TPH Center of Excellence Alumni Create FLO Hockey PBHH Invitational Showcase
New Event Provided an Opportunity Amidst Challenging Circumstances
In a world where many people think about themselves, selflessness is a quality that can be less common and a characteristic that can be overlooked. However, being a selfless, passionate, and generous individual teaches us how to identify and connect with others in our community. It helps us act from our heart, instead of our ego, and that in and of itself is rewarding and what TPH Center of Excellences (CoE) teaches student-athletes who Study, Train, Play at the hybrid learning academy model. In fact, the proof is in the pudding, as three TPH CoE alumni student-athletes have gone the extra step in their selflessness journey and established an event alongside FloHockey, a non-profit located in Erie, PA in helping junior hockey players after a nonexistent season.
The CoE trio includes Andy Perrott, from the Owen Sound Attack, Ryan Humphrey, from the Hamilton Bulldogs, and Ryan Beck from the Saginaw Spirit. As well as Brendan Hoffman, from the Erie Otters, who would be later added to the group.
“The fact that we have three alumni entrepreneurs doing all they can for teammates, competitors, and other players from additional leagues, is incredible and we are so proud of them. What they are doing is so selfless and innovative, these are part of the character-building TPH has been all about since day one,” expressed TPH CEO, Nathan Bowen.
After countless junior hockey players saw their seasons crumble and come to a halt due to COVID-19, Perrot decided it was time that someone shared a player’s perspective and give insight into how many athletes were feeling. On February 24th, 2021 he did just that and wrote to the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) expressing his emotions on the current return to play, as well as beginning an online petition for players wanting to get back to the ice.
“Speaking to all my teammates in the league this year I knew how important it was to everyone to have some sort of season and that is why I wrote the letter and then the momentum kept going from there.,” explained Perrott.
From that letter it sparked something special, bringing the four gentlemen together. Soon after conversations began, the group vowed if they couldn’t have a traditional season they would make one. Now the event they created is hosting its first junior showcase for the 2021 season, which is dubbed “FloHockey PBHH Invitational.”
“Once Andy (Perrott) came up with the idea, we all started talking and decided why don’t we just try something,” Beck said. We eventually were on the phone every day talking to sponsors, scouts, and a bunch of players and before we knew it, we had 6 full teams and people reaching out to us to see how they could help or volunteer.
The tournament, which was organized by the junior hockey players, highlights talent from across the United States Hockey League (USHL), North American Hockey League (NAHL), OHL, and other leagues that are independently run and operated at the ERIEBANK Sports Park in Pennsylvania. The event will support and permit junior hockey players who have been impacted, by the unforeseen circumstances, and difficulties in lost games, seasons, and training due to COVID-19, to showcase their talents. Additionally, the event aims to enrich the Erie community and focus on expanding and cultivating the hockey community through a larger lens.
“The biggest thing for us is that we wanted to do something for the players that lost a year and a half of playing time. If one person comes out of this with an unbelievable experience and takes his career to the next level, we did our job. But also, because we get to give back to the community here in Erie and possibly the charities of our choice,” noted Humphrey.
The team hopes the event will allow junior hockey players the opportunity to show the attributes of their training and hard work over a long offseason to over 70 NHL scouts. Additionally, they hope to support the community, health, or sports culture in Erie, by dedicating all proceeds from the event, further emphasizing the impact that these three alumni entrepreneurs are making for the sport they love most. The former CoE student-athletes secured funding by raising money from sponsors and securing donations through various charitable individuals and associations. TPH is proud to support this unique event, alongside both Hobie and Maynards, by providing $7,500.00 in cash for player meals. Through strategic partnerships, TPH has also provided 110 hats and cinch sacs, as welcome swag bags for all athletes.
“I made unbelievable connections because of my experience at TPH and learned how to be a better hockey player and a good kid,” Humphrey shared. I give a lot of credit to them because it not only was a school for me but taught me to value others, to step up for my community and gave me a sense of purpose outside of hockey. I have to thank them for who I have become today.”
TPH would like to congratulate these gentlemen for providing a successful event for hockey players in the Erie community as well as players from across the country. We are proud of their accomplishments and the inspiration they have given to our current CoE students, coaches, and families. In the end, TPH strives to instill in our student-athletes that to succeed to their fullest potential as individuals, they must learn to help others to truly help themselves; through the game of hockey or in the game of life.
“I would not be where I am today without the guidance that was given to me at the Center of Excellence in Detroit. I learned that hockey was important but being a kind person mattered more and that has always stuck with me. I wanted to do something special for players that love the game just as much as I do, and it’s been one of the most rewarding, exhilarating and incredible opportunities for all of us,” Perrott reflected.
When asked the questions many players are eager to hear regarding a second PBHH Invitational the group reflected on the possibility, but noted there would have to be a discussion between the four. For now the group would like to concentrate on the inaugural event for the players, work with their staff, incredible volunteers, and focus on the game they love most.
TPH would like to wish our draft eligible alumni, and all draft eligible attendees of the PBHH Invitational, the best of luck in the upcoming NHL draft.
Student-athletes and families interested in learning more about TPH’s Study, Train, Play Center of Excellence model are invited to join us for our 3rd annual CoE Nationwide Virtual Open House, scheduled for July 19th, 2021.
Interested families are also invited to apply to their Center of Excellence locations, which is the first step in the registration process and guarantees your spot for the 2021-2022 school year. To apply to the CoE, click here.
To learn more about TPH Center of Excellence 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.
