TPH Announces Tier I (AAA) Approval for Nashville Jr. Predators and Southeast Blades for 2025-2026 Season

Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA — TPH is thrilled to announce that the Southern Amateur Hockey Association (SAHA) and USA Hockey have officially approved the Nashville Jr. Predators and the Southeast Blades as Tier I (AAA) hockey associations for the 2025-2026 season. This significant milestone reflects a growing commitment to elevating youth hockey in the Southeast, providing top-tier opportunities for local athletes to compete at the highest level without leaving their communities.

TPH extends its gratitude to the SAHA Tier I Committee, SAHA Board Members, and dedicated volunteers for their thorough review and support throughout this process. Their dedication ensures that young hockey players across the region can pursue their dreams in an elite environment close to home.

“This is a significant step for Tier I hockey within SAHA as NJP transitions to a Nashville-based model,” shared JP Dumont, NJP Program Director. “The NHL Nashville Predators have done an incredible job growing the game not only in Nashville but throughout the SAHA affiliate, and our mission with NJP remains to Develop, Impact, and Guide our athletes beyond the game.”

TPH is excited to collaborate with all SAHA associations to provide every player access to Tier I hockey and continue developing athletes for success in and beyond hockey. Over the past 20 years of operating Tier I (AAA) programs, including the Nashville Jr. Predators and Thunder AAA Hockey Club, TPH has helped over 300 student-athletes advance to junior leagues like the USHL, OHL, and NAHL, and more than 150 student-athletes to NCAA collegiate hockey.

“It has taken over 23 years of growth for Tier I Hockey in SAHA to reach this point, and we are excited for this new chapter”, stated Program Director of the Southeast Blades, Brad Schell.   “We look forward to supporting all SAHA associations with this regional model that will allow players and their families to stay at home.”

Tryout Information: Nashville Jr. Predators
Tryouts for the Nashville Jr. Predators AAA teams will take place at Ford Ice Center – Bellevue on the following dates:

• April 12-13, 2025: 11U (2014) /12U (2013) /13O (2012) REGISTER HERE
• April 26-27, 2025 14U (2011) /15O (2010) /16U (2009) /18U (2008/2007) REGISTER HERE

For additional details, please contact:

• JP Dumont, Director of Hockey Operations: jpdumont@jrpredators.com
• Kevin Muller, Tier I Director: kmuller@jrpredators.com

Tryout Information: Southeast Blades
Tryouts for the Southeast Blades will be held at Duluth Ice Forum on April 12-13, 2025 for the following age groups:

• April 12-13, 2025 for the 11U (2014) / 12U (2013) /13U (2012) REGISTER HERE

For more information, please contact:

• Brad Schell, Tier I Director: bschell@tphacademy.com

Further details on ice slots and tryout logistics will be announced soon. TPH encourages all aspiring athletes to register and take the next step in their hockey journey.

About TPH:

Founded in 2001, TPH (Total Package Hockey) aims to positively impact the lives of student-athletes through sport. Serving over 10,000 athletes annually across 20+ U.S. and Canada-based divisions, TPH offers association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments, camps, and its signature TPH Academy model. With a focus on holistic development, TPH helps athletes grow as players, students, and individuals prepared for success both on and off the ice.