News

NJP Alumni Coach Steve Jennings Excelling in NAHL

The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced the schedule, coaches, and broadcasters for the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, which will be held from February 7-8, 2022 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania.

For more information on the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, please visit: http://nahl.com/tpt/

2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament Schedule (all times eastern)

Monday, February 7th

4:00pm: East vs. South

6:30pm: Central vs. Midwest

Tuesday, February 8th

10:00am: South vs. Central

12:30pm: Midwest vs. East

The number of players each NAHL team is sending to the tournament, in which four teams from the four NAHL divisions (Central, East, Midwest and South) will each play in two game games, was based on each team’s winning percentage within their group as of January 10, 2022. Only those NAHL players without an NCAA commitment are eligible to participate in the 2022 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, except for those who have been identified by NHL Central Scouting as prospects for the 2022 NHL Draft. Each team is comprised of 22 players (13 forwards, 7 defensemen, 2 goalies). Rosters for the four teams are expected to be announced on January 25th.

The head coach for the Central Team will be Steve Howard from the Austin Bruins, while the assistant coach will be Steve Jennings from the Aberdeen Wings. The head coach for the East Team will be Clint Mylymok from the Maryland Black Bears, while the assistant coach will be Craig Doremus from the New Jersey Titans. The head coach for the Midwest Team will be Tyler Rennette from the Springfield Jr. Blues, while the assistant coach will be Dave Allison from the Fairbanks Ice Dogs. The head coach for the South Team will be Phil Fox from the New Mexico Ice Wolves, while the assistant coach will be Harry Mahood from the Amarillo Wranglers.

The league has named Mike Wisienski from the Odessa Jackalopes and Ashley Chase from the St. Cloud Norsemen as the two broadcasters who will be calling and doing play-by-play of the games live in HD on HockeyTV. In addition, special NAHL correspondent and reporter Kirsten Krull will also be at the event assisting in the broadcasting duties with interviews, rink-side analysis, and special features.

The NAHL Top Prospects Tournament is one of the most highly-scouted events in junior hockey. Hundreds of scouts attend the event annually, which features almost every NHL team and NCAA Division I school. It continues to be an important part of the NAHL event model, which includes the NAHL Showcase in September and the NAHL Robertson Cup National Championship in May.

One of the things the NAHL does better than any other junior league is seeing their players earn an NCAA opportunity while playing and being showcased in the NAHL. To date, 165 players have already made NCAA commitments during the 2021-22 season. The NAHL Top Prospects Tournament plays a big role in that success, providing the hundreds of NHL and NCAA scouts in attendance with a look at the best uncommitted players the NAHL has to offer, as well as some potential NHL Draft picks.

Tier I Coaching Staff for 2022-23 Season

The Nashville Jr. Predators are excited to announce the Boys Tier I coaching staff for the 2022-23 Season. Tryout dates will be announced in the coming weeks. Best of luck with the remainder of the season!

11U AAA (2011) Tim McAllister

Originally from Kingston, Ontario, Tim McAllister has more than 20 years of coaching and instructional experience. Coach Tim was one of the co-founders of Thunder Hockey. He won 2 NJCAA National Championships in 1996 & 97 as well as being named an NJCAA All-American for those years. Tim is entering his fifteenth season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

12U AAA (2010) Ty Johns 

Originally from British Columbia, Canada, Ty played three years of Junior hockey in the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL). After his Junior career, Ty played four years at Utah State University, ACHA II going to nationals all 4 years. He is heading into his 8th season of coaching and is a level 4 USA Hockey certified coach. Ty is entering his second season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

13U AAA (2009) Kevin Montgomery 

Coach Kevin Montgomery is from Rochester, NY, and played for the US National Team Development Program from 2004-2006, winning the U18 World Junior Championship Gold Medal. He was drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2006 as the 4th-round pick, #110 overall. He also played in the Ontario Hockey League for the London Knights from 2007-2009. Kevin is entering his fourth season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

14U AAA (2008) JP Dumont 

Originally from Montreal, Quebec, JP Dumont had a very successful 12- year NHL career playing for the Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres, and the Nashville Predators. JP has been a part of the Nashville hockey scene for the last 13 seasons as an NHL player, youth coach, and junior coach. In addition to his coaching role, JP serves as the Director of Hockey Operations for the Nashville Jr. Predators.

15O AAA (2007) Brad Schell 

Coach Schell grew up in Scott, Saskatchewan, and played AAA in Western Canada. Upon finishing his youth career, Brad was drafted by the Spokane Chiefs of the WHL. He played four seasons for the Chiefs including 2003-2004 where he led the team in scoring with 92 points. Brad was selected by the Atlanta Thrashers in the 6th round in the 2002 NHL draft and went on to play professional hockey for 11 seasons in North America and Europe. Brad is entering his 7th season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

16U AAA (2006) Michael Berra

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Mike has spent the last six years with the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL). During that time he has served as a Scout, Assistant Coach, and currently as the Director of Player Development. Coach Berra has also spent six years with Synergy Hockey Skills as the Director of Hockey and Lead Instructor, and 10 years with the St. Louis AAA Blues as a Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations. Mike is entering his first season with the Nashville Jr. Predators.

18U AAA (2004/2005) Karlis Zirnis 

A native of Riga, Latvia, Zirnis previously served as a coach in the Thunder ‘AAA’ program following his retirement from the professional game in 2010. Since his first stint with NJP, Zirnis has enjoyed coaching stops at both the junior, collegiate, and international levels. He has captured a Robertson Cup Championship as Head Coach of the NAHL’s Shreveport Mudbugs, has spent three seasons as an Assistant Coach at the NCAA Division I level, first with the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and then at his alma mater, the University of Alabama-Huntsville. Additionally, Karlis has coached with the Latvian Hockey Federation since 2014. Zirnis also serves as the Director of Player Personnel for the Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL).

***Pending Tier I Approval from the SAHA Board***

Sophia Shaver, 14U Girls Assistant Coach, Selected to the ECHL All-Star Classic

Nashville Jr. Predators Boys Tier I Plan for 2022-23 Season

NJP Families,

 

As the Nashville Jr. Predators Leadership & Board of Directors are working towards a successful conclusion of the 2021-2022 season, it is important that we communicate our plan to you and provide clarity for the 2022-23 season for our Boys Tier I program, subject to the approval of our Tier I application by SAHA. Our intent will continue to be providing a clear path for our Jr. Pred players and families to succeed, develop, and better themselves on and off the ice. We want to continually analyze, improve, and better the experience within the program by listening and understanding feedback, being creative with our programming, and driving a proactive developmental path for all players.

 

Last season, two players from our 16U team committed to playing NCAA Division I, Cam Briere (University of Nebraska Omaha) and Ethan Fredericks (Northeastern University). Additionally, Briere was invited to the USNTDP Evaluation Camp and participated in the 2021 Five Nations Tournament for Team USA. From the 18U team, NJP advanced eleven players to non-pay to play Jr. Hockey, along with two players from the 16U team. This season we have two players who have signed tenders in the North American Hockey League (NAHL) along with two players who have advanced to NAHL teams mid-season. We mention this because our mission is to provide the best opportunity to development both skill and character while building a lifelong love of the game. 

 

Last Spring, we made an announcement summarizing our plans to begin a transition to a Nashville-Only program beginning with the 2011 birth year. We will maintain the structure and format of our program for all birth years as it was last year, but will now have our 2011 birth year compete within a Multi-City Model at the Tier 1 level, as well. After careful review of data, player pools, etc. we feel the best path for our program will be to maintain this model while we grow and continue the momentum from 2020-2021 and this current season. We will remain committed to growing and developing the game of hockey here in Nashville while providing a successful organization to play for all kids within the SAHA region. Our Tier 2 program will remain Nashville-based and provide a path for all players who love the game. 

 

The NJP Leadership & Board are excited about the direction of the program and look forward to a successful second half of the 2021-22 season. In the coming weeks, information pertaining to Coaching Announcements, Spring Programming, and Tryout Dates for the 2022-23 season will be published, upon SAHA approval for Tier I.

 

If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to reach out to myself, JP Dumont, Teddy Rotenberger, or Brad Schell!

 

Sincerely,

 

Kristen Bowness

Board President – Nashville Jr. Predators 

Director of Amateur Hockey and Fan Development – Nashville Predators

Russell Marks First Women’s DI Commit

The Nashville Jr. Predators are pleased to announce that Sydney Russell, 19U Girls Captain, has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Stonehill College. This historical moment marks the first time a female player born and raised in Nashville has committed to play NCAA Division I Hockey. In addition, Russell is the first female Southern Amateur Hockey Association (SAHA) player to play her entire career in the association and commit to the Division I level.

 

Russell, defenseman, has been a proven performer with the Jr. Predators tallying 96 points (30g, 66a) over 114 games. This season Russell’s experience and leadership earned her the captaincy and she has continued to set the pace on the scoresheet as well totaling 33 points through 30 games this season.

 

“On behalf of the Nashville Predators, we are ecstatic for Sydney and her family,” stated Kristen Bowness, Nashville Jr. Predators President. “She is a great leader both on and off the ice and a fantastic role model for all girls throughout the Nashville area. A prime example of how hard work and a strong character can lead to huge success – something all young hockey players should focus on. Congratulations Sydney, we will be cheering for you!”

 

“She has a tremendous work ethic and has been a staple in building this program the past 6 years,” said Kahlie Singletary, 19U Girls Head Coach. “The skills and leadership she learned here are a huge asset for Stonehill as she helps build and contribute to the Skyhawks next season.”

 

Russell’s success should be no surprise to anyone. Her older brother Trevor has seen similar success playing his entire youth hockey career in the Jr. Predators organization and entered his freshman season at Michigan Tech this season. The Russell family has always been supportive of their children and has in turn helped our organization grow.

 

Stonehill College, located about 25 miles south of Boston, announced in 2019 the addition of their 23rd varsity sports program, Women’s Ice Hockey. As eager as the institution was to hit the ice for their first season, COVID restrictions provided many obstacles in recruiting and lead to the postponement of the Women’s Ice Hockey Program’s Inaugural Season to 2022-23.

 

The Stonehill women’s program will be led into their inaugural season by Head Coach Tara Watchorn. Former Boston University Assistant Coach and 2014 Olympic Gold Medalist for the Canadian National Team, Watchorn will bring much experience to the Skyhawks program and we are confident that this will be a fantastic fit for Russell to be successful.

 

From the entire Jr. Predator organization we are very proud of Russell’s accomplishment and would like to congratulate her for this achievement.

04’s Best Kept Secret

TPH Center of Excellence student-athlete, Ethan Fredericks, defines next steps of his hockey career

Each season is critical for player development and recruiting exposure, and last year’s mid-pandemic hockey season was no exception. For players like Ethan Fredericks who were aiming to raise their stock, a world full of Covid-19 restrictions made it even more difficult to gain attention from college scouts. Regarded by The Scouting Network as “one of the most undervalued 2004’s in the nation,” the Georgia native was in need of a breakout 2021-21 season.

 

Fredericks cranked it up to ten during the 2020-21 season and put college scouts on notice. He led the Nashville Jr. Predators 16U AAA team with 36 goals and 62 points, which earned him the third place slot among all goal scorers in the Tier 1 Elite Hockey League (T1EHL). Individual success was only a portion of the picture for Fredericks’s previous season as he and the Preds tangoed their way to the semi-finals of the T1EHL playoffs.

 

The hard work paid off in dividends as Fredericks committed to Northeastern University and inked a contract with the Des Moines Buccaneers of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Fredericks kicked off his USHL journey this fall at just 16 years old, but made an early impact when he found the back of the net early in his second game. As the Bucs look to build on their 3-0 start, Fredericks hopes to keep the train rolling.

 

https://tphcenterofexcellence.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Fredericks-Goal.mp4

 

The TPH team will be cheering Fredericks on for the remainder of his USHL journey, and we can’t wait to watch him compete with the Huskies when he makes his arrival at Northeastern.

 

Want to learn more about how the TPH CoE model can help student-athletes reach their full potential? Check out our website to see for yourself!

Girls Development Skate

The Nashville Jr Predators organization is excited to announce a new Girls Development Program. Starting October 4th and running Monday nights through March, 8U, 10U, and 12U will be able to learn and develop their skills with our all-female staff. Our coaching staff for the program includes Delaney Collins, Jennifer Boniecki, Mekenzie Steffen, and Sofia Shaver.

This program is set to kick off at the Ford Ice Center – Bellevue this week and is completely FREE to join. Click here to register today!

Jr. Predators Flourish as Athletes Achieve Advancements 

The Nashville Jr. Predators have established a growing presence in the development of future collegiate and junior-level talent and the 2020-2021 season once again shows that connection rings true. In the midst of all the challenges brought about by competing in a season during a pandemic, it has been a major year with numerous accomplishments as a team and for individuals. The Jr. Predators are proud to announce that two student-athletes have committed to play NCAA ice hockey for various powerhouse programs. As well as twelve athletes will be making their Tier I and Tier II junior hockey debut.

 

“The season was incredible for the U18 AAA and the organization as a whole. The team we have built here in Nashville is tremendous to work with – they are focused on the development of the players and the program, and making it hard to leave. The strong support from the leadership of the Nashville Predators is awesome,” said Steve Jennings, former Tier I Director and 18U AAA Head Coach, now serving as the Head Coach for the Aberdeen Wings (NAHL).

 

More impressively, the program has flourished on the ice at various age levels and has allowed much team success. For the second-straight season, the 18U Preds nabbed the Southeast District Championship, qualified for the USA Hockey National Championship, as did 16U, and saw a historic first for the organization where the 14U, 16U, and 18U teams all made it to the semifinals in the Tier I Elite League Playoffs. During that tournament, the18U team would sweep the competition and be victorious in winning the Tier I Elite Championship. As the 18U boys carried a 23-game winning streak this season their triumphs have echoed as a squad but have seen notable individual achievements as well.

 

“The development of the players last season was unprecedented and hopefully will become an annual standard here,” remarked Jennings. “It was tremendously rewarding to see the culmination of the boys’ dedication – the first ever Tier 1 Elite League Championship and monumental player advancement make this a year that will be hard to replicate. I believe the staff and players are in place this year to see a similar performance!” 

 

From all this talent, it is no surprise that the organization has witnessed much success but has also had impressive individual invitations to elite camps and large commitment numbers from players. The Jr. Predators pride themselves on being a league of development, and this season the 16U and 18U have seen exciting advancements to the collegiate level and junior hockey. The Nashville Jr. Predators would like to recognize the following athletes and congratulate them on their accomplishments.

 

  • Cam Briere (2005): Committed to University of Nebraska-Omaha (NCAA DI)
  • Ethan Fredericks (2004): Committed to Northeastern University/Des Moines Buccaneers (USHL)
  • Cannon Lentz (2004): Janesville Jets (NAHL)
  • Landry Schmuck (2003): Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
  • Jared Kaplowitz (2003): Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL)
  • Tommy Chunchukov (2003): Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL)
  • Hayden Nichol (2003): Shreveport (NAHL)& Drafted by Waterloo Blackhawks (USHL)
  • Trevor Faucher (2003): Carded by Pembroke Lumberkings (CCHL)
  • Logan Sadler (2002): Amarillo Wranglers (NAHL) & Tender to New Hampshire Monarchs NCDC
  • Ethan Roberts (2002): Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL)
  • Parks Wallace (2002): Aberdeen Wings (NAHL)
  • Ben Edwards (2002): Draft to Anchorage, NCDC Tender
  • Hudson Nadasdi (2002): NCDC Tender, Northern Cyclones

 

 To learn more about the Nashville Jr Predators, click here. 

About the Nashville Jr. Predators

The Nashville Jr. Predators Hockey Club is a non-profit organization and was reestablished in 2019, when the Nashville Jr. Predators (EST. 2009) and the Thunder AAA Hockey Club (EST. 2004) merged together in the long-term best interest of the players and their families.  NJP goal is to allow players to live at home or close to home, while still competing at the Tier I AAA, Tier II AA and Tier II Girls level against other top programs in the country. National in structure, Tier I AAA hockey is the most highly scouted and recruited youth division which produces the most players for non-pay-to-play junior leagues such as the USHL, NAHL and CHL. NJP hockey offers student-athletes access to full time professional hockey coaches that work within the guidelines laid out by the USA Hockey American Development Model (ADM). All of this is done in an effort to develop student-athletes for opportunities in hockey, the classroom and life. Jr. Predators alumni have been drafted to and/or are playing in the NHL, NCAA, USHL, NAHL, NA3HL, and CHL. 

 

Jennings Announced as New Head Coach of the Aberdeen Wings

Nashville Jr. Predators are proud to announce that Steve Jennings has accepted the position as Head Coach and Manager of Hockey Operations for the Aberdeen Wings, in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Currently, Jennings is Head of Operations for TPH Nashville Center of Excellence (CoE), Head of Boys Tier I Hockey for the Nashville Jr. Predators, as well as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Nashville Jr. Predators 18U AAA team. 

 

“We are so happy for Steve and his whole family as he moves up to the NAHL to lead the Aberdeen Wings. After an incredible, record-setting season as the Head Coach of the 18U Jr. Predators that saw the most player commitments to junior hockey in the history of the program, it’s not a surprise this opportunity came this way,” said TPH CEO Nathan Bowen. “We are so grateful for Steve’s positive impact in Nashville as a coach, mentor, and positive role model to hundreds of players and staff over his long tenure with the club. This will further grow the TPH network, and we know Steve will continue to help players advance with this move.”

 

Jennings will be taking over for long-time coach Scott Langer, who will be exiting and announced his new position as Head Coach with the Fargo Force, a member of the United States Hockey League. (USHL). The two coaches are not strangers, Jennings has served as the Director of Player Personnel for the past five seasons with the Aberdeen Wings and worked directly with Langer since the 2004-2005 hockey season. During the 2016-2017 season with the Wings, he was influential and helped in capturing the NAHL’s Central Division Championship, as well as reaching the Robertson Cup final four. In this capacity, he has worked with the coaching staff and has helped build a long-standing winning tradition, while helping players pursue their hockey and life goals.

 

This advancement comes as no surprise, given Jennings countless achievements throughout his career with both the Nashville CoE and the Jr. Predators. He has done it all, from being responsible for programming and operations of the academy-style environment, to overseeing the application of TPH’s on and off-ice Hockey-Athlete Development Model, mentoring student-athletes, and executing all training and practice plans.

 

“I am very grateful for my time with TPH and the Nashville Jr. Predators. The last couple of seasons have been tremendous, and very rewarding,” said Steve Jennings. “From winning back-to-back Southeastern District Championships, this year’s Tier 1 Elite League Championship, an appearance at nationals, and all the player placements in junior hockey, we’ve all had success, and it’s been an honor.” “TPH has blessed me with the opportunity to work alongside some great coaches and people, and I am very appreciative of the work we’ve done to make Nashville a hockey destination for players and families.” 

 

Prior to his time at TPH, Steve grew up in the Boston area and played in college at the US Naval Academy, where he captained his team to the National Tournament in his senior year. In 1991, after graduation, he began coaching at his Alma mater, and the rest has been history. Jennings has coached club hockey at Lehigh University, as well as multiple youth hockey programs throughout the United States. His coaching styles have brought skills and victories to Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Texas, and Georgia, where he relocated to coach in the Jr. Predators program. Since the mid-2000’s he has been a Tier II Junior ‘A’ level scout, and served as the Director of Player Personnel for the Santa Fe RoadRunners and the Topeka RoadRunners of the NAHL.

 

2021-22 Tier II Rosters Announced

The Nashville Jr Predators would like to thank everyone involved in tryouts, helping it run smoothly and make it a safe environment. We would like to congratulate all of the players who made the cut for this year’s 2021-22 Nashville Jr Predators Tier II teams.