Leadership Beyond The Rink.
Next Level Player Development brings together elite athletes, accomplished executives, medical professionals, player development leaders, and mentors who are committed to shaping the next generation of hockey players and young leaders.
The people helping shape the Next Level standard.
Our leadership group combines elite hockey experience, mentorship, business development, healthcare, player representation, and long-term strategic vision.
Building complete athletes through elite development.
Carey Krug has played an instrumental role in the advancement of countless athletes, guiding players from youth to junior hockey through Tier I and Tier II junior programs and into the collegiate ranks of the NCAA at both the Division I and Division III levels.
Known for his strategic insight, high-performance standards, and commitment to character-driven development, Krug has built a reputation for preparing players not only to compete at elite levels, but to succeed within them.
From undrafted player to NHL leader.
Torey Krug’s NHL journey is one of perseverance, intelligence, leadership, and relentless work ethic. Over a 13-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins and St. Louis Blues, Krug established himself as one of the premier offensive defensemen of his era.
Beyond hockey, Krug’s impact has extended into community initiatives, mentorship, youth development, and charitable work that continues to influence the next generation of athletes.
Teaching the details that separate good players from great ones.
Jake Crespi brings elite experience, authenticity, and purpose to Next Level Player Development. As a former Michigan State Champion at Brighton High School and recipient of Michigan’s Mr. Hockey, Jake understands what it takes to rise to the top — and stay there.
His mission is to give back to the game that gave him so much, guiding the next generation with clarity, confidence, and relentless passion for excellence.
Elite production. Relentless compete level.
Brandon Hawkins is a highly skilled professional ice hockey forward and one of the most dynamic players in the ECHL. A native of Macomb, Michigan, Hawkins has built a reputation as an elite scorer, relentless competitor, and proven leader both on and off the ice.
Currently a key offensive force for the Toledo Walleye, Hawkins is widely respected for his consistency, work ethic, and impact in all phases of the game. His journey through collegiate and professional hockey serves as a blueprint for young athletes pursuing the next level.
Business, mentorship, and player advocacy.
The NLPD network extends beyond the rink through strategic advisors, healthcare leaders, agents, executives, and former players committed to supporting athletes and families.
Tony Granato, full name Anthony Lewis Granato, is a former professional ice hockey forward, NHL head coach, and hockey analyst from the United States. He was born on July 25, 1964, in Downers Grove, Illinois. Granato played collegiate hockey at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a standout before being selected 120th overall in the 1982 NHL Draft by the New York Rangers.
NHL Playing Career
- Granato played 13 seasons in the NHL from 1988 to 2001, primarily as a right-shooting forward.
- He suited up for the New York Rangers, Los Angeles Kings, and San Jose Sharks, appearing in 773 games.
- Over his career, he amassed 248 goals and 244 assists for 492 points, and was known for his competitiveness and grit, earning the Bill Masterton Trophy in 1997 for perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication.
- Granato was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team in 1989 and played in the league’s All-Star Game.
Coaching Career
- After retiring as a player, Granato moved into coaching. He had two stints as head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, from 2002–04 and 2008–09, compiling over 100 wins at the NHL level.
- He later served as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings.
- In 2016, he returned to his alma mater as head coach of the University of Wisconsin men’s hockey team, where he spent seven seasons and earned multiple Big Ten Coach of the Year awards before parting ways in 2023.
- Internationally, Granato also coached the U.S. men’s national team at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
Broadcasting and Honors
- After his coaching career, Granato works as a television hockey analyst for outlets including NHL Network and NBC Sports Chicago, sharing insights from his playing and coaching experience.
- In recognition of his contributions to the sport, he was inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2020.
Personal Background
- Granato comes from a highly notable hockey family: his sister Cammi Granato is a Hall of Fame player and one of the pioneers of women’s hockey, and his brother Don Granato is an NHL head coach.
- In late 2023, Granato publicly announced that he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma and temporarily stepped away from his broadcasting duties to begin treatment.
Tony has his documentary show “Fight for Life” on the NHL Network along with “The Ranch.”
- Therapy: therapeutic services with counselors, animal therapy, family and group programs.
- Education: eliminating stigma and raising awareness with speakers, classes, and community engagement.
- Action: pro-active support and intervention with outreach teams and a dedicated 24/7 phone line.
- Management: commitment to the pursuit of promising new.
Dr. Gino Sessa is a respected physician, educator, and leader dedicated to advancing patient care through innovation, compassion, and clinical excellence. With a career built on integrity and a commitment to service, Dr. Sessa has earned a reputation for combining cutting-edge medical knowledge with a personalized approach to care.
Throughout his professional journey, Dr. Sessa has focused on delivering comprehensive, patient-centered treatment while mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals. His philosophy centers on building strong relationships with patients and families, ensuring they feel informed, supported, and confident in their care decisions.
Known for his collaborative leadership style, Dr. Sessa works closely with multidisciplinary teams to create solutions that improve outcomes and elevate standards within the medical community. His dedication extends beyond clinical practice, contributing to program development, community outreach, and ongoing medical education initiatives.
Dr. Gino Sessa continues to make a meaningful impact in healthcare — driven by a passion for excellence, innovation, and service to others.
Dr. Gino R. Sessa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine.
He is a physiatrist with a focus on non-surgical treatments for musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. His primary medical specialties and clinical interests include:
- Core Specialties: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Physiatry, and Sports Medicine.
- Board Certifications: American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine, and subspecialty certifications in Spinal Cord Injury Medicine and Sports Medicine.
- Interventional Spine Procedures: Treating lower back pain, neck pain, and spine problems.
- Joint & Muscle Injuries: Managing conditions such as arthritis, rotator cuff injuries, and tendonitis.
- Specialized Sports Care: Frequently treats patellar disorders, meniscus tears, and tennis/golfer's elbow.
- Professional Roles: He serves as an annual oral examiner for the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
- LMT Rehabilitation Associates.
- Dr. Sessa is affiliated with Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital and practices at LMT Rehabilitation Associates in Royal Oak and Troy, Michigan.
As an accomplished and highly qualified P&L executive, Brad Cutter is driven by a passion for driving organizational performance, productivity, and profitability. With extensive experience in P&L control, budgeting and forecasting, business plan development, and strategic planning, he approaches every challenge with a focus on leveraging industry expertise and best practices to achieve optimal results.
His guiding principles include building highly motivated work environments, fostering collaboration, and driving customer-centric organizations.
In terms of tangibles, his unique knowledge and experiences lie in customer service organizations, sales and business plan development, and sales management. He has a proven track record of developing and implementing processes and programs that improve efficiency, streamline operations, and enhance communication.
Additionally, he excels in team building, leadership, and mentoring, as well as market strategies and brand development. His expertise in M&As and post-acquisition integration further strengthens his ability to drive organizational success.
Looking ahead, his goal is to continue making a difference as a strategic leader and partner. He is eager to bring his expertise as an advisor, collaborator, and change agent to any organization. Whether it's developing and implementing strategic initiatives, driving revenue enhancement, or streamlining operations, he is dedicated to leveraging his skills and experience to help organizations thrive.
Financial Advisors are registered to conduct securities business and licensed to conduct insurance business in limited states. Response to, or contact with, residents of other states will be made only upon compliance with applicable licensing and registration requirements.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Rule is an experienced optometrist based in Lansing, Michigan, at Rule Eye Care Associates. He provides comprehensive vision and eye health services for patients of all ages.
Education & Training
- He earned his Doctor of Optometry, OD, degree from the Illinois College of Optometry.
- Prior to that, he completed a Bachelor of Science degree at Ohio State University.
- Dr. Rule also completed a clinical internship with a focus on glaucoma and diabetic eye disease at Illinois Memorial Hospital.
Professional Focus
Dr. Rule’s optometric expertise includes:
- Routine eye exams and vision assessments.
- Contact lens fittings and specialty lenses.
- Pre and post LASIK care and co-management.
- Detection and management of eye conditions including glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease.
His training and certifications allow him to provide personalized eye care tailored to individual needs.
Mark Toof is a seasoned hockey agent and client advisor with Sports Professional Management Inc., a well established independent sports agency representing professional hockey players. He serves as an NHLPA certified agent and head recruiter, working directly with current and prospective clients to guide their careers both on and off the ice under the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the National Hockey League and the NHLPA.
In his role, Toof focuses on personalized representation, including contract negotiation, career planning, and advising families of young athletes navigating junior, collegiate, and professional pathways. He brings industry insight and advocacy to every player relationship, leveraging the agency’s resources to help athletes secure the best opportunities throughout their careers.
Mark Toof’s experience includes contributions to player development discussions — such as interviews and podcasts where he has shared his perspective on hockey management and athlete representation. His work emphasizes long term career success and strategic planning for clients at all stages of their professional journey.
Elite development. Professional guidance. Long-term vision.
NLPD was built to develop athletes, leaders, and young men and women prepared for success on the ice, in business, and throughout life.
