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2019-2020 Esmark Stars Tenders

Mitchell Signs with Worcester Jr Railers

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U goaltender Danny Mitchell has signed a Eastern Hockey League (EHL) contract agreement with the Worcester Railers Junior A Hockey Club.

The 18-year old Mars, PA native, who is a senior at Mars Area High School, completed his second stint with the U18 AAA Stars this past season.

During the 2019-2020 season, Mitchell (6'3", 165 lbs.) had an overall record of 20-5-2-2 in 30 overall appearances, with a .912 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.20, including one shutout. In nine regular season North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances , Mitchell has a 4-1-0-2 record, with a .911 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 2.21.  In NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff action, Mitchell was 1-0-0-0 in two appearances. He was also selected to and played in the NAPHL U18 All-Star game.

During the 2018-19 season, Mitchell was undefeated in NAPHL 18U regular season play accumulating a 8-0-0-0 record, including three shutouts in eight games played, with a .909 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.88.  In NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff action, Mitchell went 1-1-0-0 in two appearances. During the 2018-2019 season, Mitchell had an overall record of 22-4-1-0 in 30 overall appearances, with a .920 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.97, including five shutouts. 

"Danny played a large role in our squad winning the Mid-American District Championships and earning the district spot in the USA Hockey National Championships the past two season," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He brings a very professional approach to his play and is determined to succeed."

"Danny was part of an elite goaltending tandem our squad had," Kosick added. "He and his playing partner give us a chance to win every night."

Mitchell is the seventh member of the 2019-2020 Esmark Stars to secure a deal with a Junior A club for next season. Fellow goaltender Connor Strobel and defenseman Dustin Gergerach, tendered with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL; defenseman Lane Ruffner and forward Alex Walker tendered with the Wichita Falls Warriors of the NAHL; forward Ryder Brophy tendered with the Lone Star Brahmas of the NAHL; and forward Tyler Stewart tendered with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL.

Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, the Railers Junior Hockey Club is in the EHL's New England Conference.

Walker Signs with Wichita Falls

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Alex Walker has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Wichita Falls (TX) Warriors.

A native of Latrobe, PA, the 17-year old junior at Latrobe Area High School is in his third season with the Stars. 

During the 2019-20 season, Walker (6'0", 160 lbs.) registered 21 points (7 goals, 14 assists) in 16 regular season NAPHL games and 5 points (1 goal, 4 assists) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. Overall, Walker registered 76 points (25 goals, 51 assists), including 7 power play goals and a +58 plus/minus rating on the season in 57 games played, helping lead Esmark’s Midget Major squad to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

During the 2018-19 season, Walker registered 16 points (7 goals, 5 assists), in 16 NAPHL regular season games and 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist) in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U16 AAA squad. Overall, Walker registered 48 points (16 goals, 32 assists) in 53 games played for Esmark.

During the 2017-18 season, Walker registered 10 points (8 goals, 2 assists) in 9 NAPHL regular season games and 3 points (1 goal, 2 assist2) in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games. Overall, Walker registered 71 points (29 goals, 42 assists) in 60 games played for the U15 AAA Stars during the season.

"Alex is a very gifted player who has worked hard at improving his game and skill set," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick.

"He has scored a number of highlight and memorable goals over the past three seasons with our program and his performance in NAPHL play and at the Mid-American District Championships solidified his high-end potential," Kosick continued.

Strobel Signs with Johnstown

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U goaltender Connor Strobel has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Johnstown Tomahawks.

The 17-year old Butler, PA native, who is a senior at Butler High School, is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 squad, Strobel tended the nets for the U16 Esmark Stars during the 2018-19 season.

During the 2019-2020 season, Strobel (6'2", 170 lbs.) recorded a 27-2-4-1 in 35 overall appearances, with a .936 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.75, including seven shutouts. In nine North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances this season, Stobel has a 7-0-0-1 record, with a .940 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.50, and recorded three shutouts. In four Dixon Cup NAPLH Playoff appearances Stobel has a 3-1-0-0 record, with a .859 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 3.42,

During the 2018-19 NAPHL 16U season, Strobel had an overall record of 23-11-2-0, with a .913 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 2.34, including five shutouts, in 35 appearances. That included a 8-6-0-0 record, with a .889 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 2.36, with three shutouts, in 14 regular season and NAPHL Dixon Cup playoff appearances.

"Connor has demonstrated that he among the top goaltenders in our league and certainly among the best midget major goalies in the nation this season," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He simply does not get rattled."

"Connor is part of an elite goaltending tandem our squad offers," Kosick added. "He and his playing partner give us a chance to win every night. Johnstown landed an outstanding young man with a bright future."

Ruffner Signs with Wichita Falls

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Lane Ruffner has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Wichita Falls (TX) Warriors.

The 18-year old western Pennsylvania native, who is a senior at Greater Latrobe High School in Latrobe, PA, is in his second season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 Stars squad, Ruffner had previously skated for the U16, U15 and U13 Esmark Stars.

During the 2019-20 season, Ruffner (6'1", 180 lbs.) registered seven points (0 goals, 7 assists) in 16 regular season NAPHL games and 2 points (0 goals, 2 assists) in five Dixon Cup Playoff games. Overall, Ruffner registered 33 points (4 goals, 29 assists) in 60 games played, including one power-play and one shorthanded goal, in helping lead the AAA 18U Stars to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

During the 2018-19 NAPHL season, he registered 2 points (1 goal, 1 assist), in 19 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games. Overall, he recorded 13 points (2 goals, 11 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 60 games.

During the 2017-18 NAPHL season, Ruffner registered 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists), in 25 16U AAA league games. Overall, he recorded 7 points (1 goal, 6 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 48 games.

During the 2016-17 NAPHL season at U15, he registered 2 points (2 assists), in league games. 

Last season, Ruffner helped lead Esmark's U18 squad to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot at the USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships. 

"Lane earned this opportunity because of the hard work and dedication he has brought to the rink every day for the past five years," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He is an outstanding defensive player, certainly among the best in our league, and he now being given an opportunity to take his game to the next level."

Ruffner is the first tender offered by Wichita Falls in their return to the NAHL following a three-year hiatus. 

Pazo Signs with Danbury

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Edward Pazo has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Danbury (CT) Jr. Hat Tricks.

A native of Jefferson Hills, PA, the 17-year old junior at Thomas Jefferson High School has skated for the Stars for a pair of seasons.

During the 2019-20 season, Pazo (6'3", 200 lbs.) registered 17 points (6 goals, 11 assists) in 16 regular season NAPHL games and 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. Overall, Pazo registered 92 points (33 goals, 59 assists), including 13 power play goals and a +57 plus/minus rating on the season in 62 games played, helping lead Esmark’s Midget Major squad to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

During the 2018-19 season, Pazo registered 16 points (6 goals, 6 assists), including 3 power play goals, in 15 NAPHL regular season games and 7 points (1 goal, 6 assist) in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U16 AAA squad. Overall, Pazo registered 57 points (25 goals, 32 assists), including 3 power play goals, in 53 games played for Esmark.

"With Ed's size and production, quite a few teams had expressed interest in securing his junior rights," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His shot velocity combined with his net front presence and ability to find scoring chances will certainly give him an opportunity to flourish at the next level."

Pazo is the seventh player from the 2019-2020 U18 AAA squad to sign a tender with an NAHL club and the eighth overall Esmark Stars U18 player to sign a Junior A tender for the upcoming 2020-2021 season. He joins teammates Alex Walker, forward, Wichita Falls Warriors; Lane Ruffner, defenseman, Wichita Falls Warriors; Ryder Brophy, forward, Lone Star Brahmas; Connor Strobel, goaltender, Johnston Tomahawks; Dustin Geregach, defenseman, Johnston Tomahawks; and Tyler Stewart, forward, Fairbanks Ice Dogs, who all had previously signed NAHL tenders for this upcoming season, as well as Danny Mitchell, goaltender, who signed with the Worcester Jr. Railers, of the Eastern Hockey League (EHL).

The Jr. Hat Tricks skated as the Wilkes Barre / Scranton, PA, Knights last season but have relocated to Danbury beginning with the 2020-2021 season.  The team, which will remain in the NAHL's Eastern Division, will play out of the Danbury Arena. Former NAHL standout Billy McCreary is the Jr. Hat Tricks head coach.

In addition to the Jr. Hat Tricks, the NAHL East Division also includes: Jamestown Rebels (Jamestown, NY), Johnstown Tomahawks (Johnstown, PA), Maine Nordiques (Lewiston, ME), Maryland Black Bears (Odenton, MD), New Jersey Titans (Middletown, NJ), and Northeast Generals (Attleboro, MA). 

Stewart Signs with Fairbanks

Pittsburgh, PA - Esmark Stars 18U AAA forward Tyler Stewart has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the NAHL’s Midwest Division.

A native of Burrell, PA, the 18-year old senior at Burrell High School is in his second season with the Stars. 

During the 2019-20 season, Stewart (5'10", 160 lbs.) registered three points (2 goals, 1 assist) in five regular season games after returning to the Stars and a league-leading 19 points (10 goals, 9 assists) in five Dixon Cup Playoff games. Overall, Stewart registered 53 points (24 goals, 29 assists) in 26 games played, helping lead the AAA 18U Stars to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

Stewart, who was tendered by the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL's Eastern Division at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season and then spent time with the Odessa Jackalopes of the NAHL's Southern Division, returned to the 18U AAA Stars mid-season. He registered one point, an assist, in seven appearances with the Jackalopes.

During the 2018-19 season, Stewart registered 19 points (11 goals, 8 assist), in 16 regular season games and 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in four Dixon Cup Playoff games. Overall, Stewart registered 89 points (36 goals, 53 assists) in 61 games played, helping lead the AAA 18U Stars to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2019 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

"Tyler is determined  to make the next step," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "and there is no denying his has world-class skills in the offensive zone."

"His performance at the NAPHL Playoffs and at the Mid-American District Championships created tremendous interest in him," Kosick continued. "And due to that and his overall skill set, we fielded a lot of calls from junior teams across the nation who have been overwhelmingly impressed by what he does in the offensive zone."

Brophy Signs With Lone Star

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Ryder Brophy has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Lone Star (TX) Brahmas.

The 17-year old western Pennsylvania native, who is a senior at Franklin Area High School in Franklin, PA, is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 squad, Brophy previously skated for two seasons with the U16 Esmark Stars.

During the 2019-2020 season, Brophy (6'1", 190 lbs.) tallied 24 points (13 goals, 11 assists), including one power-play and one shorthanded goal, in 16 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season games and 6 points (5 goals, 1 assist) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff Games. Brophy was also selected to participate in the 2019-202 NAPHL All-Star game and scored a goal for Team Warroad. Overall this season he led the Stars in scoring and goals scored, as he recorded 106 points (51 goals, 55 assists), including 10 power-play goals and 2 shorthanded goals, in 63 games played.  He helped lead the AAA 18U Stars to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

During the 2018-19 NAPHL 16U season, he registered 25 points (11 goals, 14 assists), in 20 overall North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games, including three power play goals. Overall, he recorded 70 points (34 goals, 36 assists), including 6 power-play goals and one shorthanded goal in 53 games.

During the 2017-18 NAPHL season, Brophy registered 9 points (4 goals, 5 assists), in 21 overall 16U AAA league games. He also helped guide Esmark to the Tier I Mid-American District Championship at 16U and a spot at the USA Hockey 16U Tier I National Championships. 

"Ryder has demonstrated without question that he is among the best 18U players in the country," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He has worked his backside off over the course of these last three years and that has resulted in considerable interest and multiple offers from several NAHL teams.

"Ryder is proof that hard work, focused attention to skill development and disciplined play can result in junior placement," Kosick added. "Like his teammates who have previously tendered, he earned his tender." 

Geregach Signs with Johnstown Tomahawks

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Dustin Geregach has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the NAHL’s East Division. 

The 18-year old western Pennsylvania native, who is a senior at Montour High School in Robinson, PA, is in his second season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 Stars squad, Geregach skated for the U16 Armstrong Arrows.

To date this season, Geregach (6'0", 185 lbs.) has tallied 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists), including 2 power play goals, in 12 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games. Overall, to date, he has recorded 27 points (7 goals, 20 assists), including 5 power play goals, in 30 games played.

During the 2019-20 season, Geregach (6'0", 185 lbs.) registered 11 points (3 goals, 8 assists), including two power-play goals in 16 regular season games and a league-leading 8 points (3 goals, 5 assists) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games. Overall, Geregach registered 60 points (17 goals, 43 assists) in 62 games played, including 10 power-play goals, helping lead the AAA 18U Stars to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot as District Champions in the 2020 USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships.

During the 2018-19 NAPHL season, Geregach registered 17 points (3 goals, 14 assists), in 19 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games. Overall, he recorded 47 points (14 goals, 33 assists), including five power play goals, in 61 games.

Last season, Geregach helped lead Esmark's U18 squad to the Mid-American District Championship and a spot at the USA Hockey 18U Tier I National Championships. He was also selected to play in the NAPHL's Top Prospects Showcase at the conclusion of the 2018-19 season.

"Dusty has busted his tail and worked hard on his game over the past year and a half ," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His overall game and calm on the ice has had him on  a number of team's radar.  Johnstown landed themselves a truly solid d-man."

Geregach is the first member of the 2019-2020 Esmark Stars to secure a tender with an NAHL squad for the 2020-2021 season.