TPH Tabs Notre Dame Alum Blatchford as Phoenix Director
Total Package Hockey is pleased to announce the hiring of Brett Blatchford to the position of Director of Hockey-Operations for its Phoenix division. Blatchford, a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, brings a unique blend of NCAA Division I and professional playing experience, hockey coaching, instruction and business experience as well as a unique leadership skill set to his new position in the desert.
“Brett Blatchford is an intelligent, high character, highly passionate leader who brings a tremendous skill set to the position of Director of Hockey-Operations,” TPH CEO Nathan Bowen said. “Brett is a great fit not just for the TPH team, but also for the Phoenix market. Brett was a team-first player, was diligent in the classroom and was a leader within the Notre Dame community. Throughout the interview process, it became clear that Brett’s credentials made him the overwhelming choice for this role. He shares in our belief of taking a holistic approach in impacting student-athletes and recognizes that the most important responsibility we have is to improve the individuals under our tutelage as students and as people. While we know our kids will definitely develop on the ice under Brett’s tutelage, families can rest assured that when their sons and daughters leave the CoE, they will be poised to excel off the ice and in the game of life.”
Photo Source: UND.com
Blatchford has been part of the Notre Dame community for most of the past 14 years. He was a member of the Fighting Irish hockey team from 2006-2010, helping his squad to its first National Championship appearance in school history, a number one national ranking, and two CCHA championship titles. While at Notre Dame, the Temperance, MI native was chosen as the recipient of the Charles “Lefty” Smith Coaches Award, given to the unsung hero of the hockey program who had to overcome adversity while displaying loyalty and commitment to his teammates. In addition, Blatchford was a three-year member of the Young Leaders of Notre Dame and a four-time Monogram winner.
Blatchford, his wife Kaci, and his daughters Stevie and June are excited about joining the TPH family and calling the Phoenix-area home.
“It is an honor to be named Director of Hockey-Operations for TPH-Phoenix,” Blatchford said. “The resources in place provide a tremendous opportunity to develop and mentor each student-athlete at a very high level. I look forward to joining the strong management nucleus already in place in the TPH-Phoenix model.”
After a brief playing career with stops in the CHL, ECHL and AHL, Blatchford transitioned to coaching and instruction. He served as the Director of Hockey for the Coppell High School Hockey Association in Coppell, TX, returning to a state where he played three seasons of junior hockey. The 33-year-old established himself as a force with the NAHL’s Texas Tornado from 2003-2006. During his time in the Lone Star State, Blatchford was a team captain for two of his three seasons, was named the NAHL Academic Player of the Year, earned the Texas Tornado Award, given to the player who exemplifies a team-first attitude, and won three consecutive NAHL National Championships.
“A reoccurring theme throughout Brett’s career were the awards he received which spoke to his leadership, perseverance and selflessness,” TPH-Phoenix Partner Taylor Burke said. “A significant part of our responsibility in the TPH-Phoenix CoE is to prepare our student-athletes for any demand they may face, whether that be in hockey, the university setting or in the real world. Brett knows the way to do that and we are confident he will show our student-athletes the path to reaching their full potential on and off the ice.”
After his retirement from the professional game, Blatchford had the unique experience of serving on the coaching staff at Denver University. He spent one season as the Volunteer Assistant Coach for the Pioneers program, considered by many to be a national powerhouse.
In 2016, Brett would return to South Bend to take on the role of Assistant Program Manager for the Compton Family Ice Arena at the University of Notre Dame. In his role, the former Fighting Irish defenseman would find himself back on the ice, training players of various ages and skill sets within small group settings, similar to the CoE model. Two young, aspiring elite hockey players Blatchford would find under his tutelage were the sons of Andy Slaggert, who is the long-time Associate Head Coach of the Notre Dame hockey team. Slaggert, whose sons have worn the red, white and blue with the US National Team Development Program, praises TPH’s hiring of Blatchford.
“Brett will be a great addition to TPH as he has extensive experience instructing all levels of players on ice,” Slaggert said. “He is passionate about player development and I have seen this first-hand when he worked with our sons.”
Prospective TPH-Phoenix Center of Excellence families, as well as those already registered for the 2020-2021 school year, are invited to meet Brett virtually during a hybrid meet & greet / open house event, scheduled for Monday, June 8 at 6:00 PM PST via Zoom. Click here to RSVP. In addition, families are welcome to e-mail Brett directly at bblatchford@totalpackagehockey.com