EDITORS NOTE: The first two paragraphs of this article have been corrected to reflect that Anthony DeSilva did not plead no contest to a charge involving a minor. The Ledger Media Group incorrectly reported this information. DeSilva has made sure this information has been rectified with local and state authorities. TJHP regrets the error in citing these sources. Despite the fact the original citation was published briefly, we took it down for further verification. TJHP strives to cover college-bound hockey in a factual manner at all times.
Former Mass Maple Leafs Junior hockey coach Anthony DeSilva, who was arrested in November 2012 for multiple counts of computer-related crimes, is back in the game with a company called Top Hockey Prospect Player Management Services.
According to the Ledger Media Group DeSilva originally pleaded not guilty to 75 criminal charges issued by Polk County (Fla.). He eventually pleaded no contest to offense against a computer user. He was sentenced to time already served (244 days in the Polk County Jail) and 58 months of probation. DeSilva confirmed with TJHP that he has satisfied his probation and is free to operate without restriction in regard to his hockey business. “My past is my past, and it’s just that,” said DeSilva. “It’s all public record. I’ve moved on with my life.”
The Top Hockey Prospect website shows 2020 showcases in Virginia, Massachusetts, and New York, however, TJHP has confirmed with Virginia and Massachusetts rink officials that no such events will be happening in their facilities. The general manager of the New York rink has not responded to TJHP email request for additional information. DeSilva indicated he has not been told the showcases have been canceled in Virginia or Massachusetts.
The Detroit Fighting Irish of the United States Premier Hockey League’s Premier Division is listed on the Top Hockey Prospect website as a team client. TJHP has reached out to the general manager and the ownership group of the Fighting Irish for confirmation of a client agreement but has not yet received a response.
DeSilva said he started Top Prospect Hockey to provide a full suite player advisor services, to include but not limited to nutrition and off-ice training information, at a much lower cost than what other advising firms are currently charging. Top Prospect Hockey, which DeSilva said soft-launched six months ago, also provides team consulting services and plans to offer showcase events and showcase teams. “Our packages are structured for personal training and a full set of player services,” said DeSilva. He originally started Top Prospect Hockey with a partner who has since left the organization.
While these showcases and any player management services are not USA Hockey-sanctioned, TJHP reached out to the national governing body and confirmed DeSilva is suspended from any USAH involvement.
“DeSilva was suspended by USA Hockey at the time of his arrest when he was coaching the Mass Maple Leafs and has been subsequently placed on the permanently ineligible list of the U.S. Center for SafeSport,” said Casey Jorgensen, USA Hockey’s General Counsel via email. “This makes him permanently ineligible to participate in any sport governed by an Olympic governing body.”
DeSilva said if a client or potential client asks him about his past he is upfront about it. “Some stay with us, some go in a different direction.”
