TPH Center of Excellence Attendees Selected for the U.S. National Team Development Program

USA Hockey recently announced its roster for the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP)  Under-17 team that will compete in the 2021-22 season. TPH is pleased to announce that two of its Detroit Center of Excellence (CoE) student-athletes were chosen to take part, Carsen Musser and alumnus Kai Janviriya. Musser and Janviriya were selected following the NTDP’s four-day evaluation camp that took place at USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan in early May. The NTDP Under-17 team features 24 of the country’s top 2005-born hockey players. The roster contains thirteen forwards, eight defensemen, and three goaltenders from twelve different states, all representing the red, white, and blue, 

Musser, who originates from Sherburn, MN, is in his first year at the TPH CoE and will represent the Victory Honda 15U AAA, while Janviriya, a defenseman from Bloomfield, MI, will represent Detroit Compuware 15U AAA this season. Both student-athletes have been stand-out stars at the Detroit CoE and coaches have had plenty to share about the duo and reflect on what the years at the CoE have done for the development of both players.

 “Kai has a high hockey maturity level, and it shows through his play on the ice. Kai is the type of player that shows up every day ready to work and makes the people around him better. I am extremely proud of Kai and he deserves the chance to represent USA Hockey through NTDP,” Player Development Coach / Mentor Greg Wolf shared.

“TPH Detroit is ecstatic to hear the news that Carson Musser was chosen to NTDP. His hard work, dedication, and commitment was contagious for all our student-athletes during his time at the Center of Excellence. We look forward to his continued development in the CoE program and wish him the very best,” noted Dwayne Norris, Director of Hockey-Operations, TPH Detroit.

Musser will make his debut for the 2021-22 season as one of only three goaltenders on the team. While being selected for NTDP is honorable and prestigious, there is a little bit more to say as it takes a unique kind of person to achieve this honor. While most of a goalie’s preparation is physical, come game time, it’s all mental. Hockey goalies are a special breed, as it takes an unusual amount of mental resilience, patience, and training, to stand in front of a flying puck and be the last line of defense. At various CoE locations, TPH staff go the extra mile for those specific players looking to hone their goaltending skills, as they realize the pressure and responsibility of the position. CoE student-athletes focused on goaltending work closely with specialized coaches who provide hands-on training, individual video reviews, real-time feedback, dynamic warm-ups sessions, and specific goalie-only on-ice sessions. The CoE model allows goaltending coaches the opportunity to dedicate time to the skills and details that often do not get enough attention, due to limited ice and resources and execute training and practice plans to enhance goaltender development. Most importantly, the time spent at the CoE allows coaches to build relationships with the student-athletes under their direction, so each individual can be in a position to reach their goals, on and off the ice. 

“Carsen was a premier student-athlete at the TPH Detroit CoE. Carsen displayed a consistent work ethic, focus, and commitment along with a hunger to learn more and advance his game. Having a top goalie like Carsen at the CoE has been integral for the program, as he had the ability to make everyone around him better. He worked hard for the players during their skill development drills and was a great role model for the younger goaltenders,” said Jeff Lerg, Director of Goaltending, TPH Detroit.

As part of the NTDP, players will participate in a two-year residency program for high-performance athletes and compete in the North American Hockey League and Minnesota Elite League for Tier I junior hockey. In addition, the U17 team will compete in three international tournaments. TPH would like to congratulate both Musser and Janviriya, wishing them the best of luck this season!