Drake Chosen as Player Development Coach and Mentor for Total Package Hockey’s Phoenix CoE
TPH Phoenix is thrilled to announce new hire Dallas Drake in the role of Player Development Coach & Mentor. Drake will bring his invaluable experience in both hockey, player development and mentoring experience from his standout career with the NHL. In the new role, Drake will assist in the recruiting process for the division, attend area tournaments, evaluate player performance and work with Center of Excellence (CoE) academy families on player development and mentorship.
“Dallas Drake still carries the same level of professionalism that he did during his playing days. Our kids will benefit greatly from his presence, both on and off the ice, as they aspire to become elite. From Drake’s experience he has a solid understanding of the consistency it takes to become and remain a high-level athlete. We know that he will mentor our student-athletes to better understand the work ethic and persistence it takes to accomplish their goals,” remarked Brett Blatchford, Director of TPH Phoenix.
As part of his focus on player development, Drake will also dedicate time executing training, practice plans, and critical dynamic warm-ups, while also analyzing video sessions that help players gain valuable insight to take their playing to the next level. Through his role, Drake will ensure all student-athletes will train in a safe, positive environment, and one that is consistent with TPH and USA Hockey standards. The same guidance will be given to Drake’s son Dysen Drake, who will be entering TPH Phoenix CoE in the fall of the 2021-2022 season. There Drake (Dysen) will learn to Study, Train, Play to his fullest potential in the CoE’s academy-style hybrid learning environment that combines a proven, hands-on, and sport-specific training and instructional approach.
“I’m thankful for the chance to work with young players in the TPH Program, helping to develop them as players and as people. I’m also excited for my son, Dysen, to have the opportunity to learn and grow within the CoE’s innovative model. We can’t wait to get started in the fall,” commented Dallas Drake.
Drake, a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger in the National Hockey League (NHL), originates from Trail, British Columbia, Canada. Having begun his hockey career with the Rossland Warriors (KIJHL) and the Vernon Lakers (BCJHL), Drake would soon travel to Northern Michigan University, where he assisted the team in winning the 1991 NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championship his junior year. That same season, Drake was awarded NCAA Defensive Player of the Year, First All-Star Team, and First All-American Team. He would later be inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame in 2002.
Following his winning college career, Drake continued his success on the ice with the Detroit Red Wings for his rookie season in 1992-1993, posting 44 points on 18 goals and 26 assists. Drake played the beginning of his career for the Detroit Red Wings, but later played for the Winnipeg Jets/Phoenix Coyotes, and St. Louis Blues. Drake came full circle by ending his stellar NHL career with Detroit and won his first Stanley Cup championship in his final season in 2008. On July 15, 2008, Drake announced his retirement from the NHL.
Learn more about our Phoenix TPH CoE , click here.
