The New Standard Has Arrived: TPH Academy Launches at ION
LEESBURG, VA – For years, aspiring-elite hockey players in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area have faced a difficult choice: stay in local schools and risk falling behind the national development curve, or move away to a distant boarding school to chase their dreams.
Today, TPH Academy Virginia launches to eliminate that compromise.
TPH Academy is proud to announce its 14th American location, TPH Academy Virginia, now accepting applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Located at prestigious ION: The Rinks at Compass Creek in Leesburg, TPH offers student-athletes in grades 6-12 a world-class environment to Study, Train, and Play—all while making it home in time for dinner and sleeping in their own beds.
For years, the DMV has been recognized as a hotbed for some of the most talented young athletes and prestigious academic institutions in the country. Yet, we’ve learned that as players reach the critical developmental ages of 14, 15, and 16, a familiar and difficult tension begins to mount. They reach a crossroads where they feel they have to choose between their community and their child’s athletic future. TPH Academy Virginia is here to bring elite training and a private-school-caliber curriculum under one roof. We are providing a holistic experience that allows athletes to reach their highest goals without leaving their own dinner tables.
A Powerhouse Partnership: TPH & 23Hockey
Central to this launch is TPH’s partnership with Craig Desjarlais and Doug Shepherd of 23Hockey. Known for their unwavering commitment to player advancement in the DMV, Craig and Doug will bring their expertise to the TPH model. This partnership ensures that the training isn’t just high-volume but also high-quality, focusing on the individual development of every student-athlete.
"Entering this new era at Ion, we are re-establishing ourselves as the leader in regional development and providing the missing piece for elite hockey players in the DMV,” shared Doug Shepherd. “For the athlete who is truly serious about taking the next step, our goal is to be the premier, one-stop shop in Northern Virginia for those ready to reach the next level."
The TPH "Advancement Engine": Elite Growth on a Student's Schedule
TPH Academy flips the traditional school script by synchronizing elite, "part-focused" skill training with a rigorous, NCAA-accredited curriculum. Unlike team-based practices, TPH utilizes a Peak Performance Window—intensive on-ice and sports performance training held between mid-morning and early afternoon—to master the high-level habits and Hockey IQ that separate the good from the great. The day concludes with a 4:00 PM Hand-Off, allowing student-athletes to return home for family dinner before joining their local club teams for evening practices.
By providing over 320 hours of additional deliberate practice, TPH serves as a powerful catalyst for advancement; last season alone, more than 40 TPH students successfully bridged the gap from Tier II to Tier I hockey. This emphasis on individual growth is designed to complement the local youth hockey landscape, offering a specialized environment for players—including those within the Washington Little Capitals—to reach their highest potential.
“We are extremely excited to partner with TPH and are grateful for their belief in the Little Caps,” shared Mike Donnellan, Executive Director of the Washington Little Capitals. “TPH’s proven track record and history of success in elite player development align perfectly with our mission of ascending players to the junior, collegiate, and professional ranks. This is a major step forward for the Washington Little Capitals and will significantly strengthen our recruiting and player retention. We are committed to keeping our best at home for as long as possible, and this partnership allows our athletes to receive world-class training right from our home rink.”
Holistic Excellence: Beyond the Ice
In the classroom, TPH delivers a private-school caliber, NCAA-accredited experience through a Blended Learning Model. In a newly renovated, high-performance wing at Ion, students work with on-site academic facilitators to navigate a fully customizable curriculum that travels with them—meaning no sacrifices for travel, showcases, or advanced electives.
Beyond the scoreboard, TPH Academy is dedicated to developing "pro-style people" through a holistic mentorship approach. By combining the Coach F.A. Mentorship Program with hands-on training in executive functioning—such as time management and self-advocacy—we equip student-athletes with the "real world" skills necessary for success in college and beyond. Through community service, guest speakers, and leadership sessions, our athletes learn that their value and impact extend far beyond the ice.
Experience the Future: TPH & Teammates
Don't navigate the elite path alone. Join us for TPH & Teammates, an exclusive look at the future of player development in the DMV. Meet our leadership, explore the "Study, Train, Play" blueprint, and see firsthand why TPH Academy is the ultimate partner for your athlete’s journey.
- When: Wednesday, February 11 | 7:00 PM
- Where: ION: The Rinks at Compass Creek, Leesburg, VA
- RSVP: At TPHAcademy.com/Virginia
About TPH Academy:
TPH Academy is an academy-style, focused environment where dedicated student-athletes study, train, and play at their highest potential. TPH Academy’s core purpose is to lead the world in the holistic development of student-athletes, advancing – in and beyond the game – the next generation of impact players. For more information about TPH Academy, please visit tphacademy.com and check out the 2024-2025 TPH Academy Impact Report.