Posts by Colleen Lynch
Jacqueline Keeso joining TPH as Chief Experience Officer
Total Package Hockey (TPH), one of the nation’s leading hockey academies and event organizers, is proud to announce Jacqueline Keeso as the new Chief Experience Officer (CXO). Jacqueline will be responsible for the creation, execution, and integration of the overall customer experience. She will work to define and enhance TPH’s customer journey and ensure a consistent, empowering experience for all student-athletes. Furthermore, she will also work with TPH alumni to better serve current student-athletes after their time with TPH.
“The addition of Jacqueline as TPH’s Chief Experience Officer will help us to define and improve our services for our student-athletes, families, alumni, and our employees,” said Nathan Bowen, CEO of TPH. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, and I am confident she will identify, develop, and implement unique strategies and ideas to connect our mission and team.”
What’s more, Jacqueline will be working with the TK Scholarship Fund to offer scholarship opportunities to deserving student-athletes. The Fund was created to celebrate the life and legacy of MAJ Thomas E. Kennedy, who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan on August 8, 2012. As MAJ Kennedy’s legacy lives on through the recipients of this scholarship, Jacqueline will work with current management to innovate, enhance, and grow the scholarship’s impact.
“I’m thrilled to join TPH as Chief Experience Officer. I can’t think of a better purpose to align with: helping to empower and shape the leaders of tomorrow through TPH’s holistic program of sport, academics, and mentorship,” said Keeso. “I look forward to meeting and working with our fantastic TPH families, alumni, and employees.”
Prior to TPH, Jacqueline worked for Mission Aviation Fellowship, an international humanitarian organization, in Donor Engagement and Marketing. After, she would serve as a Customer Success Manager and Client Executive for Forrester, where she was responsible for new revenue, current customer growth, and client satisfaction. Her portfolio included some of Canada’s largest insurance and wealth management firms, and she was recognized as the MVP of the Premier Canada Team in 2018.
Lastly, she served as Director, Global Customer Experience for DigitalEd where she oversaw global growth initiatives for current customers and overall customer experience. Jacqueline overhauled customer management, renewal, and expansion practices by grounding the company’s actions in analytics and customer insights.
Jacqueline has a BBA of International Business from Boise State University and an MBA from the University of Oxford, UK. She also holds her Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate as well as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB).
To learn more about Total Package Hockey, click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through sport. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 15 U.S.based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
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Reagan Selected as Head of Academics for TPH Phoenix Center of Excellence
TPH Phoenix is elated to announce new hire, Amy Reagan, in the role of Head of Academics for its Center of Excellence (CoE) academy. Reagan joins TPH with over a decade of academic experience, in both public and private school settings, bringing significant knowledge of hybrid learning models and valuable techniques in providing personalized instruction through tutoring. As a parent of a current TPH Phoenix student-athlete, she understands first-hand the unique daily time constraints elite students have as they manage their sport and educational pursuits. In this new role, Reagan will assist in balancing academics with athletics for elite student-athletes who seek the selective learning environment where they can Study, Train, Play to their fullest potential.
“Amy is an excellent hire for us as she understands the needs of our student-athletes and can identify with our parent group,” noted Director and Head of Hockey TPH Phoenix, Brett Blatchford. “With her years of experience in the classroom and her support of students who were learning remotely last year, she brings a unique skill set to the position that will make her invaluable to TPH and our partners at Sequoia and Edmentum.”
As the Head of Academics, Reagan will work on-site as both a coach and mentor to student-athletes, while creating a successful learning environment for everyone. She will mentor in learning labs, teach organizational skills and accountability while providing ongoing support for students and families. She will leverage her strong communication skills as a key liaison between TPH hockey staff, teachers, and parents.
“With my prior experiences in an academy-style setting and as a parent of a student-athlete, I look forward to joining TPH as the Head of Academics. The unique experience that TPH provides student-athletes is second to none, and I am excited to ensure that each student reaches their academic potential while focusing on their character and work ethic,” said Reagan.
From her previous experience, Reagan has familiarity working in the dual environment for athletics and academics and creating essential bonds with all individuals involved. From her previous roles, she understands the value of education, paired with a positive learning environment. This past school year she worked with students ranging from grades first through seventh and helped them maintain focus and complete tasks in a timely manner while providing academic support during the COVID-19 school lockdowns in California. During that time, she customized and applied an individualized set of objectives for each student, conducted individual study sessions, upheld a constructive learning atmosphere, and monitored mental health within the unique educational situation. She communicated directly with parents and provided daily verbal and written status updates to ensure that all students succeeded during the unprecedented period.
She brings with her an immense amount of experience not just in education, but also in guidance and professional development within the academic world. Through much research, she has published papers on kindergarten readiness, home-learning activities, and the latest trends and procedures for learning environments. She graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Intervention.
To learn more about our Phoenix TPH CoE, click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through sport. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 15 U.S. based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
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TPH Fort Lauderdale Chooses Dr. Teresa Hernández-Acosta as Head of Academics for its Center of Excellence
<b>FORT LAUDERDALE, FL, AUGUST 10, 2021- </b><span style=”font-weight: 400;”>TPH Fort Lauderdale is proud to announce that Dr. Teresa Hernández-Acosta will join us as the Head of Academics. Hernández-Acosta brings much expertise and background of leadership in academia and e-learning industries, working directly with middle and high school students remotely and through virtual learning labs. Her chief task will be implementing the customized, NCAA-accredited hybrid blended learning at the Fort Lauderdale Center of Excellence (CoE). </span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“Providing our students with support in the classroom is our number one priority,” said Bill Simms, Chief Academic Officer for TPH. “I am confident that Teresa is someone that can be an exceptional mentor, leader, and advocate for our students and families. Her credentials speak volumes for what she will be able to accomplish while guiding our student-athletes to success.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>As part of her focus as Head of Academics for TPH Fort Lauderdale, Hernández-Acosta will monitor academic progress and performance of student-athletes daily, provide mentorship, build positive relationships with fellow staff members, families, and all members of the TPH Hockey and academic community, ultimately working to maximize each individual’s performance as a student and perso.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“I’m really excited to have Dr. Hernández-Acosta come on board as the Head of Academics at the Center of Excellence,” said Paul Healey, TPH Fort Lauderdale Director & Head of Hockey. “I have previously worked with Teresa, and I know she will go above and beyond to help make the Center of Excellence a huge success.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Before TPH, Hernández-Acosta worked as Media Specialist/Instructional Teacher for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she instructed in the areas of Exceptional Student Education (ESE), English as a Second Language (ESL), Spanish, and in the Extended Foreign Language Program at Shenandoah Elementary School. She also worked for over 10 years with the Florida Virtual School.</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Hernández-Acosta has a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations with Concentration in Business Administration from Loyola University, New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was also a member of the Women’s Soccer team. Additionally, she has a Master of Science in Educational Media and a Doctorate in Education with a Dual Concentration in Instructional Technology & Distance Education and Organizational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University, Miami, Florida. Hernández-Acosta is bilingual in both Spanish and English and has a working knowledge of French. </span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>“I am excited to blend my two passions professionally. I love sports and academics and was a student-athlete myself,” said Hernández-Acosta. “I look forward to assisting our students in creating that ideal academic and athletic balance. With my background, I am familiar with working with diverse learners and athletes in a blended learning environment, as well as face-to-face and fully virtual.”</span>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>To learn more about our Fort Lauderdale TPH CoE,</span><a href=”https://tphcenterofexcellence.com/fort-lauderdale/?utm_source=Hern%C3%A1ndez-AcostaLF_web&utm_medium=Hern%C3%A1ndez-AcostaLF_web&utm_campaign=Hern%C3%A1ndez-AcostaLF_web”> <span style=”font-weight: 400;”>click here. </span></a>
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<strong>About TPH</strong>
<span style=”font-weight: 400;”>Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 16 U.S.-based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.</span>
Zirnis Returns Home to Nashville in Dual Hockey Role
August 6th, 2021, Nashville, TN- TPH Nashville and the Nashville Jr. Predators are proud to announce the hiring of Karlis Zirnis as the Head of Hockey for the Nashville Center of Excellence (CoE). Zirnis will also serve as the Head Coach of the Jr. Predators 18U AAA team. As the Head of Hockey, Zirnis will oversee the application of TPH’s on and off-ice Hockey-Athlete Development Model, mentor student-athletes, and execute all training and practice plans.
“We are thrilled to welcome Karlis back to the TPH family,” TPH CEO Nathan Bowen said. “Karlis is passionate, connected within the hockey world, and has invaluable experience coaching at the levels our student-athletes are striving to get to. Our families in Nashville should be comforted by the fact that hockey is being led by an individual who knows what it takes for players to reach the next level. Karlis’ resume alone proves that.”
In mentioning “resume,” Bowen is referencing Zirnis’ vast and diverse experience coaching hockey players at all levels. A native of Riga, Latvia, Zirnis is no stranger to TPH, having previously served as a coach in the Thunder ‘AAA’ program following his retirement from the professional game in 2010. Since his first stint with TPH, Zirnis has enjoyed coaching stops at both the junior, collegiate, and international levels. He has captured a Robertson Cup Championship as Head Coach of the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs, has spent the past three seasons as an Assistant Coach at the NCAA Division I level, first with the University of Alaska and then at his alma mater, the University of Alabama-Huntsville, and has coached with the Latvian Hockey Federation since 2014. Zirnis recently accepted a position as Director of Player Personnel for the NAHL’s Amarillo Wranglers, a role he will occupy while leading hockey for TPH in Nashville.
Zirnis says he desires to take all of his experiences and work alongside what he calls a “dedicated staff” in TPH-Nashville to positively impact the lives of student-athletes.
“For me, it’s great to return to Nashville, a place I have called home for close to a decade, and be back with TPH, showing hockey players how to reach their potential,” Zirnis said. “My goal is to lead hockey programs for TPH that put skill development first and build off the unbelievable foundation Steve Jennings has laid with the 18U team. Winning will be defined by our ability to teach all of our student-athletes about what it takes to be a successful hockey player and person, and by the doors, we can help open for our kids at the next level. I can’t wait to get after it.”
Zirnis and TPH Chief Operating Officer Francis Anzalone are presently overseas leading the Latvian Under 20 program through its August Development Camp. He will take the hockey reigns of TPH-Nashville and the 18U Predators when he returns to the U.S. later this month.
To learn more about our Nashville TPH CoE, click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 16 U.S.-based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
Jennings Announced as New Head Coach of the Aberdeen Wings
TPH Nashville and the Nashville Jr. Predators are proud to announce that Steve Jennings has accepted the position as Head Coach and Manager of Hockey Operations for the Aberdeen Wings, in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Currently, Jennings is Head of Operations for TPH Nashville Center of Excellence (CoE), Head of Boys Tier I Hockey for the Nashville Jr. Predators, as well as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Nashville Jr. Predators 18U AAA team.
“We are so happy for Steve and his whole family as he moves up to the NAHL to lead the Aberdeen Wings. After an incredible, record-setting season as the Head Coach of the 18U Jr. Predators that saw the most player commitments to junior hockey in the history of the program, it’s not a surprise this opportunity came this way,” said TPH CEO Nathan Bowen. “We are so grateful for Steve’s positive impact in Nashville as a coach, mentor, and positive role model to hundreds of players and staff over his long tenure with the club. This will further grow the TPH network, and we know Steve will continue to help players advance with this move.”
Jennings will be taking over for long-time coach Scott Langer, who will be exiting and announced his new position as Head Coach with the Fargo Force, a member of the United States Hockey League. (USHL). The two coaches are not strangers, Jennings has served as the Director of Player Personnel for the past five seasons with the Aberdeen Wings and worked directly with Langer since the 2004-2005 hockey season. During the 2016-2017 season with the Wings, he was influential and helped in capturing the NAHL’s Central Division Championship, as well as reaching the Robertson Cup final four. In this capacity, he has worked with the coaching staff and has helped build a long-standing winning tradition, while helping players pursue their hockey and life goals.
This advancement comes as no surprise, given Jennings countless achievements throughout his career with both the Nashville CoE and the Jr. Predators. He has done it all, from being responsible for programming and operations of the academy-style environment, to overseeing the application of TPH’s on and off-ice Hockey-Athlete Development Model, mentoring student-athletes, and executing all training and practice plans.
“I am very grateful for my time with TPH and the Nashville Jr. Predators. The last couple of seasons have been tremendous, and very rewarding,” said Steve Jennings. “From winning back-to-back Southeastern District Championships, this year’s Tier 1 Elite League Championship, an appearance at nationals, and all the player placements in junior hockey, we’ve all had success, and it’s been an honor.” “TPH has blessed me with the opportunity to work alongside some great coaches and people, and I am very appreciative of the work we’ve done to make Nashville a hockey destination for players and families.”
Prior to his time at TPH, Steve grew up in the Boston area and played in college at the US Naval Academy, where he captained his team to the National Tournament in his senior year. In 1991, after graduation, he began coaching at his Alma mater, and the rest has been history. Jennings has coached club hockey at Lehigh University, as well as multiple youth hockey programs throughout the United States. His coaching styles have brought skills and victories to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia, where he relocated to coach in the Jr. Predators program. Since the mid-2000’s he has been a Tier II Junior ‘A’ level scout, and served as the Director of Player Personnel for the Santa Fe RoadRunners and the Topeka RoadRunners of the NAHL.
To learn more about our Center of Excellence locations, click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 16 U.S.-based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
Briere Chosen for 2021 U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team
Twenty players who participated at the USA Hockey BioSteel Boys Select 16 Player Development Camp have been chosen for the 2021 U.S. Under-17 Men’s Select Team in Visp, Switzerland. With the roster set, TPH is ecstatic to announce that Cameron Briere, a Center of Excellence, Nashville, student-athlete was chosen to compete in this once in a lifetime experience.
“Cam is a very competitive player and more than deserving of this incredible opportunity. On behalf of all of us at TPH, we congratulate him and are thrilled to watch him compete on the international stage,” stated TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen.
“I would not be where I am today without TPH and the Jr. Preds. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the same chance of making the team or to represent my country,” noted Briere. “I owe it to both organizations as they have treated me like a pro each day and gave me the opportunities to become the best I can be. I want to say thank you to the staff, coaches, and my teammates for everything this year.”
TPH is very excited for Cameron and wishes him all the best in this incredible opportunity!
To learn more about our Center of Excellence (CoE) locations, click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 16 U.S.-based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
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Eighteen Selected in North American Hockey League (NAHL) Entry Draft
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) 2021 Entry Draft took place Wednesday, July 14th. Traditionally, NAHL teams utilize a mix of in-season evaluations, team tryouts, camps, and the NAHL Combine, to determine which players should be considered for the Entry Draft. The Entry Draft covers amateur players who are under the age of 21 as of Dec. 31, 2021, who are not listed on an NAHL roster or have played less than 10 games in a previous season for an NAHL team. During this year’s NAHL Entry Draft, TPH is proud to announce that 18 #TPHTrained student-athletes were selected.
“We want to express our congrats to all the athletes that were selected in the NAHL Entry Draft. This is a huge deal, and we couldn’t be more excited for our past and present players,” said TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen.
Student-athletes drafted include:
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TPH Announces the 3rd Annual Open House for its Centers of Excellence (CoE)
Registration is Now Open for All 16 CoE Academy Locations Across the US
(Decatur, AL, June 29, 2021) – TPH, the leader in positively impacting the lives of student athletes, is pleased to announce that its third annual Center of Excellence open house will take place on July 19th, 2021. During this virtual open house, families will learn more about the CoE’s academy-style, blended learning program, and sport-specific training, for students in grades 6-12. TPH has greatly expanded its footprint in recent years, now with 16 CoE locations across the country offering the academy-style environment.
“Our Study, Train and Play model continues to push elite student-athletes to reach their fullest potential. With 16 locations across the U.S., our staff is focused on making student-athletes the best versions of themselves, in and out of the field, court, or rink,” commented TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen. “We believe in leading by example, and lay the groundwork for lessons and values that will last a lifetime.”
In conjunction with its award-winning educational partner, Edmentum, The 16 CoE academies provide a completely individualized, customized, NCAA-accredited, blended learning experience to all its student-athletes. The CoE hybrid learning environment combines an online curriculum with on-site infrastructure and academic support; coursework can be completed on-demand, with 24/7, fully accessible NCAA courseware, and full-time instructors. An academic leader is on-site daily, ensuring that all student-athletes are held accountable, study in a positive learning environment, and receive a tailored, personalized experience to help them excel.
“Our environment combines a proven, accredited, blended academic learning program with innovative, hands-on, sport-specific training and instruction, stated TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen. “We have found this model to be successful in helping dedicated student athletes reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives to come.”
The CoE model helps accelerate athletic development, and prepare each individual for the highest levels of their sport, by incorporating five training phases, daily training themes, positive hands-on coaching, innovative skill-building methods, and video analysis, into the schedules of each student athlete’s day. In addition to the innovative academic and athletic elements of the academy model, the CoE is also very focused on developing the character of its aspiring elite athletes. Through its on-site life skills and leadership coaching, community service projects, guest speakers, field trips, as well as its nationwide mentorship program, the CoE academies are focused on creating well-rounded leaders who excel at all aspects of their lives.
“We at TPH believe in a holistic approach, and recognize that our greatest responsibility is to prepare our student-athletes for success in the ultimate game: the game of life,” continued Bowen. Our proven model advances your student-athlete to the next level allowing them to reach personal goals through athletic, academic, and mentorship roadmaps designed by people who have done it.”
To learn more, join us for our 3rd annual CoE Nationwide Virtual Open House, scheduled for July 19th, 2021. Interested families are also invited to apply to their Center of Excellence locations, which is the first step in the registration process, and guarantees your spot for the 2021-2022 school year.
TPH Center of Excellence Alumni Create FLO Hockey PBHH Invitational Showcase
New Event Provided an Opportunity Amidst Challenging Circumstances
In a world where many people think about themselves, selflessness is a quality that can be less common and a characteristic that can be overlooked. However, being a selfless, passionate, and generous individual teaches us how to identify and connect with others in our community. It helps us act from our heart, instead of our ego, and that in and of itself is rewarding and what TPH Center of Excellences (CoE) teaches student-athletes who Study, Train, Play at the hybrid learning academy model. In fact, the proof is in the pudding, as three TPH CoE alumni student-athletes have gone the extra step in their selflessness journey and established an event alongside FloHockey, a non-profit located in Erie, PA in helping junior hockey players after a nonexistent season.
The CoE trio includes Andy Perrott, from the Owen Sound Attack, Ryan Humphrey, from the Hamilton Bulldogs, and Ryan Beck from the Saginaw Spirit. As well as Brendan Hoffman, from the Erie Otters, who would be later added to the group.
“The fact that we have three alumni entrepreneurs doing all they can for teammates, competitors, and other players from additional leagues, is incredible and we are so proud of them. What they are doing is so selfless and innovative, these are part of the character-building TPH has been all about since day one,” expressed TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen.
After countless junior hockey players saw their seasons crumble and come to a halt due to COVID-19, Perrot decided it was time that someone shared a player’s perspective and give insight into how many athletes were feeling. On February 24th, 2021 he did just that and wrote to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) expressing his emotions on the current return to play, as well as beginning an online petition for players wanting to get back to the ice.
“Speaking to all my teammates in the league this year I knew how important it was to everyone to have some sort of season and that is why I wrote the letter and then the momentum kept going from there.,” explained Perrott.
From that letter it sparked something special, bringing the four gentlemen together. Soon after conversations began, the group vowed if they couldn’t have a traditional season they would make one. Now the event they created is hosting its first junior showcase for the 2021 season, which is dubbed “FloHockey PBHH Invitational.”
“Once Andy (Perrott) came up with the idea, we all started talking and decided why don’t we just try something,” Beck said. We eventually were on the phone every day talking to sponsors, scouts, and a bunch of players and before we knew it, we had 6 full teams and people reaching out to us to see how they could help or volunteer.
The tournament, which was organized by the junior hockey players, highlights talent from across the United States Hockey League (USHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL), OHL, and other leagues that are independently run and operated at the ERIEBANK Sports Park in Pennsylvania. The event will support and permit junior hockey players who have been impacted, by the unforeseen circumstances, and difficulties in lost games, seasons, and training due to COVID-19, to showcase their talents. Additionally, the event aims to enrich the Erie community and focus on expanding and cultivating the hockey community through a larger lens.
“The biggest thing for us is that we wanted to do something for the players that lost a year and a half of playing time. If one person comes out of this with an unbelievable experience and takes his career to the next level, we did our job. But also, because we get to give back to the community here in Erie and possibly the charities of our choice,” noted Humphrey.
The team hopes the event will allow junior hockey players the opportunity to show the attributes of their training and hard work over a long offseason to over 70 NHL scouts. Additionally, they hope to support the community, health, or sports culture in Erie, by dedicating all proceeds from the event, further emphasizing the impact that these three alumni entrepreneurs are making for the sport they love most. The former CoE student-athletes secured funding by raising money from sponsors and securing donations through various charitable individuals and associations. TPH is proud to support this unique event, alongside both Hobie and Maynards, by providing $7,500.00 in cash for player meals. Through strategic partnerships, TPH has also provided 110 hats and cinch sacs, as welcome swag bags for all athletes.
“I made unbelievable connections because of my experience at TPH and learned how to be a better hockey player and a good kid,” Humphrey shared. I give a lot of credit to them because it not only was a school for me but taught me to value others, to step up for my community and gave me a sense of purpose outside of hockey. I have to thank them for who I have become today.”
TPH would like to congratulate these gentlemen for providing a successful event for hockey players in the Erie community as well as players from across the country. We are proud of their accomplishments and the inspiration they have given to our current CoE students, coaches, and families. In the end, TPH strives to instill in our student-athletes that to succeed to their fullest potential as individuals, they must learn to help others to truly help themselves; through the game of hockey or in the game of life.
“I would not be where I am today without the guidance that was given to me at the Center of Excellence in Detroit. I learned that hockey was important but being a kind person mattered more and that has always stuck with me. I wanted to do something special for players that love the game just as much as I do, and it’s been one of the most rewarding, exhilarating and incredible opportunities for all of us,” Perrott reflected.
When asked the questions many players are eager to hear regarding a second PBHH Invitational the group reflected on the possibility, but noted there would have to be a discussion between the four. For now the group would like to concentrate on the inaugural event for the players, work with their staff, incredible volunteers, and focus on the game they love most.
TPH would like to wish our draft eligible alumni, and all draft eligible attendees of the PBHH Invitational, the best of luck in the upcoming NHL draft.
Student-athletes and families interested in learning more about TPH’s Study, Train, Play Center of Excellence model are invited to join us for our 3rd annual CoE Nationwide Virtual Open House, scheduled for July 19th, 2021.
Interested families are also invited to apply to their Center of Excellence locations, which is the first step in the registration process and guarantees your spot for the 2021-2022 school year. To apply to the CoE, click here.
To learn more about TPH Center of Excellence click here.
About TPH
Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through sport. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 15 U.S. based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.
Six Selected in NAHL Supplementary Draft
The North American Hockey League (NAHL) 2021 Supplement Draft took place Wednesday evening while the NAHL Entry Draft will be held on Wednesday, July 14th. The NAHL Supplemental Draft was added as a new addition for the 2020-21 season to serve as an additional outlet for teams to make decisions on how players performed in the 2019-20 season. This year’s NAHL Supplement Draft allowed each team to receive three picks over the course of the event and TPH is proud to announce that 6 #TPHTrained student-athletes were selected.
We want to express our congrats to all the athletes that were selected in the NAHL Supplement Draft. Student-athletes drafted include:
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