Multiple TPH/Center of Excellence Student-Athletes Get Drafted In The WHL U.S. Priority Draft

The Western Hockey League is conducting their 2021 WHL U.S. Priority Draft and 2021 WHL Prospects Draft on December 8th & 9th respectively. You can follow all the action at WHL.ca/draft. 

Three Total Package Hockey/Center Of Excellence student-athletes had their names called in the online draft. Nicholas Christianson was drafted 3rd overall by the Winnipeg ICE, Kolby Gapter was drafted 25th by the Medicine Hat Tigers & Tyler Atchison was selected 28th by the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Christianson, from Upland, CA is a member of the Center of Excellence Program in Chicago and plays for the Windy City Storm 15’s. This 5’11” Center is a prolific offensive player that competes with fierceness. 

Atchison, a teammate of Christianson’s with the Windy City Storm 15’s and fellow student-athlete at TPH/CoE in Chicago, is a right-handed forward that also has a knack for finding the back of the net. 

“We are very happy for Nick and Tyler. This is a testament to the commitment they make every day to challenge themselves at TPH Chicago. These young men are in the early stages of very bright careers.” says, Rob Rassey, Director & Head of Hockey, TPH Chicago. 

Kolby Gapter, a two-year student-athlete at the Center of Excellence in Superior Colorado was drafted 25th overall to the Medicine Hat Tigers. This blueliner defenseman has great size, standing at 6’0, and continues to improve day after day.  “Kolby has been with TPH for two years. He serves as a student ambassador for us this year because of his outstanding commitment to excellence. Kolby’s character, attitude, and effort in all aspects of his development are what make him such a special person. We are proud to have Kolby as a part of our TPH family!” says Matt Doman, Director & Head of Hockey, TPH Superior.

“The TPH/Center of Excellence family is extremely proud of our boys and will continue to support their growth both on and off the ice.” says, Nathan Bowen, CEO. 

 You can find a campus near you and/or attend our upcoming National Virtual Open House on January 10 at 8 PM to see if our unique approach to blended learning and sports-specific training is right for your aspiring student-athlete.