TPH Taps Kitchener Native Merli to Lead Waterloo Region Academy

TPH Academy is thrilled to announce the hiring of Brandon Merli to the position of Director and Head of Hockey for its Waterloo Region location. A Kitchener native and lifelong resident of Waterloo Region, Merli brings 16 years of youth and Major Junior hockey development experience to the student-athletes who will attend TPH Academy in the fall. 

Alan Keeso, CEO, TPH Academy

“We at TPH Academy are ecstatic that Brandon will be joining us as we open our Academy doors to aspiring-elite student-athletes from across Waterloo Region,” shared TPH Academy CEO, Alan Keeso. “Brandon is a high-principled, selfless leader who understands how to maximize potential in student-athletes, because he has dedicated his professional life to doing just that. He’s plugged into the most innovative, cutting-edge methods for training hockey players, possesses an inspiring passion for guiding young athletes through the process of reaching newfound levels of potential, and is connected to all things hockey in Waterloo Region. We couldn’t be happier to have Brandon lead us as Director and Head of Hockey as we prepare for our inaugural Academy year.” 

As Keeso referenced, when viewing Merli’s credentials, it is easy to see the dedication shown to growing his craft. For the past 16 years, Brandon has been involved with the Kitchener Rangers, serving as Strength and Conditioning from 2007 to 2017, before being promoted to the position of Director of Sports Science & Assistant Coach in 2018. In his role with the Rangers, which Merli describes as “100% player focused,” he executed a wide range of initiatives, from creating individual training plans to video coaching to on-ice skills coaching. Additionally, Merli has served as Director of Athletic Development at Victus Academy, and from 2008-2022, owned Redline Conditioning, a high-performance program he founded for youth, junior, collegiate, and professional hockey players. 

Merli says he is excited to combine his experiences to make TPH Academy the “one-stop-shop” destination for hockey players across the Waterloo Region, who have a desire to combine hockey training, academics, and personal development in one day. 

Brandon Merli, Director and Head of Hockey, TPH Academy Waterloo Region

“TPH Academy represents everything I believe in,” Merli shared. “Student-athletes who strive to be the best versions of themselves require care, coaching, and customization, not just on the ice, but off the ice as well. Whether it’s the high volume of quality training hours, the flexible, individualized learning approach taken in the classroom, or the resources TPH makes available to aid in student-athlete wellness, this model is perfect for our Region. Student-athletes who attend TPH Academy will put themselves in an advantageous position to be successful in hockey, school, and life. I can’t wait to connect with families to show them how specifically that can happen if they attend TPH Academy.” 

Register for our Open House here!

Student-athletes and families interested in connecting with Brandon and learning more about the TPH Academy experience are invited to join us for an on-site Open House, taking place on Tuesday, May 30 at 7:00 PM at the home of TPH Academy Waterloo Region, the Kitchener Memorial Auditorium. Merli, TPH CEO Alan Keeso, COO Francis Anzalone, and Executive Director of Academics, Bill Simms will be on-hand to present to prospective Academy attendees about the TPH experience and answer questions. To register and learn more about the on-site event, please click here. 

Interested families are also welcome to contact Brandon Merli directly at bmerli@tphacademy.com.

To stay informed on upcoming events, connect with TPH Academy Waterloo Region on Instagram and Facebook.