College Prep

SISU Thunderbirds College Prep Update – 11/23/24

The team heads to Lakewood, OH, today to face St. Edward, a renowned private Catholic school with a challenging prep school schedule of its own. This matchup is a pivotal one as we head into the Thanksgiving break. Currently, our record stands at 4-10-4. While we’ve had a season filled with strong competition and effort, there is significant room for improvement. Every game moving forward is critical to building our momentum and reputation.

Transportation and Preparation

Players will be driving themselves, as the trip is within the contracted distance. It’s essential for players to prepare for the game by ensuring they are well-fed and mentally focused.

Refocusing on Our Mission

We’ve had a great time together this season, but we must remain committed to the purpose this team was built for. Every player, staff member, and supporter understands the level of focus and dedication required to achieve our goals. We hold ourselves to a high standard, and that standard must be evident starting with today’s game.

Thanksgiving Break Reminder

Justin and I encourage players to take their gear home over the break and continue to skate. Those who don’t keep up with their training, it will show. We are moving forward with full determination and cannot afford to lose momentum.

Thank you to everyone for your contributions to this program. We wish you safe travels and a wonderful Thanksgiving with your families. We’ll talk again soon.

-David Dew (General Manager)

SISU Thunderbirds College Prep E-Letter - 10/18/2024

Upcoming Matchups

The Thunderbirds College Prep team is heading to Toronto, Ontario, to participate in the Canadian Thanksgiving Classic, marking their first-ever NAPrepHL showcase. The team will compete against four NAPrepHL league teams, with the opportunity to earn up to eight points in the standings. All games will be played at the CAA Centre, home of the OHL's Brampton Steelheads.

With the showcase’s location and proximity, we anticipate scouts from Canadian Junior A, as well as Major Junior and Collegiate programs, to be in attendance. Depending on rink resources, all games are scheduled to be streamed on Rumble, and games will also be available on LiveBarn.

The team is staying at the Holiday Inn Express Toronto Airport West. The Thunderbirds departed at 7 AM on Friday, October 18, and will return on Sunday at approximately 8 PM.

Meals

Meals will be provided to players at the following times:

Friday night: After the game (dinner)

Saturday morning: Before the game (breakfast)

Saturday afternoon: After the morning game (lunch)

Saturday night: After the evening game (dinner)

Sunday morning: Before the game (breakfast)

Sunday afternoon: After the game (lunch)

Any additional food or beverages outside of these times must be purchased by the players themselves.

Game Transportation

The team will travel throughout the weekend on a state-of-the-art coach bus with over 36 seats, ensuring comfort and convenience for the players.

Friday, 10/18 vs. Somang Hockey

Location: CAA Centre

Game Time: 6:45 PM (Arrival by 3:45 PM)

*Team provided dinner afterwards*

Saturday, 10/19 vs. Montreal Knights

Location: CAA Centre

Game Time: 8:15 AM (Arrival by 6:45 AM)

*Team provided lunch afterwards*

Saturday, 10/19 vs. VC Academy

Location: CAA Centre

Game Time: 2:15 PM (Arrival by 12:15 AM)

*Team provided dinner afterwards*

Sunday, 10/20 vs. Le Sommet Academy

Location: CAA Centre

Game Time: 11:00 AM (Arrival by 9:00 AM)

*Team provided lunch afterwards*

Next Week

Next weekend features a midwest matchup with the Tier 1 U18AAA PHA Icemen. TCP will travel to Pittsburgh for two games in one day. Details to follow

SISU Thunderbirds College Prep Weekly E-Letter – October 2, 2024

Upcoming Matchups This past weekend, the team took some well-deserved time off from games to focus on the importance of college and junior visits. We are grateful to the following programs for showing interest in our players and hosting them for on-site visits:

Saginaw Valley State University (ACHA D1)

Indiana University of Pennsylvania (ACHA D1)

Fort Erie Meteors (GOJHL)

Now, we turn our attention to this weekend's matchups as we debut in the NAPrepHL league against Crystal Beach Academy (CBA). Located in Fort Erie, Ontario, CBA has graciously welcomed us into the league, making this an exciting first series for our team. These two games will count as part of our eight non-showcase league games and will be crucial to our overall record and success in the league.

Game Transportation This is a significant trip with contracted travel arrangements in place. The team will travel by bus across the border, and the players will stay together in a hotel. Meals will be provided as follows:

Friday Dinner

Saturday Breakfast

Saturday Lunch

We still encourage players to acquire snacks to stay fueled between meals. If you have any questions, please contact David Dew or send a message via Crossbar.

9/17/2024 College Prep Weekly E-Letter

Upcoming Matchups

The Thunderbirds College Prep team is preparing for one of the toughest weekends of the season. On Wednesday, the team travels to Mount Clemens to take on the prestigious Metro Jets of the USPHL. Afterward, they return to Columbus for two practices before facing the defending MPHL champions, Gilmour Academy. Gilmour finished 5th in the national US Prep rankings last year, alongside renowned teams like Shattuck St. Mary’s, Northwood School, Culver, and NorthStar Christian Academy.

The Thunderbirds currently hold a 1-2 record, with both losses coming from collegiate series games. The team is looking to build on the momentum of their inaugural season's first win—a 6-1 victory over the USPHL’s Battle Creek Kernels.

Game Transportation

For all three games, players will drive themselves, as the distances are within the set mileage. Since the games are scheduled early, players will not need to drive late into the night.

Wednesday, 9/18 vs. Metro Jets

Location: Mount Clemens Ice Arena

Game Time: 1:00 PM (Arrival by 11:00 AM)

Approximate Game End: 3:00 PM

Departure Time: 4:00 PM

Return to Columbus: 7:00–8:00 PM

Saturday, 9/21 vs. Gilmour Academy

Location: Gilmour Academy Ice Arena

Game Time: 1:00 PM (Arrival by 11:00 AM)

After the game, players will have a team-provided meal and check into the team-provided hotel for the night.

Sunday, 9/22 vs. Gilmour Academy

Location: Gilmour Academy Ice Arena

Game Time: 11:00 AM (Arrival by 9:00 AM)

Approximate Game End: 1:00 PM

Departure Time: 2:00 PM

Return to Columbus: 4:00–5:00 PM

Next Week

Next weekend is the season’s first gameless weekend, set aside for players to visit colleges or junior hockey programs. It’s recommended, but not required, to use this time for visits unless a team visit is scheduled.

**METRO GAME WILL NOT HAVE LIVE STREAM PER METRO STAFF REQUEST, AS GUESTS WE MUST OBLIGE, WE MAY DO A LIVE CHAT FEED ON RUMBLE WITH SCORING UPDATES**