TPH Academy Grand Rapids alumnus Cole Knuble made his NHL debut with the Philadelphia Flyers on October 19, 2026, against the Colorado Avalanche. The milestone also secured a place in franchise history: Cole and his father, Mike Knuble, became the first father-son duo to play regular-season games for the Flyers.

For the Knuble family, it was a new chapter in a long connection to Philadelphia. For the TPH Academy community, it was an opportunity to celebrate a student-athlete whose dedication and competitive drive have carried him from West Michigan youth hockey to the NHL.

Cole grew up watching his father wear the Flyers sweater. On Monday night, Mike watched from the stands as his son took the ice for the same organization. Mike played for Philadelphia from 2005–09 and returned in 2013. Cole’s debut brought the family name back to the Flyers lineup, this time through a career he has built across youth, junior, college, and professional hockey.

A Foundation at Fox Motors and TPH Academy Grand Rapids

Before advancing to the USHL and NCAA Division I hockey, Cole developed in West Michigan with Fox Motors Hockey Club and attended TPH Academy Grand Rapids, where he was part of the academy’s inaugural group of student-athletes when it opened in 2019. His approach helped set expectations for the athletes who followed.

“He helped set the standard and foundation on what it means to be a TPH athlete,” TPH Grand Rpaids Director Taylor Keyworth shared following Cole’s selection in the 2023 NHL Draft. “His dedication, work ethic, and drive to compete made him a perfect candidate to succeed not only at TPH but in all aspects of his athletic and academic journey.”

Standing Out with the Fargo Force in the USHL

Prior to making his NHL debut, Cole spent two seasons with the Fargo Force, becoming one of the United States Hockey League’s top forwards. TPH Academy Online Powered by Subject is the Primary High School Academic Provider of the USHL.

In 2022–23, he recorded 30 goals and 36 assists for 66 points in 57 regular-season games, helping Fargo earn the Anderson Cup as the USHL’s regular-season champion. He also earned All-USHL First Team honors. His impact extended to international competition. Cole helped the United States win gold at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge and was named the tournament’s most valuable player.

The USHL also recognized him with the 2023 Curt Hammer Award, which honors performance, leadership, pride, and determination on and off the ice. His community involvement in Fargo included reading with students and volunteering with local organizations.

Philadelphia Selects Cole Knuble in the 2023 NHL Draft

The Philadelphia Flyers selected Cole in the fourth round, 103rd overall, in the 2023 NHL Draft. The selection marked another milestone for his West Michigan roots. Cole became the first athlete from both TPH Academy Grand Rapids and Fox Motors Hockey Club to be selected in the NHL Draft. The next stage of his development took him to the University of Notre Dame.

Three Seasons of Growth at Notre Dame

Cole played three seasons of NCAA Division I hockey with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, finishing his collegiate career with 90 points in 106 games, including 30 goals and 60 assists. As a sophomore in 2024–25, he led Notre Dame with 39 points in 34 games, earned All-Big Ten Second Team honors, and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award. He followed that season with 31 points as a junior in 2025–26 while serving as an alternate captain. His 22 assists led the team for a second consecutive season.

From the Lehigh Valley Phantoms to His NHL Debut

In March 2026, Cole signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Flyers beginning with the 2026–27 season. He joined Philadelphia’s American Hockey League affiliate, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, for the remainder of 2025–26. After beginning the 2026–27 season with Lehigh Valley, Cole earned his opportunity in Philadelphia. His October 19 NHL debut was the latest step in a career built through years of development at each level.

For TPH Academy Grand Rapids, Cole’s advancement gives the next generation of student-athletes a tangible example of where dedication and daily habits can lead.

Congratulations to Cole and the entire Knuble family. TPH Academy is proud to have supported part of his journey.

Explore TPH Academy Grand Rapids and discover how your student-athlete can Study, Train, and Play to their greatest potential.