TPH Academy Virginia Goes ‘All-In’ on the Hockey Athlete; Names Dr. Sean DeVarennes Director of Sports Performance
LEESBURG, VA – TPH Academy Virginia is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Sean DeVarennes, DPT, CSCS, as Director of Sports Performance. In this high-impact role, Dr. DeVarennes will lead the sports performance initiatives for TPH Academy, Total Package Hockey, and 23 Hockey programs, solidifying the organization’s commitment to developing the aspiring-elite “hockey athlete” at ION.
The addition of Dr. DeVarennes marks a major step forward in TPH’s mission to provide a comprehensive development experience in Northern Virginia. A former ACHA Division I skater at Mercyhurst University with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Dr. DeVarennes brings a rare combination of elite playing experience and clinical expertise to the DMV region.
“Sean’s arrival is a clear signal of our collective commitment to supercharging the development of the hockey athlete,” shared Craig Desjarlais, Managing Partner and Director of TPH Virginia. “At TPH and 23 Hockey, we often say that on-ice and off-ice training go hand in hand. You cannot maximize one without the other. By bringing Sean on board full-time, we are ensuring that our athletes have a world-class leader driving the physical and mental pillars that separate the good from the great.”
Dr. DeVarennes will oversee a comprehensive performance model built on TPH’s 5 Pillars of the Hockey Athlete: Strength, Speed, Athleticism, Endurance, and Power. His role extends beyond the weight room to encompass the “full picture” of sports performance, including individualized recovery protocols, hydration strategies, and an intensified focus on nutrition.
“We aren’t just looking to build better hockey players; we are building elite athletes who can withstand the rigors of the modern game,” added Doug Shepherd, Vice President of TPH Virginia. “Sean has a proven track record of working with athletes at all levels, from youth development here in the DMV to the professional ranks in the QMJHL and the Washington Capitals’ training camps. He understands the science of movement and the demands of the sport, making him the perfect person to lead our performance wing at ION.”
Dr. DeVarennes’ background is uniquely tailored to the hockey community. Before earning his Doctorate, he served as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist and Sports Nutritionist for both junior and professional teams in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). His integrated approach combines his CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) credentials with specialized knowledge in injury prevention and concussion management.
“I am incredibly excited to join the TPH Virginia team and help drive this holistic vision for our families,” shared Dr. DeVarennes. “At TPH, we are creating an environment where the ‘hockey athlete’ is developed through a symbiotic relationship between on-ice skills and off-ice physical preparation. Our goal is to provide every student-athlete with the tools—nutrition, strength, and recovery—to reach their peak performance and stay there.”
With Dr. DeVarennes at the helm of Sports Performance, TPH Academy Virginia continues to redefine the standard for student-athlete development in the NOVA area.
Families interested in learning more about the TPH Academy “Study, Train, Play” model and the sports performance programming at ION are encouraged to visit TPHAcademy.com/Virginia.
