The Path to the USHL: TPH Academy Celebrates Record Success in 2026 USHL Draft
The United States Hockey League (USHL) is one of the premier destinations for junior hockey players aiming for the NCAA and the NHL. Each year, the USHL Draft serves as a critical gateway for the most talented prospects in North America. Following the conclusion of the 2026 selection process, TPH Academy is proud to announce a massive milestone: a combined total of 32 TPH-affiliated athletes heard their names called between the Phase-I and Phase-II selection processes.
This achievement spans the entire TPH network, representing locations from Phoenix to Philadelphia and Atlanta to Grand Rapids. In fact, the 2026 results highlight the depth of the TPH development model, proving that our Study, Train, Play philosophy prepares student-athletes for the highest levels of competitive hockey.
Understanding the USHL Draft: Phase I vs. Phase II
To appreciate the scale of this success, it is important to understand how the USHL Draft functions. The league splits the draft into two distinct phases to account for different age groups and development timelines.
Phase I: The “Futures” Draft
The USHL Phase-I Draft focuses exclusively on “futures”—the youngest eligible birth year. Specifically, for 2026, this featured 2010-born players. These athletes are often a year or two away from playing full-time in the USHL. Thus, being selected in Phase I means a team has identified you as a core piece of their future roster.
TPH Academy saw 19 athletes selected in Phase I. These players represent the next generation of hockey talent, coming from academies like:
Phase II: The “Main” Draft
Following Phase I, the league conducts the USHL Phase-II Draft. This phase is open to all players up to age 20 who are not already protected by a USHL team. Essentially, Phase II is about finding players who can step into a lineup and compete for a roster spot immediately.
In Phase II, 13 additional TPH-affiliated athletes were selected. Furthermore, this group included “tendered” players—elite prospects who signed with a team before the draft even began. This variety of selections underscores that TPH develops players at every stage of their junior hockey journey.
TPH Academy’s Impact on the USHL
The 2026 USHL Draft proved to be a banner year for the TPH Academy network, with Phase I talent leading the charge. In the early rounds, Alex Stiehr of TPH St. Louis went 29th overall to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders, while the Windy City Performance Academy saw Tobias Lednicky go to the Tri-City Storm and Patrick Taylor and Jonathan Jalcovik selected by the Dubuque Fighting Saints and Tri-City, respectively. TPH Grand Rapids also made a significant impact as Dylan Lieckfield joined the Youngstown Phantoms and Kai Molyneux headed to Sioux City. Rounding out the Phase-I selections, Asher Baron (TPH Kansas City) joined the Phantoms, and Jett Zimont, trained at TPH Phoenix, was scooped up by the Muskegon Lumberjacks.
Phase II and the tender process further showcased the geographic reach of the TPH model. Dominik Domonkos (Windy City) earned a prestigious tender with the Tri-City Storm, while Cedar Rapids heavily targeted TPH talent, selecting Marshall Paul and Michael Kotora from TPH Atlanta, Theo Vantine from St. Louis, and Chase Pavlesich from TPH Philadelphia. The Tri-City Storm also continued their TPH pipeline by drafting Sammy Johnson (Detroit), Brennan Huyck, Nicko Zakk Havel, and Conor Stark. Additional selections included Mason Noble (Grand Rapids) heading to Omaha, and Grady Schaefer (Detroit) being selected by Des Moines. This diverse list of locations and destinations highlights that no matter the campus, TPH Academy is a consistent engine for USHL advancement.
Why TPH Academy Leads the Way in USHL Advancement
1. The “Athleader” Development Model
We don’t just train hockey players; instead, we develop “Athleaders.” By focusing on leadership, accountability, and mental performance, we prepare our students for the pressure of a USHL draft year. In this way, our athletes enter main camps with the maturity required to win a spot on a 25-man roster.
2. NCAA-Accredited Academics via Subject
The USHL is the primary feeder league for NCAA Division I hockey. Therefore, academic eligibility is just as important as on-ice skill. TPH Academy utilizes Subject, a film-backed, NCAA-accredited learning platform. By providing a rigorous and flexible education, we ensure our players are “NCAA-ready” the moment they are drafted into the USHL.
3. National Exposure and High-Level Coaching
From the Windy City Storm to Team TPH at the OHL Cup, our athletes compete against the best. Moreover, our coaching staff includes former NHL, AHL, and NCAA professionals who understand the nuances of the modern game. As a result, TPH athletes possess the tactical intelligence that USHL general managers crave.
Celebrating the 2026 Draft Class
Ultimately, the 32 selections from this year’s draft represent years of commitment and sacrifice. While we celebrate the specific picks from TPH Detroit, TPH Atlanta, and TPH Philadelphia, we also recognize the collective effort of the coaches and families behind them.
The USHL is a “league of choice” for a reason. It offers a direct path to college hockey and beyond. Nevertheless, the road is difficult. By choosing TPH Academy, these 32 athletes gave themselves a competitive advantage in the classroom and on the ice.
RECENT NEWS
Connect with
#Teamtph
Connect with our team and learn how TPH Academy can help you or your student-athlete take the next step in academics, athletics, and life.