The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club, of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), are pleased to announce that 18U forward Jacob McClelland has signed a tender agreement with the United States Premier Hockey League's (USPHL) Rochester Monarchs Jr. A club out of Rochester, New York.

McClelland will begin the season with the Monarch's Junior Premier team with an eye on advancing to the Monarch's, and the USPHL's, new NCDC Club (National Collegiate Development Conference)

The 6’0”/165 lbs. native of Canonsburg, PA, finished tied for the lead in scoring for the Stars U18 club during the overall 2016-17 season, registering 59 points (25 goals and 34 assists), including 3 power play goals and 1 shorthanded goal, in 60 games played and included 10 points (4 goals, 6 assists) in 22 NAPHL games.

McClelland, 18, who completed his first 18U season with Esmark during the 2016-17 season. skated for the Stars U16 club during the 2015-16 season, recording 41 points (16 goals and 25 assists), including 5 power play goals, in 58 games played

The Pittsburgh-based Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club, and its predecessor programs Pittsburgh Stars and Pittsburgh Viper Stars, are the oldest Tier I (AAA) program in the Mid-Am District (Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania) of USA Hockey and one of the oldest Tier I (AAA) programs in the nation.

Founded in 1984, for 33 years the Stars program has provided elite amateur ice hockey players the opportunity to be showcased on a local, national and international level.

The USPHL is launching its new 11 team tuition-free league (NCDC) this season.  Each club will also operate a junior team in the USPHL's Premier Division, while several will also field teams in a Junior Elite Division.

The USPHL, and its predecessor league's, were home to several National Hockey League players, including current NHL stars including Jack Eichel, Stanley Cup Champion Ron Hainsey, Ryan Callahan and Charlie Coyle.