Team Grey Captures SHOW TPT Championship

The NAPHL SHOW League wrapped up the 2024-25 season with its highly anticipated Top Prospects Tournament, drawing an impressive crowd and showcasing top talent. Held in conjunction with the NAHL Columbus Combine, the event featured full participation from all 35 NA3HL programs, with numerous NAHL scouts in attendance.

With every NA3HL team represented and multiple coaches on the bench for each Top Prospects game, players were given unmatched exposure to junior programs. This tournament provided a major opportunity for athletes to take the next step in their hockey careers.

The tournament-style format of this year’s event set the stage for an exciting finish, with Team Grey emerging as the 2025 Top Prospects champions. 

Team Grey finished the weekend with an impressive 3-1 record, kicking things off with a commanding 6-3 win over Team Black. They came out firing in the first period, lighting the lamp four times. Cole Anderson of the TX Tigers set the tone early, opening the scoring and adding an assist for a two-point first period.

Team Black looked to rally in the second, with Joey Innis of Tahoe Prep also recording two points, but Grey maintained control and carried a 5-2 lead into the final frame. In the third, Braxton Thomas of Team Wyoming sealed the deal with his second goal of the game, becoming the only player to score twice in the contest.

Saturday brought a mixed bag for Team Grey, starting with a tough 4-2 loss to Team Red. Braxton Thomas, continuing his standout play from day one, netting one of Grey’s two goals in the effort.

In their second game of the day, Team Grey bounced back with a solid 4-2 win over Team White. After a scoreless opening period, both teams traded goals in the second to enter the third tied at 2-2. Grey turned up the pressure in the final frame, pulling ahead with goals from Anthony Germann of the West Dundee Leafs and another tally from the red-hot Thomas, sealing the win.

Championship Sunday delivered all the drama as Team Grey squared off against their only loss of the tournament, Team Red. The opening period saw three goals, with Grey striking twice and Red once. Anthony Germann added to his impressive weekend performance, scoring with less than a minute left in the first to give Grey the edge.

Germann stayed hot in the second period, assisting on Grey’s third goal before burying their fourth and final tally of the game. Holding a 4-1 lead heading into the third, Grey had to weather a late surge from Team Red. Giovanni Barghini of the West Dundee Leafs put on a show with a natural hat trick in the final frame, scoring all three of Red’s goals. Despite the push, Grey held on for a thrilling 4-3 victory, securing the 2025 Top Prospects title and leaving Red to finish as runners-up.

A heartfelt thank you to all the players and coaches who helped make this final event of the season truly unforgettable. Your hard work, passion, and dedication were on full display, and we couldn't be more proud. We’re already looking ahead to another thrilling season and can’t wait to see what the future holds. Until then, thanks once again, and we’ll see you in the fall!