Five TPH Academy Alumni Selected in 2023 NHL Draft

TPH Academy is incredibly proud to announce that five TPH alumni have been selected in the 2023 NHL Draft. These exceptional athletes have worked tirelessly to reach this moment in their hockey careers, and the entire TPH community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Gavin Brindley, Hunter Brzustewicz, Andrew Strathmann, Cole Knuble, and Carsen Musser. 

Following in the success of last season’s TPH alumni draft picks, Cutter Gauthier, Rutger McGroarty, Lane Hutson, each of these players has worked with heart and hustle over the years to refine their skills and grow as athletes, and their success is a direct result of their commitment to their craft. From Florida to Detroit, Chicago to Grand Rapids, these young men have proven themselves to be impact players on and off the ice, and this is only the beginning.

“We couldn’t be more proud of these athletes and the coaches who assisted them along the way. Their hard work and dedication to their craft has not gone unnoticed and we look forward to seeing them score big at the highest level,” shared TPH Academy CEO, Alan Keeso.

TPH Academy Estero alum Gavin Brindley was selected 34th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. In a 2021 article highlighting Brindley’s breakout year, the forward shared how TPH Academy prepared him for athletic advancement. 

“Being surrounded by like-minded student-athletes with the same drive that I have has really made my experience at the [Academy] superior to public schools,” shared Brindley. “The support I’ve received from teachers and the flexibility to pursue hockey has helped me develop into the person I am today, and I think it has really prepared me to attend the University of Michigan next year.”(Brindley skated for the University of Michigan’s NCAA Division I hockey team during the 2022-2023 academic year.)

“We are all very excited for Gavin. He is a great example of how kids are able to play hockey in Florida and reach their goals,” shared Ryan Brindley, Director & Head of Hockey at TPH Estero, and father of Gavin. “Florida has tremendous Coaching and facilities throughout the state. More and more hockey players are being developed down south. TPH is proud to help many of these youth hockey players develop to be the best they can be on and off the ice. Hopefully, Gavin will be a role model to our youth hockey world in Florida and beyond.”

In Detroit Michigan, where hockey’s history runs deep, TPH saw a few more familiar names in the 2023 NHL Draft. Drafted 75th overall by the Vancouver Canucks was TPH Detroit alum and Kitchener Rangers defenceman, Hunter Brzustewicz. Drafted 103rd overall by the Arizona Coyotes was TPH Academy Detroit alum Carsen Musser.

“TPH Detroit was ecstatic to see Hunter and Carsen taken in the 2023 NHL draft,” shared Dwayne Norris, Director of TPH Detroit. “Both are incredible young men that set the standard each and every day for our student-athletes both on the ice and in the classroom. Their hard work, dedication and focus for excellence truly epitomizes our academy model. We are excited to see what the future holds in the game of hockey and life for the both of them”.

Norris notes that the three years Brzustewicz spent at TPH Detroit – leading up to his 15U year – are some of the most important, if not the most important, years for development of a hockey player. “Those years, coupled with hard work and attention to detail have put him in a great position to succeed and advance to where he is and beyond in the game of hockey,” shared Norris.

During Carsen’s time at TPH Detroit, the goaltender embodied TPH Academy’s values and core mission. “He was a diligent student, hardworking and skilled in training, always staying on the ice for extra shots and never missing a training session,” shared Norris. “He went above and beyond as a lead by example kind of young man that was also a great mentor for some of the younger student-athletes at our academy. It’s really no surprise to us the success he’s had, and we expect to continue to see him do great and positive things.”

TPH is proud to see these athletes, who dedicated themselves on the ice and in the classroom, reach this esteemed achievement and become role models for the younger generations to follow.

TPH Academy Chicago alum Andrew Strathmann (D) was drafted 98th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. In an article published by the Chicago Sun-Times, Strathmann’s skating skills are highlighted. ‘‘I’m a two-way defenseman, someone who’s going to get up in the play and try to create off the rush but [also who] takes care of his own zone and wants to defend first,’’ Strathmann told the Chicago Sun-Times.

Strathmann’s on-ice skills and overall growth also left quite an impact at TPH Chicago. “A huge congratulations to Andrew and his entire family!” shared Shawn Pauly, TPH Chicago Director and Head of Hockey. “We at TPH Chicago are proud to have played a role in his development both on the ice and in the classroom over the past two years. The Strathmann family have been wonderful members of the TPH Chicago family and we look forward to watching how far this young man will go as he continues down his success story!”

Speaking of family, for some TPH athletes, hockey runs in their blood. Son of former Flyer Mike Knuble and alumnus of TPH Academy Grand Rapids, Cole Knuble, was selected 103rd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers. The center was part of the inaugural group of TPH athletes when TPH Academy Grand Rapids opened its doors in 2019.

“He helped set the standard and foundation on what it means to be a TPH athlete,” shared Taylor Keyworth, Director of TPH Academy Grand Rapids. “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.”

Cole is the first TPH Grand Rapids and Fox Motors Hockey Club athlete to be drafted to the NHL. “Cole has an extremely bright and long future in the game of hockey ahead of him and we are glad that we were able to assist him in any way that we could. Cole will be an inspiration to many future TPH Academy and West Michigan based hockey players. TPH Academy Grand Rapids is extremely proud of Cole and the entire Knuble family on his selection in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft to the Philadelphia Flyers,” shared Keyworth.

TPH could not be more honored to have played a role in these athletes’ journeys. Their success is a testament to their hard work, talent, and determination. Congratulations to Gavin, Hunter, Andrew, Cole, and Carsen on this incredible achievement. Your success is a source of great pride for the entire TPH Academy team, who look forward to seeing all that you will achieve in the future.

For more information on TPH Academy, please visit TPHAcademy.com.