TPH Detroit Alum Spencer Sova Named Erie Otters Captain Days Before NHL Preseason Debut

It was a whirlwind of a week for TPH Academy Detroit alum Spencer Sova. Less than 48 hours before his NHL Preseason debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sova was named Captain of the OHL Erie Otters. Otters legend and NHL superstar, Connor McDavid, provided a video to announce the names and letters for the newly appointed leadership group.

Ironically enough, Sova himself was tuning in via Facetime as he was in Toronto for training camp. Sova has since been sent back to Erie and is expected to make his OHL season debut as captain on Friday, October 6th, when the Otters take on the Guelph Storm. In Sova’s pre-season NHL debut against the Montreal Canadiens, Sova blocked two shots and saw the ice for a total of 14:22 in the Leafs’ 2-1 victory over Montreal.

Before his arrival to the OHL as an Erie Otter in 2021, Sova, was a TPH Detroit student-athlete from 2018 to 2020 and embodied the TPH Academy mission through his approach towards success.

“During Spencer’s time at TPH Detroit, his passion, dedication and commitment to being a good student-athlete was infectious amongst our hockey players,” shared TPH Academy Detroit Director, Dwayne Norris. “It was a pleasure to work with him and we are excited to watch the next stages in his development as a hockey player. We wish Spencer the very best!”

Sova was drafted 8th overall in the 2020 OHL Priority Selection Draft. However, he had to wait 530 days until he heard his name called at an Erie Otters game due to the Covid-19 Pandemic that shut down the OHL for the entirety of the 2020-2021 season, which would have been his true rookie season. From his time at TPH Academy to the hours spent skating at his grandmother’s pond while Covid-19 restricted access to local ice arenas, Sova put in the hard work and it generously paid off.

“I think I’m definitely a lead by example type of guy. I just work my hardest and always try to do the right things. I’m not afraid to speak up when it’s needed. When the time’s right I’ll try to help the guys verbally and whatnot.” Sova told The Hockey Writers on September 30th, 2023.

Sova’s future continues to shine bright as many opportunities lie ahead of the 19-year-old OHL veteran defenseman and captain. Though his call-up with the Maple Leafs was only 14 minutes and 22 seconds, the undrafted prospect looks to take the lessons learned from his time in the NHL and carry this experience into his third season with the Otters.

“I just think it’s important to understand how to be a pro and what those guys do to prepare for not only games, but practices too. I also think that it’s helped me understand how to play at the next level and the things I need to do that are important to teams from a defenseman. It’s definitely helped me a lot.” Sova shared with The Hockey Writers

The Erie Otters are counting down the days for their newly named captain to hit the ice for the return of his third campaign with the club.

“The recently named captain of the Erie Otters is coming off an impressive sophomore season where he emerged as one of the lone bright spots on a team that finished near the league basement. Sova recorded 39 points (16 goals and 23 assists) in 68 games played, leading all Otters defencemen and third on the team overall. His services will definitely be needed as the Otters are currently on a two-game losing streak to begin the season,” shared Michael Mazzei, Writer at The Leafs Nation.

TPH Academy is dedicated to the holistic development of student-athletes in grades 6-12, as they Study, Train, and Play to newfound levels of potential. If your student-athlete is interested in joining us at TPH Academy for the 2023-2024 school year, we invite you to join us for a Virtual Info Session on November 7th at 7:00PM CST. Register today to secure your spot.