Draft Night

Three TPH Alumni Selected in the 2022 NHL Draft

It’s why you train relentlessly and outwork your opponents.

It’s the opportunity to accomplish a lifelong goal and secure a life-changing opportunity. 

It’s a moment that every young hockey player dreams about.

It’s the NHL Draft.

“We’re incredibly excited for these young men as they take the next step in their journey with their selections in the 2022 NHL Draft,” said Alan Keeso, CEO of Total Package Hockey. “Team TPH cheered them on in the lead-up and throughout this special moment, while also pausing to appreciate the testament these advancements are to our program, process, and people.”

The hockey journeys of these three impact players included competition at the  AAA level and advancement to USA Hockey National Team Development Program (USNTDP). Along the way, they also developed in their academics, fitness, hockey, and as people at TPH Academy, each entering the program intending to make it to the highest level in the game. Their pursuits required long days of training, traveling, studying, and competing, which ultimately developed them into the self-starting, well-rounded, and resilient athletes they are today.

The 2022 NHL Draft was the biggest moment of their careers yet. Here’s how it went:

Cutter Gauthier was the first TPH alumni taken off the board, as the Philadelphia Flyers selected him with the 5th overall pick. At 6-foot-2 and 200-pounds, the USNTDP forward was highly touted for his size, strength, and ability to fend off attackers and create turnovers in the offensive zone. The Boston College commit put up 28 points in 22 USHL games with the USNTDP juniors and many expect him to light it up for years to come. 

His USNTDP teammate and fellow TPH Detroit Alumni, Rutger McGroarty was taken just a few picks later, as the Winnipeg Jets selected him with the 14th overall pick. After putting up 35 goals and 34 assists in 54 games with the USANDTP U18s, followed by 15 goals and 18 assists in just 25 USHL games, the 6-foot-1, 204-pound forward has proven himself as an elite goal scorer. 

Lane Hutson was taken with the 62nd overall pick by the Montreal Canadiens. Hutson was described as being a ‘unicorn’ by USNTDP U18 coach, Nick Fohr, who noted Hutson’s well-rounded skill set and his ability to make defensive plays and generate on offense. Hutson led all USNTDP defensemen with 10 goals and 53 assists in 60 games.

We’re incredibly proud of this year’s TPH-eligible draft class including Spencer Sova (NA Skaters Central Scouting Rank: 80), Cole Knuble (NA Skaters Central Scouting Rank: 84 – Committed to Notre Dame University), James Stefan (NA Skaters Central Scouting Rank: 157), Tyler Duke (NA Skaters Central Scouting Rank: 201 – Committed to The Ohio State University), Nathan Lewis (Committed to University of Massachusetts), and Braden Holt (NA Goalies Central Scouting Rank: 11). We look forward to watching this next generation of impact players on their journeys in and beyond the game.

Discover all of the ways that TPH Academy can help you achieve your goals and start your path with us here.