Rassey Selected as Director & Head of Hockey for Total Package Hockey’s Chicago CoE

TPH is pleased to announce the hiring of Rob Rassey as Director and Head of Hockey for its Chicago division. In his role, Rassey will oversee the entire Chicago division, specifically its Study, Train, Play Center of Excellence (CoE) model, where he will emphasize maximizing the development of all individuals, as players, athletes, students, and people. Rassey will also ensure that all student-athletes train in a safe, positive environment, one that is consistent with TPH and USA Hockey standards. 

“Our student-athletes in Chicago will benefit greatly from Rob both in the classroom and on the ice, as they aspire to become elite,” CEO Nathan Bowen said. “He has a proven track record not only of building high-level teams of talented players in the NHL but also as well as upstanding student-athletes on the east coast.”

Rassey will be making a splash as the first individual to depart from the National Hockey League (NHL) to join the TPH team making this a special opportunity for both Rassey and the Chicago CoE. Following an impressive two-year season as an amateur scout for the Detroit Red Wings TPH is thrilled with the newest addition as Rassey will bring much knowledge from the NHL organization. 

Through the demanding yet rewarding profession of an NHL scout, Rassey was responsible for traveling across North America and Europe evaluating prospects leading up to the annual NHL draft. From multiple phone calls to coaches, scanning the web for the latest news and info on players, many games, and player reports, Rassey has done it all for one of the top brands known as one of the original six in the NHL franchise.

“Within my hockey background the position with TPH tied in well,” explained Rassey. From my coaching to scouting experience and being able to work with players on a day-to-day basis in their development was a nice medium in between those two worlds and it’s something I wanted to get back to.” 

With knowledge from the highest ranks in hockey, Rassey brings invaluable expertise from one of the leading brands in education in the United States. In the fall of 2013, Rassey would join Harvard University, a nationally recognized Ivy League school known for excellence in both education and the hockey community. As an assistant coach for Harvard’s Men’s hockey staff Rassey would complete six seasons with the Crimson from 2013-2019. There Rassey worked with elite student-athletes who exemplified high-level character both on and off the ice because of the top education offered.  

During his time, he was instrumental in mentoring players that included forwards Jimmy Vesey, Sean Malone, and Hobey Hat Trick finalist Ryan Donato as well as excelling Harvard’s high-powered offense. Rassey’s notable experience would help Harvard capture championship titles, reach the NCAA Frozen Four, and post-historic record-breaking seasons (2016-17). 

“From an overall perspective, it is an essential message to give to the players to value the importance of their education and what opportunities can come from placing value in their academics and hockey. It is crucial to me and both can open many doors in the hockey world,” said Rassey. “In my new role, I hope to bring a high energy, enthusiasm, and passion. I love the game and I feel fortunate to work in it every day. I look forward to being able to help players move on and reach their goals as much as we can if that’s either the USHL, division I, or the development program in Plymouth. As well as the personal development piece which is important in creating an environment where these players can grow and mature with the time, they are with us.”

 Rassey, who originates from Shelby Township, MI, carries involvement in hockey from competing for the Huskies Men’s Ice Hockey team at Northeastern University in Boston, MA to the Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League (USHL), and for the North American Hockey League (NAHL), where he was a two-time captain. Through his understanding of the sport, Rassey will be able to provide on and off-ice sessions through TPH’s Hockey Development Model, mentorship for student-athletes, support for on-site academic staff, recruiting and building positive relationships with all CoE students, families, and coaches. 

 As part of his focus for TPH Chicago, Rassey will conduct and execute all training and practice plans, take a vested interest in overall student-athlete wellness, and utilize the TPH-Kinduct app that consolidates athlete performance, well-being, and injury-related data that aims to enhance the overall experience for players through the digital tool. As Director and Head of Hockey, Rassey will deliver powerful added value experiences for student-athletes that entail community service projects, field trips, and guest speakers at the Chicago CoE. 

 During his time at Northeastern from the 2005-2009 season, Rassey’s successful collegiate career encompassed an impressive track record as a four-time letterman, four-time Hockey East Academic Honor Roll recipient, as well as earning the 2008 Coaches’ Award for loyalty and friendship. Rassey assisted in setting university records for the program and earning the school’s first NCAA tournament bid in more than 20 years. Following graduation, Rassey pivoted as a volunteer coach for his alma mater. Additionally, he has credentials that consist of a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance and Management and graduated Magna Cum Laude. 

To learn more about our Chicago TPH CoE, click here. 

About TPH

Founded in 2001, TPH seeks to become the world leader in positively impacting the lives of student-athletes through sport. TPH platforms include association management, elite prospects programs, tournaments and showcases, camps and clinics, and its hallmark Center of Excellence academy model, serving over 10,000 student-athletes on an annual basis, throughout 15 U.S.-based divisions. TPH prides itself on taking a holistic approach, one that emphasizes the development of the individual in four ways: (1) as a player within a team setting, (2) as an athlete, dedicated to reaching his/her physical potential, (3) as a student, working to achieve his/her academic goals, and most importantly, (4) as a person, striving to win the ultimate game, and that’s the game of life.