TPH CoE Alum Commits to Ferris State

Photo courtesy of Total Package Hockey

 

By @MichaelCaples –

Total Package Hockey Detroit is proud to announce that Jake Transit has accepted a scholarship offer from Ferris State University.

The new Bulldogs commit and Center of Excellence alumnus is a ’99 birth-year skater currently with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, the USHL club that drafted him last spring.

He spent the 206-17 season with the TPH Center of Excellence before making the jump to juniors.

“TPH was one of the smartest decisions I’ve ever made,” Transit said. “The staff is committed to making you the best player and person you can be day in and day out.”

A Royal Oak native, Transit has skated for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies, Belle Tire and Honeybaked.

“I Picked Ferris State because of how well I connected with the coachs as soon as I met them,” Transit said. “The Bulldogs seem like the perfect fit for me.”

’02 THUNDER PLAYER AIDAN FLYNN COMMITS TO UAH CHARGERS

THUNDER WANTS TO CONGRATULATE 16U AIDAN FLYNN.

Thunder would like to congratulate ’02 Forward Aidan Flynn on committing to play DI College Hockey for the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

Aidan has been with the Thunder family for five years will begin during the ’21-’22 season.  He is one of six Thunder players to commit to UAH.

CoE Student-Athlete Tanner Kelly Commits to MSU

Total Package Hockey is proud to announce that Center of Excellence student-athlete Tanner Kelly has committed to Michigan State University.

Kelly, a student at Hazel Park CoE, is a forward currently playing for the Little Caesars 15U team.

“I chose Michigan State because I’m really excited to play for Danton Cole and the awesome program that he is putting together,” Kelly said in an interview with MiHockey. “Also, playing in the Big Ten is going to be awesome because there is so much good competition so there will be many rivalries and I love playing in big games like that when the pressure is on.”

The ’02 birth-year skater moved to Michigan from California three years ago, and he has been a fixture on a Kris Draper-led Little Caesars team ever since.

Thunder Alums Commit to Division I Colleges

SINARD AND GORDON COMMIT TO PLAY DIVISION I HOCKEY

Thunder Alumni Andrew Sinard commits to play at Miami University. Sinard spent time in the USHL and the NAHL following his time with the Thunder.

Thunder Alumni Erik Gordon commits to play at the College of the Holy Cross. Gordon has spent time in the USHL, NAHL, and the AJHL following his time with the Thunder.

Detroit CoE Student signs NLI to Michigan State

DREW DERIDDER RETURNS TO HIS OLD SCHOOL IN CANTON TO SIGN NLI TO MICHIGAN STATE

Drew DeRidder with Brandon Naurato (photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

 

By @MichaelCaples –

CANTON – Drew DeRidder could have signed his National Letter of Intent to Michigan State University via phone app from Finland.

The Fenton native had a different idea in mind, however.

On Tuesday, just a few days after his U.S. National Under-18 Team returned from an international tournament, DeRidder and his mom, Jennifer, arrived at Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Canton.

Why? His mentor, Brandon Naurato, and his former school, the Center of Excellence.

“TPH is the reason that I’m any good,” DeRidder said with a smile.

The future Spartans goaltender was part of the inaugural Total Package Hockey Center of Excellence class in 2014-15, and he stayed with the CoE until he got an early-season call-up to his USHL parent club in Cedar Rapids last year.

DeRidder credited Naurato and the TPH staff for helping him reach this new opportunity – a now-secured spot with the Big Ten hockey program in East Lansing.

“I came in here, not very good, debating playing high school hockey,” DeRidder said. “This was a huge turning point for me.”

His mentor, Naurato, knew there was big things in store for the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies goaltender at the time.

“When Drew first showed up, we could see a lot of potential in him,” the TPH Detroit Director of Hockey said. He’s a special kid from a great family, and it’s been awesome to work with him and help him grow through this process. He’s a tremendous goaltender but a better person, and I’m thrilled for him to have this opportunity to play Big Ten hockey next season.”

He’s now officially living out one of his childhood dreams. Jennifer DeRidder told MiHockey about how from an early age, he had Munn Ice Arena circled as a destination for his hockey career.

Jennifer DeRidder with her son and Naurato (photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

 

“His hard work and dedication and through people like Brandon and his coaches, they’ve supported and encouraged and led him to the next phase – college hockey,” the proud mom said. “Drew had a plan when he was 5 or 6 years old that he was going to go to Michigan State and play college hockey, and it’s exciting to see his dreams come true.”

Watching him sign his NLI was “really exciting, really exciting to see him sign the next chapter of his hockey career,” said Jennifer.

DeRidder praised his time with the Oakland Jr. Grizzlies program, as well; he spent four years with the Tier 1 organization before becoming a third-round pick of the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders.

“That was four years, it was a great place to play,” DeRidder said. “They have everything you need, and I played with a lot of kids throughout my whole time there – it was a great place to learn and grow as a hockey player and as a person.”

Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey

 

Roster turnover gave him the chance to come home from Iowa earlier than expected – after a remarkable season with the RoughRiders as one of the youngest goalies in the USHL, he was summoned to Plymouth to be the NTDP’s new starting goaltender for the U18 Team.

“It’s the best season I’ve ever had, the best season of my life so far,” DeRidder said. “We just got back from Finland, not the best tournament, but so many good experiences playing international and college and USHL teams.”

And he doesn’t know if any of it would be possible without Naurato firing pucks at him for years.

“I just can’t explain it, it’s amazing,” he said of his TPH training. “The first summer program that I did, every shot, that’s where I got my compete level from, every shot you’re struggling, fighting to keep the puck out of the net. Especially against Brandon, because he just celebrates so hard. It’s unbelievable.”

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

Image may contain: one or more people and people playing sports

“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

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

Total Package Hockey is proud to congratulate the 12 TPH-trained players selected for the 2018 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, which takes place in Plymouth, MI on Feb. 27-28.

 

The annual Top Prospects Tournament is a showcase to promote the NAHL’s top players – both players still looking to make a Division I college hockey commitment or looking for more exposure heading into the NHL Draft.

“The TPH family is incredibly proud of these players, and we wish them the best of luck in the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament,” said TPH founder Nathan Bowen. “The NAHL is a tremendous hockey league that we greatly enjoy working with at a variety of different levels, and we know they do a great job of promoting their players at events like the Top Prospects Tournament.”

“It’s great when players are rewarded for their work and this is a great opportunity that the NAHL provides prior to the NHL Draft. We continue to focus on long term development and these young men show up each day, take advantage of what we do and are being recognized for their work” commented Brandon Naurato, Director of TPH Player Development.

 

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.”