Using the term "elite hockey" in the same sentence as "Indiana" often draws quizzical looks from those not deeply connected to the game.  But just like us here at INHockey.net, there are enough folks around who know that there's some darn good hockey in Hoosierland.

The big-wigs at Total Package Hockey know it too.

Not too long ago, the Fuel Tank (Fishers, IN) hosted a sneak peak of TPH's latest Center Of Excellence, the fourth such program in addition to two centers in the Detroit, MI area and one in Atlanta, GA.  As a reflection of the partnership, this one has been officially dubbed the Fuel Tank Center of Excellence Powered by TPH.

The Indianapolis location was chosen based on its proximity to several TPH clubs, its centralized geography, a willing and available facility partnership in the Indy Fuel... and an experienced director already on staff.

Greg Austin, currently the head coach of the Tri-State Spartans 2002 team, was tabbed to lead the Fuel Tank Center Of Excellence Powered by TPH as well as serving as the head coach for the new Tier 1 Elite 18U team.  That squad will take the ice starting in the 2017-18 season.

Austin was more than up for the challenge, having coached for over 20 years at the Collegiate, Midget AAA, and High School level. He played Maritime Junior A hockey at Halifax for 2 years and has received USA Level V and Canada Level III coaching certifications.  Austin also has a background in Education, making him an ideal candidate to head up the program.

The Center Of Excellence concept is built on the concept of establishing a balance between high-quality academics and elite athletic training.  The COE offers a fully-accredited academic program including dedicated educators, and leverages an award-winning curriculum from Connections Academy, a leading online learning provider.  In addition, student-athletes will receive both on- & off-ice athletic instruct amounting to the equivalent of five full season of hockey training in one school year.

The COE which TPH began offering in the Detroit area has proven to be a successful model, both academically and athletically.  Over a dozen Detroit COE players have committed to NCAA Division I schools, including powerhouse hockey programs such as North Dakota, University of Denver, University of Michigan, and Harvard.  Coach Austin and the TPH leadership team feels they can replicate that success in Indiana.

Similar to the other centers, the Fuel Tank Center Of Excellence Powered by TPH will be open to anyone with the passion, motivation, and ability to thrive in such a demanding environment, including players from surrounding states.  But since it's located right here, homegrown Hoosier hockey players will have a unique opportunity to develop their skills unlike any they've ever had in the past.

Space for the inaugural school year is limited to 30 players in grades 5-12.  And since the training schedule is extensive, the vetting process will focus as much on why players want to attend as much as their ability to do so.  In other words, you gotta want it bad and you gotta be willing to work your tail off too!

Remember... there once was a time when thinking that a player from Arizona could be selected as the NHL's #1 draft pick would earn you a one-way ticket to the looney bin!  But now, maybe thinking that Indiana could soon produce the next Austin Matthews isn't so crazy after all...

For more information on the Fuel Tank Center of Excellence Powered by TPH, visit Total Package Hockey on the web.