Posts Tagged ‘Player Advancement’
2016 OHL DRAFT PICKS
A total of 18 TPH (Total Package Hockey)-trained players were drafted to the Ontario Hockey League on April 9, including nine who attend the TPH Center of Excellence.
Leading the way were TPH CoE student-athletes Blade Jenkins and Bode Wilde, who were drafted in the first and second round, respectively.
“Congratulations to the players, parents and staff at the TPH Academy on being selected in the OHL Priority Selection Draft,” said OHL Senior Director of Hockey Development & Special Events Joe Birch. “The environment created at the program provides players an excellent opportunity to develop as elite student-athletes and prepares players for the next level. We anticipate to see many more players drafted out of this program in years to come.”
Both Jenkins and Wilde were selected by the Saginaw Spirit. Jenkins, a Michigan commit and Compuware U16 standout, went No. 4 overall while the Harvard commit and Chicago Mission U16 star, Wilde, went at No. 35.
TPH CoE students Caleb Everett (Saginaw Spirit) and Drew DeRidder (Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds) were taken in the sixth round. Two rounds later, recent Denver commit Will MacKinnon was drafted by the Guelph Storm.
A trio of CoE student-athletes and Little Caesars U16 players in Xan Gurney (Barrie Colts), Christian Krygier (London Knights) and Cole Krygier (London Knights) were drafted in rounds nine and 10. Chase Pletzke was selected in the 14th round by the Spirit.
Additionally, nine other TPH-trained athletes, including players from the TPH OHL Cup team, TPH Thunder AAA team, and TPH MHA Top 80 program, were selected in the draft.
The TPH CoE student-athletes who were drafted to the OHL have used TPH’s variety of hockey resources to develop and grow into well-rounded players on and off the ice. An elite training program, the TPH CoE features a unique blend of academics and athletics to help players develop a complete hockey lifestyle.
“When I first visited the TPH Academy and met the staff, it was evident that it was an environment that was conducive to learning,” said Adam Dennis, OHL director of recruitment. “Whether it be on the ice or in the classroom, the students were engaged and excited to be there. It comes as no surprise that we are starting to see a direct correlation to the OHL Priority Selection. TPH has proven to be a leader in elite athletic development and I look forward to working together for years to come.”
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
TPH-trained players selected in 2016 OHL Draft
Blade Jenkins – TPH CoE/Compuware U16/ 1st Round to Saginaw Spirit
Danil Antropov -TPH Prospects/Toronto Marlies U16/ 1st Round to Oshawa Generals
Akil Thomas – TPH Prospects/Toronto Marlies U16/ 1st Round to Niagara Ice Dog
Bode Wilde – TPH CoE/Chicago Mission U16/ 2nd Round to Saginaw Spirit
Alec Regula – TPH MHA Top 80 Program / TPH OHL Cup Team/Cranbrook High School/ 4th Round to London Knights
Lucas Crawford – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 5th Round to Owen Sound Attack
Caleb Everett – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 6th Round to Saginaw Spirit
Drew Deridder – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/6th Round to S.S. Marie Greyhounds
Will Mackinnon – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 8th Round to Guelph Storm
Ben Shultheis – TPH Thunder AAA Team/9th Round to Owen Sound Attack
Xan Gurney – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/9th Round to Barrie Colts
Christian Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/9th Round to London Knights
Cole Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 10th Round to London Knights
Hunter Nofs – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 11th Round to Hamilton Bulldogs
Hunter Carrick – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Grizlies U16/ 11th Round to Ottawa 67’s
Chase Pletzke – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/14th Round to Saginaw Spirit
Matt Staudacher – TPH 8 Week Summer Program/Shattuck St. Mary’s/14th Round to Niagara Ice Dogs
Jack Tucker – TPH OHL Cup/Buffalo Jr. Sabres/ 14th Round to Kitchener Rangers
TPH USHL Draft 2016
TPH (Total Package Hockey)-trained players were well-represented at the 2016 USHL Draft, with 32 total players, including 10 who attend the TPH Center of Excellence, drafted to the top junior league in the U.S.
“We are extremely proud of all the TPH-trained players that were selected in the USHL Draft this past week,” said TPH Detroit Director of Hockey Operations Brandon Naurato. “This is a time for all of them to enjoy the day and the workload that went into the opportunity in front of them. Understanding that this is only the first step will help all of our players enjoy the moment and continue on their path to earning a spot on a USHL roster in the future.”
A total of 16 TPH-trained players were selected in the first phase of the USHL Draft, with TPH CoE student Christian Krygier leading the way via a first round tender to the Lincoln Stars.
In the second round, TPH MHA Top 80 standout Alec Regula was selected by the Chicago Steel and TPH CoE student Caleb Everett was selected by the Muskgeon Lumberjacks. Youth Olympic Games gold medalist Drew DeRidder was taken by Cedar Rapids in the third round, while the fourth round featured fellow CoE classmates Mathieu De St. Phalle (Sioux City), Xan Gurney (Chicago) and Chalse Pletzke (Green Bay).
To round out the first phase of the draft, three more TPH CoE athletes were selected, including Cole Krygier (Lincoln), Jeremy Davidson (Bloomington) and Donny Borgula (Muskegon).
Other TPH-trained athletes who were drafted in both phases included players from the MHA program, the TPH OHL Cup team, the TPH Thunder AAA team, and the TPH 8-Week Program.
“Having been to TPH it is clear to see that the coaches and staff are fully committed to the development of not only the player but also the person,” USHL Director of Player Development & Recruitment Doug Christenson said. “TPH provides players with the opportunity to work on their game on and off the ice. TPH has produced quality players in our league and beyond. It will be exciting to see the next wave of TPH talent.”
TPH and its programs have been praised for building an environment that helps athletes grow into well-rounded players and people both on and off the ice. The TPH CoE, an elite training program that features a unique hybrid of academics and athletics, provides players with the opportunity to develop a complete hockey lifestyle.
“The USHL the top league in the world for producing student-athletes. These young men don’t only learn to be students of the game, they also are successful in the classroom,” said Jim McGroarty, who spent eight years as head coach/GM of the USHL’s Lincoln Stars. “In the USHL, you really learn time management which is a very important skill for any adult in their future. An average day for any player is a grind, the USHL is men only league. You have to have an elite mindset on and off the ice to be able to have success.
“What I love about being able to work with student-athletes at the TPH CoE, is very similar to my tenure in the USHL, these kids have a love, a compete and a passion for the game. It’s great to see where each player is at when they come to TPH, then to see the improvement in their overall game. It is unbelievable. With the success the kids are having at CoE, as well as their achievements on the ice it is very rewarding not only for all the players but also for our staff. It is great to see our players, selected for the NTDP, OHL, USHL drafts, as well as college commits ,and watching them win the Youth Olympic Gold Medal was fun. ust to think that TPH has only been in existence for two year – the sky’s the limit. It’s great to see all the hard work these your athletes are putting into the game they truly love and getting rewarded.“
Total Package Hockey is one of the largest hockey service providers in the country, offering youth and adult programs from Detroit to Atlanta. TPH provides programs, which are staffed by highly qualified elite hockey coaches and professionals, to more than 4,000 players each year. With programs in 18 total U.S. cities, including teams in the NA3HL and T1EHL, TPH specializes in skill-based player development and has a track record of moving players to junior, college and professional hockey.
Full list of TPH Trained Players taken in 2016 USHL Draft:
Final List for USHL Draft Phase 1:
1. Christian Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 1st Round Tender to Lincoln Stars
2. Alec Regula – TPH MHA Top 80 Program / TPH OHL Cup Team/Cranbrook High School/ 2nd Round Pick to Chicago Steel
3. Caleb Everett – TPH CoE/Honeybaked U16/ 2nd Round Pick to Muskegon LumberJacks
4. Drew Deridder – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 3rd Round Pick to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
5. Mathieu De St. Phalle- TPH CoE/Chicago Mission U16/ 4th Round to Sioux City Musketeer
6. Xan Gurney – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 4th Round to Chicago Stee
7. Ben Shultheis-TPH Thunder AAA Team/OHL Cup/ 4th Round to Green Bay Gambler
8. Chase Pletzke – TPH CoE/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 4th Round to Green Bay Gambler
9. Matt Staudacher – TPH 8 Week Summer Program/Shattuck St. Mary’s/ 5th Round to Muskegon LumberJack
10. Cole Krygier – TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 5th Round to Lincoln Star
11. Jeremy Davidson-TPH CoE/Shattuck St. Mary’s/ 5th Round to Bloomington Thunde
12. Cannon Green – OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16/ 5th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughrider
13. Hunter Carrick-TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Grizlies U16/ 6th Round to Madison Capital
14. Valentino Passarelli- TPH Thunder Alum /Honeybaked U16/ 7th Round to Fargo Force
15. Donny Borgula- TPH CoE/Little Caesars U16/ 8th Round to Muskegon LumberJacks
16. Hunter Nofs – TPH OHL Cup/Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U15/ 1oth Round to Tri-City Storm
Final List for USHL Draft Phase 2:
1.Matt Jennings- TPH Thunder/ 8 Week Program/Minot (NAHL) /3rd round to Green Bay Gamblers)
2.Jay Powell- TPH Thunder/ West Minster Prep /6th round pick to Chicago Steel
3.Nick Rosa- MHA/ 8 Week Program/ Wichita Falls (NAHL)/ 7th Round to Sioux City Musketeers
4.Johnathan Mcdonald- MHA/Ojg U18/ 8th Round to Fargo Force
5. Brendan Rons- 8 Week Program/ OJG U18/ 9th Round to Omaha
6.Paul Cotter- 8 Week Program/ Little Caesars U16/ 9th Round to Lincoln Stars
7. Cooper Zech- 8 Week Program/ Odessa (NAHL)/ 10th Round to Bloomington Thunder
8.CJ Boothe- TPH Thunder/ Fairbanks (NAHL) /11th round pick to Tri-City Storm
9.Ben Schmidling- TPH Thunder/ Prospects/ York SkipJacks U18 /12th round pick to Omaha Lancers
10. Josh Maine- MHA/ Orchard Lake St. Mary’s/ 13th Round to Omaha Lancers
11.Andrew Sinard- TPH Thunder/ 16th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
12. Nick Bowman- MHA/ Brother Rice HS/ 18th Round to Cedar Rapids Roughriders
13. Sammy Nardicchio/ TPH CoE Alum/ 8 Week Program/ Islanders Hockey Club (USPHL)/ 19th Round to Tri-City Storm
14. Tyler Johnson-TPH Thunder/OHL Cup/ Topeka (NAHL) /20th round pick to Muskegon LumberJacks
15. Nick Grimaldi/ 8 Week Program/ Victory Honda U16/ 20th Round to Tri-City Storm
16. Jake Transit/ TPH CoE/ Honeybaked U16/ 20th Round to Bloomington Thunder
TPH Thunder Alum Buncis Gets DI Commitment
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. — The Johnstown Tomahawks are proud to announce that team captain Filips Buncis has committed to play Division I hockey at Arizona State University for the 2017-18 season.
Buncis, a native of Riga, Latvia, has played 124 games with the Tomahawks in three seasons. The 6-3 forward has scored 71 career points (21 goals, 50 assists) and was named the first European captain in Johnstown hockey history in September 2016.
He represented Latvia at the 2017 IIHF World Junior Championship in Montreal and Toronto earlier this season and was named to the NAHL Selects team at the 2017 Top Prospects Tournament in Plymouth, Mich. in February.
For Buncis, the chance to play Division I hockey at a burgeoning program like Arizona State is a “new challenge.”
“I really liked the coaching staff, the campus and I saw it as a new challenge for me to help build a new Division I program,” Buncis said. “I believe Arizona State is a great fit for me. They are building a great program there.”
Buncis will be joining fellow countryman and Aston defenseman Gvido Jansons with the Sun Devils in 2017-18.
“I grew up with him and we are great friends,” Buncis said. “I will be cool to play on the same team with at ASU.”
In three short seasons, Buncis has established himself as a fan favorite in Johnstown, place where Buncis will look back on fondly.
“It has been an unbelievable three years here in Johnstown,” Buncis said. “Johnstown is a great hockey town with the best fans in the league. I am really glad I spent three years in Johnstown.”
Buncis also had high praise for the Tomahawks coaching staff.
“They have been a huge part of my development and helped me prepare for the next level,” Buncis said. “They trusted me with the captaincy this season and that has helped me grow as a player and person this season.”
Located in Tempe, Ariz., the Arizona State Sun Devils are a newcomer to NCAA Division I hockey as the program transitioned to Division I play starting in 2014-15. They currently compete as an Independent with plans to join a conference in 2017-18.
Tomahawks head coach, Mike Letizia, was proud of his captain for announcing his commitment.
“I could not be prouder of our captain Filips Buncis on committing to Arizona State,” Letizia said. “Filips has been one of the most decorated players in our team’s history with all the international competition he has represented his country in, being the first European captain in Johnstown hockey history and now becoming a Division I hockey player.”
Letizia commented additionally that Buncis is dedicated to the Tomahawks and the community.
“Since he has been with the Tomahawks, he has grown his game tremendously through his hard work and dedication to our hockey club,” Letizia said. “He has been a fantastic leader for this year’s team. Filips will be able to help build the tradition of ASU hockey, and I firmly believe the best is yet to come for this outstanding young man.”
In addition to the many accolades he has earned while a Tomahawk, Buncis will be departing for Latvia to attend the Team Latvia World Championship team camp in hopes of making the official roster for the 2017 IIHF World Championship in Cologne, Germany and Paris.
“I will be practicing with the best players in Latvia, basically my idols growing up,” Buncis said.
The tournament begins May 5 and concludes May 21.
Buncis said he plans on coming back to lead the Tomahawks into the Robertson Cup playoffs.
“I want to win it all with this team,” he said. “I know we can do it. I want to bring the cup back to Johnstown!”
Johnstown returns to the Cambria County War Memorial Arena March 17-18 for a St. Patrick’s Green Out Weekend. The team will wear specialty Irish jerseys against the Aston Rebels presented by the Holiday Inn.
Recruiting: Max Sasson commits to Maine
By @MichaelCaples –
Max Sasson wanted this story to start with a message to young hockey players in the same spot he once was.
Keep working, even if you aren’t playing for the team you want.
“Before I start, I want to say for all the kids who are worried that they didn’t make a 14U team,” Sasson told MiHockey, “I did not make one top team before this year started.”
Sasson didn’t let his team situation get in the way of his hockey dreams. The 2000 birth-year player kept working, and this year, he seized the opportunity to play for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies midget minor team.
“OJG is the only place I could have played u16,” Sasson said.
Now, he’s telling MiHockey about why he picked the University of Maine for his college hockey career. Sasson has thrived with OJG, leading his team with 38 points in 31 games (as listed on the Tier 1 Elite League website). The Total Package Hockey Center of Excellence student said he found the ‘perfect fit’ at Maine.
“I picked Maine because when I went on a visit, I felt right at home,” Sasson said. “It was just a perfect fit and I knew right away.”
He’s still a few years away from suiting up for the Black Bears, but he said he’s excited to have the chance to one day play college hockey.
“I am beyond excited to play college hockey,” Sasson said. “I knew once I went to the game at the Harold Alford arena in Maine that it was a easy decision to go to college. The atmosphere, playing in front your friends, and studying what you choose that’s why I am playing college hockey.”
“We’re very proud of Max – a great example of how hard work pays off,” said TPH Detroit director of hockey Brandon Naurato. “He has fought through adversity to better himself and better his chances of becoming a college student-athlete. Now, he’s one step closer to earning his degree while playing D1 college hockey.”
TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete Carson Riddle commits to WMU
Congratulations to TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athlete Carson Riddle on his commitment to Western Michigan University.
The Belle Tire U16 star is the 15th TPH Detroit CoE student to commit to an NCAA Division I school since 2014.
The Holly, Mich., native and 5-foot-9 forward has been lighting it up this season, his first one in midget minor. Through 24 games Riddle has posted 24 points (14 goals, 10 assists), which ranks second on his team. Riddle also leads his team in power play goals with three.
Riddle joins Xan Gurney as the second TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete to commit to the WMU program. Congrats to Carson on his commitment!
TPH Detroit CoE student-athlete Max Sasson tenders with NAHL’s Brookings
TPH Detroit Center of Excellence student-athlete Max Sasson has tendered with the North American Hockey League’s Brookings Blizzard.
Sasson is enjoying a successful season with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies U16 team. In 29 games with the Jr. Grizzlies, the forward has 20 goals and 17 assists for 37 points.
Brookings currently has a 18-13-2-1 record this season in NAHL play. A franchise since 2003, the Blizzard have seen many players move on to play Division I college hockey.
TPH congratulates Erik Gordon on call up to U.S. NTDP
TPH would like to congratulate current Lone Star Brahmas (NAHL) goaltender Erik Gordon on his call-up to the U.S. National Team Development program.
Gordon, a long time TPH standout with the TPH Thunder AAA program, is expected to start in the next two NTDP games. The Duluth, Ga., native is having an incredible season with the Brahmas, posting an 11-2 record with a .909 save percentage in 17 games. He also has a 2.23 GAA, which ranks fifth in the NAHL.
The goaltender ranks as one of the best to come through the TPH Thunder AAA program. In his U16 season with the Thunder, Gordon posted a remarkable 1.97 goals against average and .925 save percentage. The season before in bantam play, Gordon had a 1.12 GAA in 36 games. Gordon has also played in the OHL Cup with the Thunder.
Congratulations, Erik, on your achievement!
Mudbugs’ Croix Evingson commits to Division I UMass-Lowell
The Shreveport Mudbugs, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that defenseman Croix Evingson, 19, has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, who are members of Hockey East.
Evingson (6’5/210) becomes the first player in the Mudbugs brief NAHL history to make an NCAA commitment.
The native of Anchorage, Alaska, has had a memorable first month of the 2016-17 season. In 9 games played, he has recorded 10 points, which in 3rd on the Mudbugs in scoring and tied for 5th among all NAHL defensemen.
Evingson has made an immediate impact for the Mudbugs, who posted a 5-3-1 record to date. He was named the NAHL Defenseman of the Month for September as he recorded 8 points in just six games during the month, which also included a +8 rating.
Evingson also posted two three-point games and has recorded a point in six of his eight games played to date.
Evingson was selected in the 7th round of the 2016 NAHL Draft. He played last season for the Kenai River Brown Bears in the NAHL and Chicago Steel in the USHL.
“Croix has been a very solid player for us and we were excited to get him in the NAHL Draft this summer. We rely heavily on him in all situations and his combination of size and puck-moving ability makes him a great all-around defenseman,” said Shreveport head coach Karlis Zirnis.
Former TPH Thunder standout Jay Williams joins ECHL’s Orlando
The Orlando Solar Bears, ECHL affiliate of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and AHL’s Toronto Marlies, have announced that the club has agreed to terms with rookie goaltender Jay Williams for the 2016-17 season.
Williams completed a four-year collegiate career this past season with Miami University, where he went 10-9-1 with a 2.58 goals against average, .903 save percentage and two shutouts. In 87 career games for the RedHawks, the 23-year-old posted a record of 46-29-4 with a 2.37 goals against average, .909 save percentage and nine shutouts. During the 2014-15 campaign, he helped backstop the program to a NCHC conference title. The McLean, Va., native also appeared at Washington Capitals development camp earlier this summer.
Prior to competing for Miami, Williams spent two season sin the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and Sioux Falls Stampede, where he compiled a 20-23-8 record in 52 appearances, along with a 3.21 goals against average, a .894 save percentage and five shutouts. Williams was also named a selection to the 2012 USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game.
Renars Krastenbergs Commits to Generals
JULY 28, 2016
OSHAWA, ON – The Oshawa Generals announced today that Latvian forward Renars Krastenbergs has committed to the club.
Krastenbergs was selected by the Generals during second round (77th overall) of the 2016 CHL Import Draft. Kratsenbergs represented Latvia last year at the 2016 Under-18 World Championship. He led the team in points during the tournament scoring twice while adding six assists in eight games. He spent last season with the TPH Thunder AAA where he scored nine goals and nine assists in 30 games.
“This is another exciting addition to the Generals from this draft class,” said Vice President and General Manager Roger Hunt. “After watching Renars at the Under-18 World Championship we know he will bring added skill to our line-up and compliment the current players we have in our locker room.”
Kratsenbergs will look to impress scouts next season as he is eligible for the 2017 NHL Draft.
For more information, please visit oshawagenerals.com.