The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced that Blake Rossi, a defenseman with the Esmark Stars U18 team, was selected as the Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performer U18 Number One Star - Defenseman, for the month of September.

The award was based upon player performance at the first NAPHL event of the 2017-2018 season which took place in Blaine, MN, Sept. 21-24.

Rossi, a native of Youngwood, PA,  (6’0"/160 lbs.), put up some good numbers at the the league's opening event, as he posted four points (2 goals, 2 assists) in four games played, including a multi-point effort in a 3-2 OT loss to the New Jersey Colonials of the High Performance Hockey League (HPHL) in crossover competition.

"Blake had a very good weekend," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick,  "and was able to demonstrate his offensive skill set to a wide variety of scouts and hockey enthusiasts."

"His skating and ability to get the puck to the offensive side of the game, certainly left an impression. "

Overall, in the early part of the season, Rossi has tallied 12 points (5 goals and 7 assists; including 3 power play goals) in 19 games to date.

After each NAPHL league event, the league's central scouting staff selects top performers (three stars), for the 18U and 16U divisions, as well as the 15U division for events in which they participate, for offense, defense and goaltending.

The NAPHL is comprised of five regular-season events leading up to its Championship Tournament in which the top teams in each division compete for a league championship. The second NAPHL event of the 2017-18 season will be the 2017 NAPHL Showcase and Future Prospects Tournament, which will take place from Oct. 20-23, 2017, back at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, MN.

Apex Learning Virtual School

With more than 100 online high school courses and 20 years of experience, Apex Learning Virtual School offers players the opportunity to be both successful academically ... and available for practice and travel. Rigorous curriculum and the support of expert online teachers provide a strong academic foundation. The flexibility to complete online course work when and where it is convenient means school can fit with player's hockey commitments. Enrollment options include full time to earn a diploma and individual courses to fulfill specific requirements. For players wanting to qualify for Division I and Division III college teams, courses approved by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) are offered.