USA Hockey Nationals and TPH Academy Student-Athletes pursuing gold
The end of the 2025-26 youth hockey season is near. Specifically, 16 teams across 15 different age levels, tier levels and genders will compete at 2026 USA Hockey Nationals next week. Among the teams vying for the top spot in their respective tournaments are 71 TPH Academy student-athletes. Consequently, they will look to go wire to wire in pursuit of gold at USA Hockey’s final event of the winter season calendar.
From the Atlantic districts to the heart of Texas, TPH student-athletes have dominated their respective state and district championships. Now, as the dust settles on the regional playoffs, a massive contingent of our players has officially punched their tickets to the USA Hockey Nationals.
Dominance in the Atlantic: TPH Philly Leads the Charge
TPH Philly had a historic weekend, with several teams securing bids to the USA Hockey Tier-1 and Tier-2 Nationals. The Philadelphia Jr. Flyers girls’ programs were particularly dominant. Both the 19U AAA Jr. Flyers and the 14U AAA Jr. Flyers captured Atlantic District titles. As a result, these elite squads are now headed to Amherst, NY (Buffalo) to compete for the Tier-1 National Championship with eight current TPH Academy student-athletes in tow.
Similarly, the boys' side, the 2011 Jr. Flyers AAA team secured their district title and will travel to Plymouth, MI, for their shot at USA Hockey gold. Additionally, TPH student-athletes representing Team Philadelphia at the 14U AA and 16U AA levels won their respective championships, earning trips to Dallas and St. Louis for the Tier-2 National tournaments.
Grand Rapids and Windy City win their respective districts
Meanwhile, TPH Grand Rapids student-athletes proved why the region is a budding hockey hotbed. The 14U Fox Motors Girls and the 18U Fox Motors Boys both captured state championship titles in convincing fashion. These student-athletes have balanced a rigorous academic schedule with elite on-ice performance, and their reward is a trip to the 2026 USA Hockey Nationals later this month. Seven student-athletes will play for the girls’ team and nine members of the boys’ team.
At the same time, TPH Windy City student-athletes showcased their grit in the Illinois State Championships. The 18U AAA Windy City Storm (WCS) took home the Illinois State title after a hard-fought series. While the road ended at regionals for some, the developmental strides made by our WCS student-athletes this season have been remarkable.
Southern Success: Jr. Stars and Jr. Preds punch their ticket to USA Hockey Nationals
The growth of hockey in the South is undeniable. TPH Nashville and TPH Austin are at the center of it. The 16U AAA Nashville Jr. Preds put on a performance at the Southeast District Playoffs. With a roster heavily featuring 22 current TPH Academy student-athletes, they secured their spot at 2026 USA Hockey Nationals. They are joined by the 18U AA Nashville Jr. Preds, who also earned their bid after a grueling playoff run.
Deep in the heart of Texas, TPH Austin student-athletes are also bringing home hardware. Representing the Texas Jr. Stars, a pair of student-athletes secured state championships at both the 12U AA and 14U A levels.
Why the TPH Model Works for USA Hockey Nationals Contenders
Earning a bid to 2026 USA Hockey Nationals requires more than just talent; rather, it requires a disciplined lifestyle. TPH Academy student-athletes benefit from:
- On-Ice Mentorship: Daily training sessions that focus on the "tactical IQ" needed for high-stakes playoff hockey.
- Academic Flexibility: Our blended learning model allows players to travel for district and regional playoffs, regular-season tournaments and showcases without falling behind in the classroom.
- Professional Support: With support staff providing guidance, our players are physically and mentally prepared for the grind of a national tournament.
Follow the Journey to USA Hockey Nationals
As our student-athletes head to U.S. cities across the country, the entire TPH community stands behind them. These players represent the future of the game, and ultimately, their success at the district and state levels is only the beginning.