click here
TPH’s Matt Larke named Flint Firebirds’ skill development coach
Total Package Hockey is proud to congratulate Matt Larke on his new position as skill development coach for the Ontario Hockey League’s Flint Firebirds.
Larke, a player development coach and mentor at the Center of Excellence in Detroit, played eight seasons of professional hockey before joining the TPH team. Along with his role in the Center of Excellence, Larke also coaches in the TPH Michigan Hockey Advancement program, as well as the TPH team that annually attends the OHL Cup.
“We are incredibly proud of Matt and very excited for him,” said TPH director of player development Brandon Naurato. “He is a world-class instructor, and he’s going to do great things with Flint.”
Larke specializes in skating stride, edge work and mechanics, among other hockey skills.
“I want to thank the Flint Firebirds organization for trusting in me and giving me this opportunity,” Larke said. “I’m looking forward to working with the players and helping them each individually develop so that at the end of the day, the team’s having success on the ice.
“The Firebirds have a tremendous staff in Flint; I’m very much looking forward to learning from Ryan Oulahen and the rest of the coaching staff. A gold medal at the Gretzky Hlinka Cup speaks for itself – Oulahen is an elite head coach and I’m excited to learn and help in any way I can.”
The new position with the Firebirds will not impact Larke’s day-to-day operations with the TPH CoE; Larke will work with Flint players after school ends for both respective groups.
“I’m thankful of TPH and the great hockey minds I have learned from such as Brandon Naurato (Detroit Red Wings) and Jimmy McGroaty (Hamilton Bulldogs),” Larke said. “The way they think helps me put skating skills into situations that are relevant so the player feels the most comfortable in games. When they get into those situations they know all of their options and how to win each battle.”
ABOUT TPH: Founded in 2001, Total Package Hockey is a hockey service provider with the vision to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through the game of hockey. TPH prides itself on operating at a standard that exceeds expectations of players, families, coaches, advisors and all other entities of the hockey world, one choice at a time. Our staff is committed to providing positive, energetic, hands-on instruction and mentorship, in an effort to develop each individual on and off the ice. If each individual develops as a player, athlete and person, he or she will be better prepared to advance to the highest levels of junior, collegiate and professional hockey, while learning the skills necessary for success in the ultimate game: the game of life.
For more information about TPH, click here
For more information about the TPH Center of Excellence, click here
Norris a familiar name included in Karlsson trade
Robin Short (robin.short@thetelegram.com)
Josh Norris, shown here play for the United States at the World Junior Hockey Championship last January in Buffalo, is the son of St. John’s native and former NHLer Dwayne Norris. – Associated Press
Josh Norris, one of the young prospects sent to the Ottawa Senators in the Erik Karlsson trade Thursday, is the son of St. John’s native and former hockey star Dwayne Norris.
The younger Norris was born in Michigan, where the family now resides. The 19-year-old was the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NHL Draft. He had 23 points (eight goals, 15 assists) in 37 games as a University of Michigan freshman last season.
Norris was also a member of the U.S. team which won the bronze medal at the World Junior Hockey Championship last January in Buffalo.
Ottawa received forwards Chris Tierney and Rudolfs Balcers, along with defenceman Dylan DeMelo from the San Jose Sharks, in addition to the rights to the unsigned Norris, a first-round pick in the 2019 NHL Draft or 2020 NHL Draft, a second-round pick in the 2019 draft, and two conditional draft picks.
Forward Francis Perron was also acquired by the Sharks.
Dwayne Norris played 20 games in the NHL with the Quebec Nordiques and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. But he’s best known for being part of the Canada’s silver-medal team at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, and for scoring the winning goal in the final game as Canada won the 1990 world junior hockey championship in Helsinki, Finland.
Following his North American pro career, Dwayne Norris spent 11 seasons in the German DEL.
He’s still involved with hockey, coaching and serving on the board of directors with the Oakland Grizzlies minor organization which plays out of Troy, Mich. He recently took over as director of hockey operations for Total Package Hockey in Detroit.
Norris has two other hockey-playing sons. Coale played his freshman season at Ferris State University last year, while Dalton is preparing to play for the Grizzlies’ U18 team.
http://www.thetelegram.com/sports/hockey/norris-a-familiar-name-included-in-karlsson-trade-241454/
Josh Blackburn hired as new goaltending coach at Detroit CoE
Total Package Hockey is proud to welcome Josh Blackburn to our coaching family.
Blackburn is joining the TPH Center of Excellence staff in Detroit as the program’s new goaltending coach.
Blackburn brings a wealth of playing and coaching experience to the TPH Detroit team. The native of Choctaw, Okla., spent four seasons as the starting goaltender for the University of Michigan before playing professionally for three seasons. From there, he worked as the goaltending coach of his alma mater for eight seasons.
“We are very excited to have Josh Blackburn join our TPH Detroit Center of Excellence staff,” said Dwayne Norris, director of hockey for TPH CoE Detroit. “He is very knowledgeable in his craft, from both playing and coaching at some of the highest levels of hockey. Josh is going to be a great asset to our staff, and he’s already establishing a close connection with our young goaltenders at the CoE.”
Blackburn played three seasons in the USHL with the Dubuque Fighting Saints and the Lincoln Stars before joining the college ranks. He was named the USHL’s goaltender of the year in 1998.
At Michigan, he backstopped the Wolverines to consecutive Frozen Four appearances in 2001 and 2002. Blackburn helped Michigan win two CCHA regular-season titles and two CCHA playoff titles, and he was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team in 1999.
He finished with 92 wins, a 2.29 goals-against average and a .905 save percentage over four seasons under Red Berenson.
After graduating, he spent the 2002-03 and 2003-04 seasons in the ECHL with the Augusta Lynx and the Columbus Inferno. In 2004-05, he suited up for the CHL’s Corpus Christi Rayz.
Blackburn returned to Ann Arbor following his playing career to serve as Michigan’s volunteer goaltending coach while operating his own goaltending school in southeast Michigan.
ABOUT TPH: Founded in 2001, Total Package Hockey is a hockey service provider with the vision to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through the game of hockey. TPH prides itself on operating at a standard that exceeds expectations of players, families, coaches, advisors and all other entities of the hockey world, one choice at a time. Our staff is committed to providing positive, energetic, hands-on instruction and mentorship, in an effort to develop each individual on and off the ice. If each individual develops as a player, athlete and person, he or she will be better prepared to advance to the highest levels of junior, collegiate and professional hockey, while learning the skills necessary for success in the ultimate game: the game of life.
For more information about TPH, click here
For more information about the TPH Center of Excellence, click here
Nic Dowd looks to nail down one of few available spots on the Caps’ opening night roster, the fourth-line center slot
In the wake of winning the first Stanley Cup title in franchise history late last spring, the Caps didn’t suffer much in the way of offseason attrition, at least not in terms of sheer numbers. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer was traded to Colorado after three excellent seasons as a backup in D.C., and center Jay Beagle signed a four-year deal with Vancouver as an unrestricted free agent after a decade of yeoman’s work in Washington. CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE
Dan Riedel joins TPH Detroit coaching staff
Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that Dan Riedel has joined the TPH Detroit staff as a player development coach and mentor at the Center of Excellence.
Riedel has playing experience at the NAHL, USHL, NCAA, ECHL, IHL and CHL level. A Rochester Hills native, Riedel played for Ferris State University for two seasons following his NAHL/USHL junior career. He was named First Team All-CCHA in 2005-06.
Following his time in Big Rapids, he played professionally for five seasons before returning to his home state. Since, Riedel has worked as a scout for the USHL’s Cedar Rapids RoughRiders and the OHL’s Windsor Spitfires and as head coach of the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies 16U team.
With OJG, he has found considerable coaching success – multiple National Championship tournament appearances, 29 players being selected in the USHL Draft, nine in the OHL Draft, and 18 players making Division 1 college commitments. Three have made USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program – Drew DeRidder, Josh Norris and Joey Cassetti – and two have been drafted by NHL organizations – Norris and Brandon Halverson.
“We are very excited to have Dan Riedel join our staff at the Center of Excellence in Detroit,” said Dwayne Norris, director of hockey for the Bloomfield-based school. “I have had the privilege of working with Dan in a youth hockey capacity, and seeing how he treats and helps his players, we know he will be a valuable asset for our student-athletes.”
ABOUT TPH: Founded in 2001, Total Package Hockey is a hockey service provider with the vision to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through the game of hockey. TPH prides itself on operating at a standard that exceeds expectations of players, families, coaches, advisors and all other entities of the hockey world, one choice at a time. Our staff is committed to providing positive, energetic, hands-on instruction and mentorship, in an effort to develop each individual on and off the ice. If each individual develops as a player, athlete and person, he or she will be better prepared to advance to the highest levels of junior, collegiate and professional hockey, while learning the skills necessary for success in the ultimate game: the game of life.
For more information about TPH, click here
For more information about the TPH Center of Excellence, click here