Established Guidance for Your Athlete: TPH Academy Columbus Adds Experienced Mentorship and Proven Skill Development to Staff
COLUMBUS, OH: For aspiring elite hockey players, reaching the next level requires more than talent and hard work. It requires guidance from coaches who have successfully navigated the path themselves.
TPH Academy Columbus continues to strengthen that pathway with the addition of Josh Harrold and Brian Thompson as Player Development Coaches & Mentors.
Their arrival further enhances a hockey leadership team that now includes coaches Nick Petraglia and Bailey Seagraves, and Director and Head of Hockey Nate Handrahan. Together, the group brings experience spanning every major stage of player development, from youth Tier I and Junior A hockey to NCAA Division I and the professional ranks.
For TPH Columbus student-athletes, that means direct access to mentors who understand what it takes to advance at every level of the game. No matter where a player is in their journey, there is a coach on staff who has been there before and can help guide the next step forward.
Josh Harrold: Experience at Every Level
Josh Harrold brings experience from multiple levels of the game to the TPH Columbus coaching staff. As a player, he advanced from junior hockey to NCAA Division I hockey at Miami University before playing more than 300 professional games across the AHL, IHL, and ECHL.
Behind the bench, Harrold has coached at the professional, junior (NAHL/USHL), and youth Tier I levels, giving him firsthand insight into every stage of the player pathway. For TPH Columbus student-athletes, that experience provides a valuable resource as they pursue their own hockey goals. He knows what it takes to survive and thrive at every single checkpoint a young player faces.
Brian Thompson: Developing the Modern Player
Brian Thompson brings a player-centered approach built on skill development, communication, and intensive junior coaching experience. A Westerville native, he joins TPH Columbus after helping lead the Ohio Blue Jackets AAA to a T1EHL Playoff Championship, where he oversaw the power play and player development. Thompson previously built the Columbus Mavericks (USPHL) program from the ground up, contributing to their first playoff series win, and served as Head Coach and GM of the Buffalo Stampede (USPHL).
As a player, Thompson was a four-year assistant captain for the University of Central Oklahoma's inaugural ACHA Division I class, leading them to a national Final Four appearance, following an All-Star junior career with the Columbus Stars. His highly communicative approach perfectly aligns with TPH’s mission to develop intelligent, adaptable, and confident players. Thompson's ability to connect with athletes and translate complex concepts into actionable habits makes him a strong addition to the Columbus staff.
A Complete Ecosystem for Columbus Hockey Student-Athletes
"When we look at the staff we’re building, the focus is entirely on depth of experience," said Nate Handrahan, TPH Columbus Director and Head of Hockey. "With Josh and Brian on board, our players aren't just getting coaches, they're getting mentors. From local youth hockey to the pro ranks, our staff has lived it, coached it, and scouted it. We can look a family in the eye and give them real, proven guidance for every step of their child's development."
At TPH Academy Columbus, the goal is to bridge the gap between academic excellence and athletic execution. By bringing in mentors like Harrold and Thompson, the academy ensures that every day on the ice is an opportunity to learn from the very best.
The roster is growing, and seats are filling quickly. Give your student-athlete the advantage of daily mentorship from a staff that truly knows the way. Connect with TPH Columbus Director and Head of Hockey Nate Handrahan today to get started.
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