2021 USHL Draft Wrap-Up

The United States Hockey League (USHL) Draft concluded Phase II yesterday, ending the selection process. Phase II is open to players born between 2001-2005 that are eligible to play junior hockey and are not currently protected by another USHL team. After the drafts are completed, USHL teams will hold their tryouts during June and July, shaving their rosters down to 30 players with an 18-player affiliate list. When the season starts in the fall of 2021, that active roster will be down to 23 players, with the 18-player affiliate list staying intact.

In Phase II we would like to congratulate nine #TPHTrained athletes for being selected. Over the two day draft 17 total #TPHTrained athletes were selected (Click here to view Phase I Selections), below is the breakdown of the Phase II selections:

Eight #TPHTrained Selected at USHL Phase I Draft

The United States Hockey League (USHL) 2021 Draft takes place in two phases, the first of which took place Wednesday evening. This year’s USHL Draft Phase I is where teams select players exclusively from the 2005 birth year. The USHL is the top junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey and the league consists of 14 active teams located in the Midwestern United States. In this selective ten-round draft, we are proud to announce that we had eight TPH Trained athletes selected.

We want to express our congrats to all the athletes that were selected in the draft in phase I. Student-athletes drafted include:

Phase II of the USHL Draft starts today at 1:00 p.m. CST, more information can be found by clicking here.

Stanley Cup Champion Cooke Joins TPH-Minnesota as Director & Head of Hockey

TPH, the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through sport, is thrilled to announce Matt Cooke as Director & Head of Hockey for its Minnesota division.  In his role, Cooke will oversee the entire Minnesota division, specifically its Study, Train, Play Center of Excellence model, where he will concentrate his efforts on maximizing the development of all individuals, as players, athletes, students, and people.    

 

“Matt is a man of high character and passion, and he will bring a wealth of experience to our TPH-Minnesota student-athletes,” TPH CEO Nathan Bowen said.  “Matt has lived the hockey journey and has experienced the game at all levels.  He has been mentored by top coaches, has been around elite-level leaders, and knows what winning people, teams and organizations look like.  While we believe we will benefit from Matt’s leadership, we know the real winners are going to be the student-athletes who Matt will positively impact each and every day.”

 

The Belleville, Ontario native will use a variety of vehicles to positively impact the lives of the student-athletes who are part of TPH-Minnesota’s inaugural class.  Whether overseeing the application of TPH’s on and off-ice Hockey-Athlete Development Model, supporting the on-site academic staff, mentoring student-athletes, or formulating added value experiences like community service projects, field trips, and guest speakers, Cooke vows to provide an opportunity for all student-athletes to reach their potential in sport, school, and life, in a state he believes is thirsty for a model like the CoE.

 

“Minnesota is the ‘state of hockey,’ and while I believe the state does a great job as a whole of showcasing young hockey players, I know the CoE is going to provide an element that student-athletes need, families want and influential hockey leaders will appreciate,” Cooke said.  “We are going to be 100% focused on the development of each individual athletically, academically, and socially.  I am not that far removed from playing, so I understand the challenges that exist in chasing the dream of playing hockey at the highest levels.  I plan to connect with each individual, create an atmosphere that enhances our kids’ desire to improve, and pass along knowledge I have gained from my years around the game.”  

 

The “years around the game” Cooke mentions include 16 at the professional level.  While winning a Stanley Cup in 2009 as a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins ranks near the top of his professional resume, perhaps Cooke’s accomplishments off the ice are what aspiring elite student-athletes and their families will respect most.  In 2003, while a member of the Vancouver Canucks, the 42-year-old received the Fred J. Hume Award, given to the team’s “unsung hero.”  A few years later, in his second NHL stop with the Penguins, Cooke was tabbed the Edward J. DeBartolo Community Service Award Winner, and was Pittsburgh’s nominee for the prestigious Bill Masterton Trophy, an honor presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to ice hockey.  

 

After hanging up his skates following the 2014-2015 season, Cooke immediately started giving back to the game, serving as a member of the Orono High School coaching staff and leading the Minnesota Revolution ‘AAA’ program.  Husband to Michelle, and father to Gabriella, Reece, and Jackson, Cooke believes the opportunity to lead TPH-Minnesota and carry out its vision through the Center of Excellence model is the perfect next step on his hockey journey.  

 

“As I was going through the Director interview process, not only did I reflect on the great coaches, teammates, and mentors I have had, I also thought about how much better prepared I could have been for hockey and life if I had an opportunity like the Center of Excellence available to me as a teenager,” Cooke added.  “Having the chance to train at a high level, receive a completely individualized, customized NCAA-accredited education experience, be taught life skills, go through ‘the process with other driven individuals and still play for great club programs in Minnesota is an unbelievable avenue for hockey players from across the Twin Cities.  I feel so fortunate to be in a position to help provide that opportunity and I can’t wait to prove that to student-athletes and families.”

 

Student-athletes and families interested in meeting Matt Cooke and learning more about TPH’s Study, Train, Play Center of Excellence model are invited to join us for our first Virtual Open House, scheduled for Thursday, May 20 at 8:00 PM CST.  You can RSVP to the event by clicking here.

 

Interested families are also invited to apply to the Minnesota Center of Excellence, 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.

 

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 Continues Its Expansion With New Minnesota Center Of Excellence (CoE)

New CoE Campus Offers a Hybrid Learning and Training  Environment for Dedicated Student Athletes

TPH is excited to announce that it will be bringing its Center of Excellence (CoE) academy model to Minnesota, for the 2021-2022 school year.  The new CoE will be housed at the state-of-the-art Plymouth Ice Center in Plymouth, MN, where it will offer its academy-style, blended learning program and sport-specific training for students in grades 6-12.  As part of today’s announcement, TPH is also thrilled to share that it will be teaming up with the Minnesota Advancement Program (MAP) to provide hockey players from across the Twin Cities an opportunity to Study, Train and Play to their fullest potential.  

 

“We are ecstatic about supporting the personal and athletic growth of student-athletes in Minnesota, a hockey-rich state that has proven how effective a community supported model can help grow the game by offering so many more opportunities for young players to experience hockey,” TPH CEO Nathan Bowen said.  “We feel very fortunate to partner with Justin Johnson and the great mentors from the MAP team, who will enhance the hockey, academic and character-building experience for student-athletes who attend our TPH-Minnesota Center of Excellence. We are excited to have TPH and MAP working side-by-side in the game of hockey to make a positive impact on student-athletes, and prepare them for the individual journeys in sport, school and life.”

 

Much like the “selective” nature of the TPH CoE model, the MAP concept was created for driven, dedicated, aspiring-elite players who thrive on being challenged by coaches and like minded individuals.  While MAP programs have historically been fall, spring and summer-focused, MAP Founder Justin Johnson believes that now is the time to add what calls “another layer” to MAP’s impact on hockey players in and around the Twin Cities.

 

“Teaming up with TPH means that we can now provide Minnesota-based hockey players with a proven academic experience to go on top of the hockey training and instruction we provide,” Johnson said.  “The demand for flexibility and customization in both training and learning is on the rise, and TPH’s CoE model provides just that.  The arrival of a Center of Excellence means that MAP will be in a partnership that provides another avenue for hockey players in our area, specifically those in middle school, to experience the highest level of training and education.  We look forward to standing side-by-side with TPH to tell their compelling Center of Excellence story to hockey players, families and coaches from across the Twin Cities.”    

 

While TPH and MAP share similarities in terms of vision and purpose, the two hockey service providers also share common beliefs about training hockey players.  Like MAP, the instructional methods used at the CoE are geared towards what TPH calls “the parts”- the skills, habits, concepts and details that hockey players often wish they had more opportunities to practice and develop.  The Center of Excellence model is not an organized team, rather a school-year model available to the “right” student-athletes from across the Twin Cities, regardless of what team they play for.”  

Student-athlete alumni advancement as of May 11th, 2021.

Today’s announcement also marks a bit of a homecoming for TPH.  Its national academic partner, Edmentum, is based out of Bloomington, and its state-wide academic partner, Minnesota Virtual School (MVS), is housed in St. Paul.  In partnership with both Edmentum and MVS, TPH will deliver its completely individualized, customized, NCAA-accredited, blended learning experience to all student-athletes who attend the CoE academy. TPH’s blended learning CoE environment combines online curriculum and online learning with on-site infrastructure and academic support.  Coursework can be completed on-demand, with 24/7, fully accessible NCAA courseware, and full-time instructors.  CoE attendees have access to their instructors as well as a virtual tutoring service, in the event academic assistance is needed after-hours, or right on the spot during the CoE school day.  A full-time academic leader will be on-site daily, ensuring that all student-athletes are held accountable, are studying in a positive learning environment, and are receiving an experience that is tailored to when, where, and how the individual learns best.    

Student-athlete academic achievement since 2019.

“We know that quality education is a top priority for all families, especially Minnesota hockey families,” Bowen added.  “For close to four years now, TPH and Edmentum have been working together to create an academic experience where student-athletes are able to achieve positive academic outcomes and attend top universities, whether athletics or academics open the door.  We have also been working diligently to create applicable, real-world experiences that develop the student-athlete beyond the boundaries of the ice and classroom.  We are confident that Minnesota families will see that the Center of Excellence provides a better way to academic and athletic excellence for our student-athletes.”  

 

The “applicable, real-world experiences” Bowen referenced include going on field trips, participating in community service projects, learning from guest speakers, and experiencing “Coach FA’s Mentorship Program,” a 16-week series that provides student-athletes with direction on how to live an elite-athlete lifestyle both inside and outside of sport.  As Bowen puts it, all of this is done to “widen the individual’s lens” and “enhance perspective.”

 

“Hockey, and sport for that matter, is really only a tool,” Bowen said.  “It’s an important tool, but it’s only that.  What makes the TPHs and the MAPs of the world great for young student-athletes is how the lessons learned can serve as a mechanism for building character and teaching kids about life.  Our Center of Excellence motto, Study, Train, Play is designed to illustrate our ever-growing desire to teach our student-athletes about how to be successful in sport, in school and also in their communities.  The key is that after joining the TPH family, they ‘aspire’ to become elite, and they strive to do that in four areas: as a player, athlete, student and person.  We look forward to supporting Minnesota families who see the benefits of this model for their son or daughter.”

 

Interested families can learn more about how “the process” takes place by attending TPH-Minnesota’s first Open House, conducted virtually through Zoom webinar on Thursday, May 20th, 2021.  Reserve your spot now by clicking this link.

 

Families may also request more information by contacting us here, or you can begin the application process now, which is the first formal step in the registration process for the 2021-2022 school year.   

  

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 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.

TPH Trained Athletes Compete at Nationals

Every year thousands of elite hockey players compete at various sites across the United States to battle for one of amateurs hockey’s highest honors: a USA National Hockey Championship. Alongside those numerous players, TPH is honored to share that multiple Center of Excellence (CoE) student-athletes took part in competing at Nationals. TPH Colorado’s Brett Baugh and Mason Rudrud punched their ticket to the 2021 USA Hockey Youth Tier I 16U National Championships with their respective Colorado Thunderbirds team.

 

The athletes who attend Nationals have a lot to be proud of as it is a selective event. Being able to be a part of this journey is every player’s dream and this year twelve different states were represented by championship teams. These athletes competed for American hockey top honors in Youth Tier I 14-18U, Youth Tier II 14-18U, Girls Tier I 14-19U, Girls Tier II 14-19U, high school and adult levels.

 

These matchups begin with a total of 16 teams, comprised of one team representing the host, one team from each USA Hockey District sending a team, and at-large teams selected by a Nationals Selection Committee. In February, the Thunderbirds swept the Colorado State Playoffs to capture their 15th State Championship title defeating the Colorado Springs Tigers 11-1, Colorado Rampage 5-0, Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 3-1 and sealing the championship in their second game against the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders 5-1. Since then, the Thunderbirds have continued their momentum to the Nationals where they advanced to the round robin, quarter-finals and semifinals.

 

“Playing against the best in the country just meant that every game was going to be good” shared Baugh. “It kept us on our feet and there was an adrenaline rush. I loved it. The entire experience of Nationals was amazing. Just knowing that we belonged there with the top 16 teams in the nation, and you’re there with your brothers that you have been battling with all year was everything. There is nowhere else you’d rather be.”

 

“It is very exciting to watch our TPH athletes continue to improve day after day. Their work ethic and attitudes throughout another challenging season are truly a testament to them as young people. A year-end trip to nationals is the goal for every group in the nation; our student-athletes earned that privilege through constant focus and a relentless pursuit of development every day. We as staff could not be more proud of them as student-athletes, but more importantly, the people they are becoming,” noted Jay Sprague, Director of Hockey–Operations TPH Denver.

 

“Nationals was a cool experience and being able to make it there with the team was a huge deal. It was a great environment, and I was excited to be there. Plus being at TPH Colorado helped a lot going into Nationals as Brett and I were better prepared mentally and physically. We had a specific workout and skating schedule that paid off and helped us be as fresh as we could be when we arrived and ready to play,” said Mason Rudrud.

 

Baugh and Rudrud were not the only TPH student-athletes to make it to Nationals. Ethan McEneany from the Thunderbirds U14 team made an appearance as well.

 

“It was awesome to see Ethan experience success and help his team reach the National tournament. All his classmates were rooting for him, even those who played on opposing teams during the year. It was great seeing the camaraderie amongst the group that TPH helps foster,” stated Matt Doman, Director of Hockey-Operations TPH Superior.

 

TPH is proud of all our student-athletes that took part in Nationals and we are excited to continue to help our athletes achieve their goals through developing their skills and utilizing the CoE platform to be ready to excel at every opportunity they encounter. Below is the list of all our TPH Center of Excellence current and alumni student-athletes that attended the 2021 USA Hockey National Championships.

FirstLastBirth YearCurrent TeamDivision
LukeBackel2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
EshanBarha2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
JamieBarkume2002Maine Nordiques18U AAA
CarsonBarnes2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
BrettBaugh2004Colorado Thunderbirds16U AAA
TrentBoryszczuk2004Honeybaked16U AAA
NicholasBurke2004Oakland Jr Grizzlies16U AAA
AidenButler2003Fox Motors18U AA
TommyChunchukov2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
GarrettConner2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
BraydenCook2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
BoCosman2003Rocky Mountain RoughRider18U AAA
BrianCraven2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
AustinCyhaniuk2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
Chase Davis2003Rocky Mountain RoughRider18U AAA
LucasDiChiara2004Fox Motors16U AAA
CarsonDorfman2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
BenEdward2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
LukeEllis2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
KalEssenmacher2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
TrevorFaucher2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
PeterForgione2004Oakland Jr Grizzlies16U AAA
SamFrandina2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
EthanFredericks2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
YusufGendergunoev2003Pittsburgh Penguins Elite 18U18U AAA
ConnorGengle2005Compuware15U AAA
GeorgeGoodwin2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
JosephGouveia2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
MilesHarrington2002Maine Nordiques18U AAA
EricHudec2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
TylerHughes2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
KaiJanviriya2005Compuware15U AAA
DmitriJefferson2005North Jersey Avalanche14U AAA
MaxJelavic2004Green Bay Jr. Gamblers16U AAA
JeffJentzCoachLittleton Hawks16U AA
Chase Kaplan 2006Jr. Coyotes 14U AA
JaredKaplowitz2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
ChristianKim2005Anaheim Jr. Ducks16U AAA
ColeKnuble2004Fox Motors16U AAA
BenjaminLacey2003Clearwater Ice Storm18U AA
AndrewLaHaie2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
CadenLemoine2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
CannonLentz2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
NoahLepzinski2004Fox Motors16U AAA
NathanLewis2004North Jersey Avalanche16U AAA
DanielMacleish2005Compuware15U AAA
KadeMaddock2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
MarnieMcClain2005Florida Alliance Girls16U AA
KadeMcConaghy2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
EthanMcEneany2006Colorado Thunderbirds14U AAA
ConnorMcNaughton2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
RyanMitchell2006Colorado Thunderbirds14U AAA
RobbyMurray2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
HudsonNadasdi2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
HaydenNichol2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
FosterNichol2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
GarrettParker2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
ZacharyPeller2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
RemyPusateri2006Colorado Thunderbirds14UAAA
EthanRoberts2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
ColinRoberts2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
BradenRourke2004Oakland Jr Grizzlies16U AAA
MasonRudrud2004Colorado Thunderbirds16U AAA
LoganSadler2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
LandrySchmuck2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
WillsSeagrave2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
CaiaShannon2006Florida Alliance Girls14U AA
CamdenShasby2004Fox Motors16U AAA
JackStolicker2003Maine Nordiques18U AAA
RoccoStolz2004Oakland Jr Grizzlies16U AAA
Connie Streeter2006Kachinas 14U AA
MaddenSundquist2004Littleton Hawks16U AA
ChanceUzzell2004Seacoast Performance Academy16U AAA
LemuelVardy2003Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
ParksWallace2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
TannerWatkins2002Nashville Jr Predators18U AAA
OwenWest2004Honeybaked16U AAA
BrandonWicker2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA
LukasWild2006Colorado Thunderbirds14U AAA
BrandonWolfenbarger2004Nashville Jr Predators16U AAA

Four TPH Trained Athletes Invited to USNTDP Evaluation Camp

On Friday, forty-nine of the top American hockey players born in 2005 were invited to USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program (USNTDP) Evaluation Camp including current and alumni TPH trained athletes Cameron Briere, Cooper Pierson, Kai Janviriya and Carsen Musser. The National Team Development Program Evaluation Camp over May 9-13, at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan. This camp will help select the 2021-22 U.S. National Under-17 Team.

This season Briere (Nashville Jr Predators 16U AAA), Pierson (Shattuck Saint Mary’s 15UAAA) and Janviriya (Compuware 15U AAA) attended USA Hockey National Championships.


Cameron Briere

“It’s a huge honor to be able to have the chance to represent my country if I make the team.” Said Briere. “I want to start by thanking my family for their sacrifice to come down and play for the Jr. Predators because it was a life-changing opportunity. I was able to play with older kids and develop and I think I wouldn’t be where I am right now if it weren’t for this.”

Carsen Musser

Musser (Victory Honda 15U AAA) is in his first year at the TPH Center of Excellence Detroit and one of the only four goaltenders that was invited to this event. “Carsen is an elite student-athlete,” said Jeff Lerg, Director of Goaltending at the TPH Center of Excellence Detroit. ” His consistent approach to bring his best everyday and refine his game are core reasons for his success.    We are excited to see what the future holds for him.”


Cooper Pierson

Pierson is an alumnus of the Tri-State Spartans, currently at Shattuck Saint Mary’s. Pierson had a remarkable season tallying 36 goals and 37 assists in only 44 games this season. Pierson has brought much more to his team than production on the score sheet, “He is a hardworking great kid that we knew would do well. He is a natural leader and I am happy to have been able to coach him” said Chris Lipsett, who coached Pierson back with the Spartans. “We are excited for Cooper and to see his continued development as one of the top 2005 players in the country.”


Kai Janviriya

Janviriya, a TPH Center of Excellence alumnus, is the defenseman of the trio that received an invite to camp. His TPH coaches are at no shortage of words to describe his quality and character. “His tireless work ethic, passion and commitment to get better every day was contagious for all our student-athletes at the center,” said Dwayne Norris, Director of Hockey Operations. “Kai is a fierce competitor with an unparalleled commitment to the game,” Player Development Coach / Mentor Greg Wolf added. “He has a high hockey maturity level and it shows through his play on the ice. Kai is the type of player that shows up every day ready to work and makes the people around him better. I am extremely proud of Kai and he deserves the chance to represent USA Hockey through NTDP.”


The first of four scrimmages took place last night and there are still four more remaining.
Tuesday, May 11th at 9:15 a.m.
Tuesday, May 11th at 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, May 12th at 3:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 13th at 9:30 a.m.

We want to wish all of our alumni the best of luck at this incredible opportunity!

View 2021 NTDP Evaluation Camp roster.

Watch scrimmages via HockeyTV.com.

Drake Chosen as Player Development Coach and Mentor for Total Package Hockey’s Phoenix CoE

TPH Phoenix is thrilled to announce new hire Dallas Drake in the role of Player Development Coach & Mentor. Drake will bring his invaluable experience in both hockey, player development and mentoring experience from his standout career with the NHL. In the new role, Drake will assist in the recruiting process for the division, attend area tournaments, evaluate player performance and work with Center of Excellence (CoE) academy families on player development and mentorship.

“Dallas Drake still carries the same level of professionalism that he did during his playing days. Our kids will benefit greatly from his presence, both on and off the ice, as they aspire to become elite. From Drake’s experience he has a solid understanding of the consistency it takes to become and remain a high-level athlete. We know that he will mentor our student-athletes to better understand the work ethic and persistence it takes to accomplish their goals,” remarked Brett Blatchford, Director of TPH Phoenix.

As part of his focus on player development, Drake will also dedicate time executing training, practice plans, and critical dynamic warm-ups, while also analyzing video sessions that help players gain valuable insight to take their playing to the next level. Through his role, Drake will ensure all student-athletes will train in a safe, positive environment, and one that is consistent with TPH and USA Hockey standards. The same guidance will be given to Drake’s son Dysen Drake, who will be entering TPH Phoenix CoE in the fall of the 2021-2022 season. There Drake (Dysen) will learn to Study, Train, Play to his fullest potential in the CoE’s academy-style hybrid learning environment that combines a proven, hands-on, and sport-specific training and instructional approach.

“I’m thankful for the chance to work with young players in the TPH Program, helping to develop them as players and as people. I’m also excited for my son, Dysen, to have the opportunity to learn and grow within the CoE’s innovative model. We can’t wait to get started in the fall,” commented Dallas Drake.

Drake, a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger in the National Hockey League (NHL), originates from Trail, British Columbia, Canada. Having begun his hockey career with the Rossland Warriors (KIJHL) and the Vernon Lakers (BCJHL), Drake would soon travel to Northern Michigan University, where he assisted the team in winning the 1991 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship his junior year. That same season, Drake was awarded NCAA Defensive Player of the Year, First All-Star Team, and First All-American Team. He would later be inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame in 2002.

Following his winning college career, Drake continued his success on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings for his rookie season in 1992-1993, posting 44 points on 18 goals and 26 assists. Drake played the beginning of his career for the Detroit Red Wings, but later played for the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes, and St. Louis Blues. Drake came full circle by ending his stellar NHL career with Detroit and won his first Stanley Cup championship in his final season in 2008. On July 15, 2008, Drake announced his retirement from the NHL.

Learn more about our Phoenix TPH CoE , click here.

Steffen Selected To Become Girls Hockey Coordinator

Mekenzie Steffen Appointed as Coordinator of Girl’s Hockey

NASHVILLE, TN, April, 22, 2020 – TPH Nashville proudly announces the addition of Mekenzie Steffen to its team as Girl’s Hockey Coordinator. In this new role, Steffen will focus on supporting all grassroots and girls hockey growth opportunities while positively impacting the players on and off the ice. 

“Mekenzie brings a wealth of leadership experience, a storied career, and a passion for the game that will further our mission of supporting the growth of girl’s hockey and the opportunities for them in Nashville,” commented Nathan Bowen, CEO of TPH. “Her accomplishments and accolades will be an inspiration to all the girls’ she’ll mentor and coach through TPH Programs, the Center of Excellence and with the Nashville Jr. Predators program.”

Mekenzie Steffen, a Minnesota native, joins TPH following a successful hockey career with the University of Wisconsin Badgers, where she won a National Championship and was named team captain her senior season. In addition to her on ice accomplishments, Steffen was also a four-time WCHA All-Academic Team recipient. Prior to her college career, Steffen won a gold medal with the US Under-18 National Team in 2015.

Embed from Getty Images

“I am so excited to help continue the growth of girl’s hockey here in Nashville,” said Steffan. “There is a ton of support and love for the game of hockey in this city with endless potential on the girls’ side. I am looking forward to being a role model for the girls. I gained so much from hockey: life-long relationships, lessons learned, opportunities and experiences. I am thrilled to be able to give back to the game and help give the girls the amazing experience that I had.”

As part of their partnership, the Nashville Predators will work with TPH and Premiere Ice Prospects to host the Smashville Girls Hockey Showcase and the Smashville NCAA Women’s Hockey Showcase, featuring Division I women’s college hockey teams and Tier 1 tournament teams from all across North America.    

“The Nashville Predators are investing a lot of time, money and resources into growing girls hockey and Mekenzie will directly support that growth, helping guide these young girls through their hockey journeys,” stated JP Dumont, Director of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Jr. Predators program. “Mekenzie will serve as a great mentor for all NJP families as someone who understands the path through youth hockey and beyond.”

To learn more about TPH Nashville, please visit our www.totalpackagehockey.com

Deskins Joins TPH Team as Director of National Recruiting

TPH is excited to welcome Jason Deskins to the role of Director of National Recruiting as the company scales its Study, Train, Play model. Deskins will lead the recruiting process across TPH, supporting TPH team members in their recruiting efforts as well as interacting with driven, goal-oriented student-athletes directly.

“At TPH, we relentlessly strive to be the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes, every day. Bringing Jason on board will greatly boost our efforts to do just that,” CEO Nathan Bowen said. “He has a proven track record not only of building teams made up of talented, upstanding student-athletes, but also of connecting with local leaders in reaching the aspiring-elite student-athletes the Center of Excellence model is designed to appeal to. We are thrilled that Jason has decided to join our mission and team.”

A native of Warren, MI, Deskins brings over 10 years of sales experience to TPH, having spent the last decade providing business-to-business sales expertise for multiple companies in the health care industry. During this span, Deskins has also dedicated himself as a coach and scout in various hockey circles. Since 2009, Deskins has coached with various Detroit Tier I and Tier II youth associations and has served as a Scout, Director of Scouting and Assistant General Manager for various junior programs including the Port Huron Falcons and Maryland Black Bears of the NAHL, and presently, the Omaha Lancers of the USHL. Starting next week, Deskins will represent the Lancers at the IIHF Under 18 World Championships in Frisco, TX.

A 2002 graduate of Miami University, Deskins played four seasons of NCAA Division I hockey for the Red Hawks, before spending parts of four seasons competing at the professional level.

Deskins believes his role with TPH is a perfect match for his depth of experience in both hockey and business.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to join the TPH family,” Deskins said. “Serving as Director of National Recruiting will allow me to apply my skillset in an industry that I am both experienced in and passionate about. My goal is to collaborate with my new TPH teammates in connecting more aspiring student-athletes with our organization’s passion, enthusiasm, and proven ability to develop young people in their sport and life.”

All of us in TPH join CEO Nathan Bowen in welcoming Jason to the TPH family.

Try Hockey For Free

Denver, Colo. – TPH Colorado is teaming up with the Colorado Avalanche Amateur Hockey Development Department to host Try Hockey For Free Day on May 5th and May 12th. With the hope of growing the game in Colorado, these events are designed to provide kids between the ages of 4 and 9 with a completely free experience to try playing hockey and learn the basics in a fun environment. No previous skating or hockey experience is required to participate, and equipment will be available to borrow for free for all attendees!


May 5th @ South Suburban Sports Complex (4:00-5:00pm)
May 12th @ Sport Stable (4:15-5:15pm)


Hockey equipment will be available to borrow for FREE on a first come, first served basis. Limited Spots per session available! Click here to register today!