News
11 TPH Trained Players on November NHL Central Scouting List
COE, 8-WEEK PROGRAM, THUNDER, AND MHA ALUMNI GETTING NOTICED BY NHL SCOUTS
Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that 11 TPH-trained players have recently been recognized by NHL Central Scouting as ‘players to watch’ for the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft.
On Central Scouting’s November watch list, players were grouped by A, B and C ratings – one TPH alum appeared in the A group, while three appeared in the ‘B’ and seven in the ‘C’ group.
“It’s awesome to see these players be rewarded for all their hard work,” said TPH managing partner Nathan Bowen. “We’re proud of all of them for everything they do on and off the ice to be elite hockey players and even better young men.”
Six of the players on the Central Scouting list are alumni of the TPH Center of Excellence in Detroit, eight of the players have taken part in the TPH 8-week offseason training program, two of the players are TPH Thunder alumni, and one is a product of the Michigan Hockey Advancement high school hockey fall program.
“A” rated players
Bode Wilde – TPH CoE (Detroit) – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
“B” rated players
Johnny Gruden – 8-week training program (Detroit) – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
Christian Krygier – TPH CoE and 8-week training program (Detroit) – Lincoln Stars
Cole Krygier – TPH CoE and 8-week training program (Detroit) – Lincoln Stars
“C” rated players
Caleb Everett – TPH CoE and 8-week program (Detroit) – Saginaw Spirit
Blade Jenkins – TPH CoE and 8-week program (Detroit) – Saginaw Spirit
Will MacKinnon – TPH CoE and 8-week program (Detroit) – Des Moines Buccaneers
Tommy Miller – 8-week training program (Detroit) – Michigan State Spartans
Alec Regula – MHA and 8-week training program (Detroit) – London Knights
Renars Krastenburgs – TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum – Oshawa Generals
Ben Schultheis – TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum – Minnesota Magicians
Anzalone, Zirnis Reunited with Team Latvia
COACH ANZALONE AND COACH ZIRNIS JOIN TEAM LATVIA AT UPCOMING 2018 WORLD JUNIOR HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIPS
Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that Francis Anzalone, Vice-President, TPH Way, and Karlis Zirnis, former TPH coach/instructor and current Head Coach of TPH hockey partner, the Shreveport Mudbugs, will team up to coach the Latvian Under-20 Men’s Hockey Team at the upcoming 2018 World Junior Hockey Championships in Meribel, France next month. This assignment will reunite Zirnis and Anzalone, who coached together in Shreveport during the 2016-2017 season, when the tandem helped guide the expansion Mudbugs to a successful 35-win inaugural season in the NAHL.
“We are very excited for Karlis and Francis to coach together on this big stage,” TPH Managing Partner Nathan Bowen said.
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“Karlis and Francis share the same amount of passion for getting the most of out players. While their personalities and leadership styles differ, they see the job of a coach, the game of hockey and the vision for their teams the exact same. They made a great one-two punch last season in Shreveport and I know they will give their best with Team Latvia.”
Zirnis began coaching with TPH after retiring from professional hockey in 2010. He guided teams at the Bantam and Midget levels for TPH, coaching in the Thunder ‘AAA’ organization. He also led the NA3HL’s Nashville Jr. Predators for two seasons, amassing an impressive 73-17-4 record. After a memorable first season in the NAHL last year, Zirnis has the Mudbugs off to a terrific 16-4-1-1 start through the first 22 games of the 17-18 NAHL season.
The 2018 World Junior Hockey Championships will be another one of many assignments Zirnis has had on the international stage. The Riga, Latvia native has served in various coaching roles for his native country at numerous international events, including the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia, where the 40 year old was as an Assistant Coach on Ted Nolan’s staff. The upcoming World Junior Championships will be Zirnis’ first assignment as a Head Coach for Team Latvia.
Anzalone returns to the bench after transitioning into an executive role with TPH back in July. Prior to coaching alongside Zirnis in Shreveport last season, Anzalone guided the NAHL’s Aberdeen Wings for three seasons, spending two as Head Coach. Before that, the Sault Ste. Marie, MI native spent four seasons with the USHL’s Cedar Rapids Roughriders, serving in various roles from Regional Scout to Assistant Coach. It was while coaching ‘AAA’ hockey and scouting for Cedar Rapids back in 2010 that Anzalone was first introduced to Zirnis. The two met at the Elite Edge Hockey Showcase in Nashville, TN and have grown their relationship ever since.
“Total Package Hockey has always been about connecting quality, like-minded people and building relationships so that we can make a positive impact on the lives of our student-athletes. Former NHL Coach and Stanley Cup Champion, Bob Hartley and the Latvian Federation believe in the impact that Karlis and Francis can have on the country’s top junior players. This speaks volumes to the kind of people, coaches and instructors that TPH student-athletes are consistently working with.” Bowen added. And it is just that, relationships, that Managing Partner Nathan Bowen has always taken pride in.
TPH CoE Alum Hunter Skinner Commits to Western Michigan
HUNTER SKINNER, DETROIT COE, COMMITS TO WESTERN MICHIGAN
Photo courtesy of the Muskegon Lumberjacks
Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that Center of Excellence alumnus Hunter Skinner has committed to play NCAA D-I hockey at Western Michigan University. Skinner, a 16-year-old right-shot defenseman, has skated in six games with the Muskegon Lumberjacks (USHL) this season.
“Through my life I have had many major decisions to make and this was one of them,” Skinner told MiHockey in an interview. “This life-changing decision was made based on multiple factors. The first factor that was important to me was the atmosphere at Western Michigan. It provided a great environment for my hockey career to progress while getting an education. Western Michigan plays in one of the most competitive conferences in the country – I felt it would fit my style of play.” A native of Pinckney, Mich., Skinner also cited the Broncos’ coaching staff as a big reason for his decision.
“The second factor was the coaching staff,” Skinner said. “First off, coach Andy Murray, a previous NHL coach, provides a great attitude and guidance on how to get to the next level. I am also looking forward to getting under the wing of my past coach Todd Krygier, a former NHL player. He knows what it takes to get to the next level and will provide me opportunities that can change my life forever. Bringing knowledge of the game, Dave Shyiak – who was a scout for Toronto Maple Leafs – will also guide me on my journey as a hockey player.”
Four TPH-Trained Players on Hobey Baker List
Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that four TPH Trained athletes have been nominated for the 2018 Hobey Baker Memorial Award which is presented to the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player. TPH alumni Mitch Fossier (Alpharetta, GA), Josh Kestner (Huntsville, AL), Cooper Marody (Brighton, MI) and Tony Calderone (Trenton, MI) are among the 74 student-athletes who have been nominated on behalf of their respective programs to receive this prestigious award.
“We congratulate Mitch, Josh, Cooper and Tony on this wonderful recognition,” Total Package Hockey Director of Player Development Brandon Naurato said. “To have been directly nominated by their respective coaches and programs speaks volumes about the character and abilities of these young men. It is our privilege to be able to say that these four quality athletes are TPH Trained.”
The entire TPH family joins Naurato in congratulating these fine individuals on receiving this recognition. We encourage all of you to cast your vote on behalf of these TPH Trained athletes online at http://www.hobeybaker.com/2018-vfh.
MITCH FOSSIER – MAINE UNIVERSITY
* 96’ thunder alum also participated in Atlanta’s 8-Week Summer Training Program and SE Spring AAA
Prospects Program
* Currently leads the Maine Blackbears in scoring with 21 points in 22 games
* Currently tied for 23rd in conference scoring within Hockey East
JOSH KESTNER – UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA HUNTSVILLE
* 93’ Thunder alum also participated in Huntsville’s 8-Week Summer Training Program, TPH Summer Camps, and SE Spring AAA Prospects Program
* Currently tied for 5th in the nation
with 16 goals
* Currently leads the WCHA in goal scoring (14) and tied for 6th in scoring with 19 points
COOPER MARODY – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
* 96’ TPH Detroit alum who participated in the 8 Week Progression Program
* Currently in his junior season at the University of Michigan where he has tallied 9 goals, 22 assists and a team best 31 points through 22 games
* 2nd in overall points for the entire Big 10 conference
* Selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 6th round of the 2016 NHL Entry Draft.
TONY CALDERONE – UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN
* 94’ TPH Detroit alum who participated in the 8 Week Progression Program.
* Currently in his senior season at the University of Michigan where he leads his team with 15 goals and is second to fellow TPH Detroit alum Cooper Marody in overall points with 27.
* Tied for first in the Big 10 conference in goals.
* Captain of the 2017-2018 Wolverines.
11 TPH trained players on NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings for 2018 Draft
COE, 8-WEEK PROGRAM, THUNDER, AND MHA ALUMNI RANKED BY NHL SCOUTS
Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that 11 TPH trained players appeared on the NHL Central Scouting’s mid-term rankings for the upcoming 2018 NHL Draft that was released yesterday.
With its mid-term rankings, NHL Central Scouting offers a numerical ranking system for all North-American skaters and goaltenders, as well as European skaters and goaltenders.
“It’s awesome to see these players be recognized by the official scouting service of the NHL,” said TPH managing partner Nathan Bowen. “They’ve earned this ranking based off everything they do at the rink and away from the ice in their quest to be elite hockey players and even better men and citizens.”
“We’re incredibly proud of these players,” said TPH Director of Player Development Brandon Naurato. “Having worked with almost all of them personally, I can attest to their work ethic, their drive and their determination – they’ve reached this point because they’re willing to put in the work, and they also know that they must maintain that level moving forward.”
Two year TPH CoE – Detroit alumni Blade Jenkins is currently rated No. 24 overall in NHL Central Scouting mid-term rankings.
Six of the players on the Central Scouting list are alumni of the TPH Center of Excellence in Detroit, seven of the players have taken part in the TPH 8-week offseason training program, two of the players are TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alumni, and one is a product of the Michigan Hockey Advancement high school hockey fall program.
Apply for the Center of Excellence in Detroit, Atlanta, Nashville or Indianapolis: CLICK HERE
Register for the Detroit 8 Week Program: CLICK HERE
Skaters
No. 22 – Bode Wilde – TPH CoE (Detroit) – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
No. 24 – Blade Jenkins – TPH CoE and 8-week program (Detroit) – Saginaw Spirit
No. 43 – Alec Regula – MHA and 8-week training program (Detroit) – London Knights
No. 48 – Jonathan Gruden – 8-week training program (Detroit) – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
No. 86 – Caleb Everett – TPH CoE and 8-week program (Detroit) – Saginaw Spirit
No. 98 – Paul Cotter – 8 week program (Detroit) – Lincoln Stars
No. 137 – Renas Krastenbergs- TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum – Oshawa Generals
No. 148 – Cole Krygier – TPH CoE and 8-week training program (Detroit) – Lincoln Stars
No. 159 – Christian Krygier – TPH CoE and 8-week training program (Detroit) – Lincoln Stars
No. 191 – Ben Schultheis- TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum – Minnesota Magicians
Goaltenders
No. 28 – Drew DeRidder – TPH CoE and 8-week training program (Detroit) – USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program
12 TPH-trained Players Invited to NAHL Top Prospects Tournament
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Max Sasson attended the TPH CoE – Detroit
Ben Schultheis was a member of the Thunder AAA Hockey Club
Jake Transit attended the TPH CoE – Detroit
TPH-trained players include:
Max Sasson – Forward – Brookings Blizzard – TPH CoE (Detroit)/8 Week Summer Program
Jack Clement – Defenseman – Shreveport Mudbugs – Michigan Hockey Advancement/8 Week Summer Program
Jake Transit – Forward – Shreveport Mudbugs – TPH CoE (Detroit)/8 Week Summer Program
Ryan Burnett – Forward – Shreveport Mudbugs – Michigan Hockey Advancement/8 Week Summer Program
Andrew Lane – Defenseman – Shreveport Mudbugs – Michigan Hockey Advancement/8 Week Summer Program
Ben Schultheis – Defenseman – Minnesota Magicians – Minnesota Magicians – TPH Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum
Evan Rochowiak – Forward – Aberdeen Wings – Michigan Hockey Advancement/8 Week Summer Program
Nick Bowman – Forward – Coulee Region Chill – Michigan Hockey Advancement/8 Week Summer Program
Dominick Procopio – Defense – Shreveport Mudbugs – 8 Week Summer Program
Michael Montambault – Lonestar Brahamas – 8 Week Summer Program
Andy Nedeljkovic – Johnstown Tomahawks – 8 Week Summer Program
Luke Robinson – Defenseman – Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Knights –Thunder AAA Hockey Club alum, TPH Prospects
And
Coach Karlis Zirnis – Former Thunder AAA Hockey Club Head Coach and TPH Instructor
TPH is also proud to congratulate all eight members of the Shreveport Mudbugs invited to the event – players Dominick Procopio, Ryan Burnett, Andrew Lane, Brendan Gysbers, Jordan Fader, Jack Clement and Jake Transit, as well as coach Karlis Zirnis.
The TPH team provides hockey operations support for the Mudbugs, which includes former Mudbugs Associate Head Coach Francis Anzalone, who is an Advisor to the Mudbugs while serving as the Vice-President for TPH, and Mike Grattan, hired by TPH to serve as Shreveport’s Director of Scouting.
Last year, the team finished with a 35-19-6 record and second-place divisional finish, four players committed to NCAA DI programs and six players were featured in the Top Prospects Showcase. Defenseman Croix Evingson was selected by the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL Draft, as well.
This year, the Mudbugs feature nine NCAA DI commitments and they lead the NAHL in attendance numbers with more than 3,000 spectators per game.
“In a very short period of time, TPH has helped us build a winning franchise, but more importantly set up a hockey operations foundation that will provide long-term player development and advancement results in the best interest of the players, coaches, our fans and ownership group,” said Mudbugs general manager Scott Muscutt. “Through their national network and strong personal relationships, they are supporting our coaching staff led by former TPH Coach Karlis Zirnis with finding the kind of young man that fits in the Mudbugs culture, guys that show up at the rink every single day wanting to compete.”
TPH Prospects at the OHL Cup
Two long-standing OHL Cup American entries make their return to the annual showcase this week as Elite Hockey Group and TPH Hockey take to the ice with a mix of talent from across the United States.
Both clubs played to competitive 2-2-0-0 records at last year’s event with Elite Hockey Group being led by London Knights rookie Dalton Duhart (5-0–5) while TPH featured Guelph Storm rookie Tag Bertuzzi (1-2–3).
“I anticipate we’ll see a couple of competitive teams from south of the border,” commented OHL Director of Central Scouting Darrell Woodley. “It always takes some time to get the rosters finalized but both of these teams are set now and raring to go.”
Elite Hockey Group features a number of capable forwards up front including Isaac Novak of Detroit Belle Tire, Dane Dowiak of the Pittsburgh Jr. Penguins, Michael Cameron of the Philadelphia Jr. Flyers and Kyle Smolen of the Chicago Young Americans.
EHG also includes a familiar name in forward Matthew DeBoer, the son of former OHL head coach and current San Jose Sharks bench boss Peter DeBoer.
“This team might be a smaller group but there’s definitely some skill there,” noted Woodley. “They’ll be a quick team and like always, it’ll be interesting to see what kind of chemistry they form with a lot of these guys playing together for the first time.”
EHG will compete in the Nash Division alongside the GTHL Champion Toronto Marlboros, OMHA Silver Medalist Guelph Gryphons, ALLIANCE Wild Card Series winner Cambridge Hawks and the winner of a Wild Card Play-In Game between the Sun County Panthers and the Toronto Titans.
In the Shanahan Division, TPH Hockey will go up against the OMHA Champion York-Simcoe Express, GTHL Finalist Mississauga Reps and a pair of Wild Card Play-In entries.
Consisting of talent brought in largely from the Michigan and Illinois regions, TPH will look for stability from the back end as dependable defenders in Noah Marino of the Chicago Fury and Frank Jenkins of Detroit Honeybaked’s U15 team patrol the blue line.
Up front, big 6-foot-6, 195Ib. forward Kyle Van Compernolle has recorded 24 points (13-11–24) in 26 games with the Fox Motors U15 team this season and brings an intriguing blend of size and skill to the roster.
“TPH has featured some pretty good players in recent years,” said Woodley. “Guys like Jack Studnicka, Blade Jenkins and Tag Bertuzzi have all worn the sweater so it will be interesting to see if there’s another big name or two that will assert themselves this week.”
Elite Hockey Group is in action on Tuesday night with a big challenge, squaring off with the Toronto Marlboros to begin the tournament. TPH hits the ice on Wednesday afternoon to take on the GTHL Finalist Mississauga Reps.
Now that we’ve looked at the American teams, let’s take a glance at how things wrapped up in playoff action across Ontario these past few weeks.
GTHL:
***The four teams that reach the GTHL semi-finals earn a 2018 OHL Cup berth. (Toronto Marlboros, Mississauga Reps, Toronto Jr. Canadiens, Vaughan Kings). The winners of the GTHL Wild Card Play-In Series will earn a Wild Card Play-In game opportunity at the OHL Cup (Mississauga Rebels, Mississauga Senators). The Don Mills Flyers and Toronto Titans were chosen by the OHL Cup Wild Card Selection Committee and will compete in Play-In games on Tuesday March 13th.
GTHL CHAMPIONSHIP
(1) Toronto Marlboros vs. (2) Mississauga Reps
Marlboros win series 9-5 in points
GTHL WILD CARD SERIES A
(5) Don Mills Flyers vs. (8) Mississauga Senators
Senators win series 9-5 in points
GTHL WILD CARD SERIES B
(6) Mississauga Rebels vs. (7) Toronto Titans
Rebels win series 9-5 in points
ALLIANCE:
*** The champion, finalist (London Jr. Knights, Brantford 99’ers) and third place team qualify for the 2017 OHL Cup
ALLIANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
(2) London Jr. Knights vs. (4) Brantford 99’ers
Brantford wins series 6-4 in points
ALLIANCE WILD CARD SERIES
(1) Cambridge Hawks vs. (3) Sun County Panthers
Cambridge wins series 6-0 in points
OMHA:
***The OMHA champion York-Simcoe Express, Guelph Gryphons, Oakville Rangers and Barrie Jr. Colts have clinched at spot at the 2018 OHL Cup Powered by Under Armour. The fifth place Quinte Red Devils and SCTA’s Grey-Bruce Highlanders will play a Wild Card Play-In Game. The Peterborough Petes and Niagara North Stars were chosen by the OHL Cup Wild Card Selection Committee to also compete in a Wild Card Play-In game.
OMHA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
York-Simcoe Express defeat Guelph Gryphons 3-1
OMHA CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL STANDINGS
- York-Simcoe Express
- Guelph Gryphons
- Oakville Rangers
- Barrie Jr . Colts
- Quinte Red Devils (OHL Cup Wild Card Play-In Game)
OMHA SCTA WILD CARD PLAY-IN QUALIFIER
Grey-Bruce Highlanders defeat Brampton 45’s 5-2
For more information on the 2018 OHL Cup Showcase Tournament Powered by Under Armour, visit ohlcup.ca.
Josh Wilkins Named Hockey East Co-Player of the Week
Josh Wilkins Named Hockey East Co-Player of the Week
Wilkins recorded both game-winning goals in the Friars’ two-game sweep over Maine last weekend.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – It was announced on Monday (March 12) that Providence College sophomore forward Josh Wilkins was named Hockey East Co-Player of the Week. Wilkins shared the honor with Northeastern’s Dylan Sikura.
The Raleigh, North Carolina native broke a 3-3 tie with 3:10 remaining in Providence’s 4-3 win over Maine in Game One of the Hockey East Quarterfinals on Friday night. On Saturday, Wilkins’ goal in the first period gave the Friars a 3-0 lead and was the eventual game-winner in a 3-2 Providence win to sweep the series.
Through 36 games in 2017-18, Wilkins has tallied a career-high 15 goals and has also added in 15 assists for his second-consecutive campaign of at least 30 points. Wilkins is tied for first in the Hockey East in game-winning goals (5) alongside Northeastern’s Adam Gaudette and tied for second nationally in that category.
The Friars will battle Northeastern in the Hockey East Semifinals on Friday night at TD Garden in Boston, Mass., seeking their first Hockey East Championship appearance since 2001. Puck drop is slated for 8 p.m. on NESN Plus and ESPN3.
For more updates on the Providence College men’s hockey program, follow the team on Twitter @FriarsHockey.
TPH Alum Jan Kaminsky, University of McGill is headed to the 2018 U SPORTS University Cup
See full article here: http://ontariohockeyleague.com/article/5-ohl-grads-win-oua-championship-with-mcgill
Five OHL graduates are 2018 OUA Queen’s Cup Champions with the McGill Redmen following a 5-1 win over the Brock Badgers in a one-game championship matchup on Saturday in St. Catharines.
Samuel Tremblay (Gatineau Olympiques) scored a pair of goals while OHL grad Jan Kaminsky (Belleville Bulls) picked up an assist in the win as the Redmen outshot the Badgers 32-25 and went 3-for-8 on the power play.
McGill played to a first place record of 24-2-2 during the regular season and hoists the Queen’s Cup for the 18th time in the event’s 107-year history.
Veteran defenceman Nathan Chiarlitti (Owen Sound Attack), who had 16 points (3-13–16) in 28 regular season games for the Redmen, was nominated as the OUA East Division’s frontrunner for the Dr. Randy Gregg Award. Chiarlitti, who is in his second year at McGill after three seasons with the StFX X-Men, was the 2016 recipient of the award that rewards players who exhibit excellence on the ice, in the classroom and in the community.
McGill, Brock and the OUA bronze medalist Concordia Stingers advance to the 2018 U SPORTS University Cup set to take place from March 14-18 in Fredericton, NB. The eight-team national championship also features’ Canada West’s Alberta Golden Bears and Saskatchewan Huskies as well as the AUS’ UNB Varsity Reds, StFX X-Men and Acadia Axemen.
For more coverage of McGill’s Queen’s Cup victory visit oua.ca.
McGILL REDMEN – OHL GRADUATES:
Nathan Chiarlitti (Sarnia Sting/Owen Sound Attack, 2008-13)
Michael Cramarossa (Belleville Bulls/Hamilton Bulldogs, 2012-17)
Gianluca Curcuruto (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds/Plymouth Whalers, 2010-15)
Jan Kaminsky (Belleville Bulls, 2009-11)
Alexandre Renaud (Sarnia Sting/Oshawa Generals, 2012-16)
TPH Announces True Campus-Style Setup in Bloomfield
Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce that it will relocate its Detroit Center of Excellence to a state-of-the-art campus-style setup in Bloomfield Township, MI, for the 2018-2019 school year and beyond. TPH’s Bloomfield campus includes permanent, secure classroom space within the Bloomfield Tennis and Fitness Club, a partnership with 2SP Sports Performance, which is also housed inside the Bloomfield Tennis and Fitness Club, and ample ice time at the adjacent Detroit Skating Club.
TPH Chief Executive Officer Nathan Bowen calls this relocation “a long-term commitment” to the company’s mission, vision and values, which center around exceeding expectations of student-athletes, families and the entire hockey world.
“The goal of Total Package Hockey is to positively impact the lives of student-athletes, one choice at a time,” Bowen said. “The choice to house our Detroit Center of Excellence in Bloomfield Township is one that will allow us to develop each and every student-athlete to his or her athletic, academic and life potential. Strong partnerships with quality, like-minded people who share our vision, among them, developer Steve Mazur, owner of Bloomfield Tennis and Fitness, Jerod Swallow, Managing Director of the Detroit Skating Club and Joe Neal, Owner of 2SP Sports Performance. This partnership has allowed us to expand our space, resources and environment to make the greatest possible impact on our student-athletes.”
The motto of TPH’s Center of Excellence is study, train, play. The study, or academic component, will occur in a roughly 4,000 square foot learning space, capable of housing up to 75 students. Featuring a large classroom, separate independent study areas, a dining/common area and staff offices, students will be afforded the opportunity to study in different learning environments, tailored specifically to each individual.
“The CoE academic model is about creating a selective learning environment where student-athletes can balance their studies with the demands of being an aspiring, elite athlete,” said Bill Simms, Chief Academic Officer for TPH. “The space in Bloomfield Township gives us the ability to be strategic in designing work spaces that meet individual needs, while fostering a disciplined, structured atmosphere that all students must have in order to be successful, not just in the classroom, but in the real world.”
Accommodating 75 students is just the beginning. TPH and its Bloomfield campus partners have already entered into plans to build a 9,500 square foot field house for the 2019-2020 school year. This addition will accommodate in excess of 300 student-athletes, and allows TPH to expand its CoE model to multiple sports, including figure skating, tennis, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball.
Steve Mazur, believes this campus-style setup will unite a variety of shared visions- visions that extend far beyond hockey.
“Our goal is turn the entire Bloomfield Township campus into a training ground for athletes at all levels. Linking the Detroit Skating Club’s reputation for developing world-class Olympic figure skaters, with the athletic opportunities provided in the tennis club, and now, TPH’s track record of training future junior, collegiate and professional hockey players, the opportunities for impact are endless,” Mazur said. “2018 is only the beginning in our quest to make this campus the go-to training destination for the very best athletes in the metro Detroit area and beyond.”
Detroit Skating Club Managing Director Jerod Swallow echoes Mazur’s sentiments.
“The Detroit Skating Club is very pleased to be providing training time for Total Package Hockey at our club beginning fall 2018,” Swallow said. “We share a common mission for youth sports development, to provide safe and healthy training environments for developing athletes. We feel this relationship with TPH strengthens our goal to further develop our sports campus in Bloomfield Township. TPH is bringing impactful resources to the campus through their CoE academic model and hockey skills training methods. Their presence on the campus is an enhancement to the athletes’ experience.”
Brandon Naurato wears the dual hat of Director of Hockey for the Detroit CoE and Director of Player Development for all of TPH. He is the person most responsible for the train and play components of the Center of Excellence. The Detroit native is quick to point out that while hockey has always been TPH’s game, the CoE model has far-reaching possibilities.
“While we certainly take pride in the hockey knowledge and hockey reach of TPH, we have a strong desire to take our core values and beliefs and expand to multiple sports,” Naurato said. “Now that we are in Bloomfield Township, we have the setup and capabilities to teach all athletes, not just hockey players, how to study, how to train and how to play. Bloomfield will truly be an all-encompassing academic and athletic learning factory.”
Strength, speed and overall athleticism are the hallmarks of what Naurato calls “The TPH Hockey Athlete.” The fact is, these qualities are necessary in just about every sport. Joe Neal, Owner of 2SP Sports Performance will lead Center of Excellence attendees in developing the athletic skills they need to be successful in competition. Neal’s 2SP group has been training the student-athletes at TPH’s CoE in Hazel Park. He looks forward to enhancing the partnership with TPH and hopes to be a major factor in the recruitment and retention of student-athletes to the Bloomfield campus.
“Through working with TPH over the last two years, it is clear that they are leading the development of youth players not only in the Detroit area, but across the country,” Neal said. “Their push to be that leader helps to drive our training innovations, and we look forward to being a part of that development through year round training programs.”
While Total Package Hockey and its partners on this project are excited about the amenities it will collectively offer, Bowen says, “cosmetics without culture is a failed investment,” and the commitment being made by today’s announcement runs much deeper.
“Whether it’s relocating or opening a new a Center of Excellence, starting a learn to play hockey program, or crafting the vision to expand our reach to other sports, Total Package Hockey will always be about people and relationships. What’s most gratifying for TPH is to be working alongside such great partners who share in our desire to become world-leaders. Student-athletes go where they believe will develop and improve the most. We are confident that the collective efforts of everyone involved in today’s announcement will once and for all, make the TPH Center of Excellence the destination for the most dedicated student-athletes to study, train and play to their fullest potential.”
Important Links:
Click here to learn more about the Detroit Center of Excellence.
Click here to register for an upcoming Center of Excellence open house at the new Bloomfield location.
Click here to apply to the Detroit Center of Excellence.