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 Amarillo Wranglers.

The 18-year old Butler, PA, native, shared duties in net for the U18 AAA Stars for both the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons and helped guide the Esmark 18U AAA program to back-to-back spots in the USA Hockey National Championships (as the 2019-20 18U Tier I Mid-American District Champion and as a 18U Tier I "at-large" selection for the '20-'21 season).

Following the 2019-20 season, Strobel, a 2020 graduate of Butler High School, was tendered by the NAHL's Johnstown Tomahawks. He was returned to Esmark in December of last season, to get additional playing time and work in, and then returned to Johnstown as an "affiliate player" after the conclusion of the 2021 USA Hockey Nationals.

In three NAHL starts for the Tomahawks, Strobel recorded a 1-1-0-1 record with a .884 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 3.66.

During the '20-'21 season, Strobel (6'2", 170 lbs.), recorded a record of 15-7-2-0 in 25 overall appearances with the U18 Stars, with a .928 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.12, including two shutouts. In five regular season NAPHL appearances this past season, he had a 2-3-0-0 record, with a .906 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.73. And in two NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff appearances, he recorded a 2-0-0-0 record, with a .964 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.08.

During the 2019-20 season, Strobel recorded a record of 27-2-4-1 in 35 overall appearances with the U18 Stars, had a .936 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.75, including seven shutouts and three assists. In nine regular season NAPHL appearances, he recorded a 7-0-0-1 record, with a .940 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.50, and three shutouts. And in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff appearances, he recorded a 3-1-0-0 record, with a .859 save percentage, and a goals against average (GAA) of 3.42. 

"During the past two seasons, Connor has certainly demonstrated that he among the upper realm of elite goaltenders in the nation," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick.

"He has a perfect pulse for the goaltender position," Kosick added, "regardless of the situation, he simply does not get rattled."

Prior to joining the U18 squad, Strobel tended the nets for the U16 Esmark Stars during the 2018-19 season. 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.

Strobel will join teammate John Camp, who also signed a tender with the Wranglers, in Amarillo for the upcoming season.

"Connor helped get my club to the USA Hockey Nationals in consecutive season," Kosick added. "He will give Amarillo a goaltender who knows what it takes to climb to the top of the mountain in a tough Southern Division." 

The Wranglers, who are relocating to Amarillo from Kansas City and rebranding from the Kansas City Scouts to the Amarillo Wranglers, beginning with the '21-'22 season, will play in the eight-team NAHL South Division.

Strobel, becomes the eighth member of the 2020-2021 Esmark AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club, and the ninth '20-'21 Esmark player overall to sign a Junior A tender offer.

He joins teammates Nathan Dickey, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears; Ryder Brophy, forward, Lone Star Brahmas; Yahor Ramanau, defenseman, Wichita Warriors; Michael Felsing, forward, Minnesota Wilderness; Dominic Dezort, El Paso Rhinos; Zachary Stoner, Johnstown Tomahawks; and John Camp, forward, Amarillo Wranglers, in signing tenders with NAHL Junior A clubs for the 2021-2022 season and teammate Edward Pazo, forward, who signed a tender offer with the Northern Cyclones of the USPHL's NCDC Division.

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 18-year old western Pennsylvania native, who is a graduate of Franklin Area High School in Franklin, PA, is in his second season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 squad, Brophy previously skated for a pair of seasons with the U16 Esmark Stars.

Brophy, who was tendered by Lone Star last season and participated with that club at their main camp this season, was returned to Esmark at the beginning of November as the Brahmas began having players returned to them from various Junior and Collegiate teams experiencing issues with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

"Ryder got caught in the tsunami of players moving backward who were looking to find opportunities to play because of the Pandemic," Esmark Stars U18 head coach Dave Kosick said. 

"Several leagues and teams ... including both USHL and NCAA Division I and III teams ... have chosen to delay starting this season or not play at all during the 2020-2021 season.  This has created a tremendous glut of players, many of which has returned to NAHL clubs.  And that has impacted many of the young players trying to make the jump to Juniors," he added.

"But I have zero doubt that Brophy will play Juniors ... it just will take a little longer for that to happen," Kosick offered.

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 last 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.

In limited play so far this season, Brophy has posted four points (two goals, two assists) in 8 games played.

"Ryder has clearly demonstrated without question that he is among the best 18U players in the country," Kosick added.

"He has worked his backside off over the course of the last three years and that has resulted in considerable interest and multiple offers from several NAHL teams.  The Pandemic has thrown him a curveball, which he has accepted, so he has re-focused himself on continuing to improve his game and skill set in preparation for the next step." 

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

The 18-year old from Minsk, Belarus, who is a senior at Greensburg Central Catholic, is in his fourth season with the Esmark AAA program. Prior to joining the U18 squad this season, Ramanau had previously skated for Esmark’s U14 (‘17-’18), U15 (‘18-’19), and U16 (’19-’20) squads in the previous three seasons.

"Yahor is a highly skilled defenseman who blends the eastern European and western North American style into his own style of play," Esmark Stars U18 head coach Dave Kosick said.  "As the season has progressed, he has attracted attention from multiple teams ... including both NAHL and USHL teams."

“Having the opportunity to develop in our system for the past four year while working closely with Yuri Krivokhija (Esmark’s defensive skills coach, as well as head coach of the Stars U16 AAA team) has certainly given Yahor an opportunity to develop, refine and showcase his skill set,” Kosick added.

Ramanau (6’0”, 170 lbs.) tallied 20 points (6 goals, 14 assists), including two game-winning goals, in 25 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season and Dixon Cup Playoff games.  And 41 points (12 goals, 29 assists) overall, including six power-play and one shorthanded goal and a +23 plus/minus rating, in 54 games played.

Last season, Ramanau tallied 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 20 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season and Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U16 AAA squad.

During the 2018-19 season, he recorded 6 points (1 goal, 5 assists), in 16 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season and Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U15 AAA squad.

"Ramanau will bring a really solid mix of offensive and defensive skills to Garrett Roth’s Warriors club next season," Kosick said.

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 NCDC tender agreement with the USPHL's Northern Cyclones.

A native of Jefferson Hills, PA, the 18-year old senior at Thomas Jefferson High School has skated for the Stars for three seasons, two seasons with Esmark's U18 team and one season with their 16U team.

During the 2020-21 season, Pazo (6'3", 200 lbs.) registered 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists), including two power play goals and one game-winning-goal, in 16 regular season NAPHL games and 5 points (5 assists) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. Overall, Pazo registered 55 points (19 goals, 36 assists), including 3 power play goals on the season in 52 games played.

During the 2019-20 season, he 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.

"Ed is blessed with the size of a power forward and mixed with his skill set, teams from multiple leagues have expressed interest in securing his junior rights," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. 

The National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC), which plays under the USPHL moniker, is a 13-team tuition-free junior hockey league entirely located in the Northeastern United States. The league and all of its teams are fully united and dedicated to the mission of player development and advancement to college hockey. 

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that former 18U forward John Camp has signed a NAHL tender agreement with the NAHL's Amarillo (TX) Wranglers.

A native of McMurray, PA, the 18-year old graduate of Peters Township High School has skated for the Stars for three seasons, two seasons with Esmark's U18 team and one season with their 16U team.

During the 2020-21 season, Camp (5'10", 165 lbs.) registered 18 points (10 goals, 8 assists), including four power play goals, one shorthanded goal and one game-winning-goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and 3 points (2 goals, 1 assist), in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars.

Overall during the '20-'21 season, Camp, who helped lead the 18U Stars into their third consecutive USA Hockey Tier I U18 National Championship field, registered 63 points (31 goals, 32 assists), including 6 power play goals and 1 shorthanded goal, in 71 games played.

During the 2019-20 season, Camp registered 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in 9 regular season NAPHL games and 3 points (1 goal, 2 assists) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. Overall, he registered 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists), including 1 power play goal in 46 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, Camp registered 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist), in 16 NAPHL regular season games and 3 points (3 goals) in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U16 AAA squad. Overall, he registered 21 points (14 goals, 7 assists), including 1 power play goal in 50 games played for Esmark.

"John is like the Energizer Bunny ... but with world-class skating speed," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick.  "He is as tenacious a player as I have seen and he brings high energy and adrenaline into all game situations."

"Campy will be a great pick-up for the Wranglers," Kosick added. "His ability to fill many roles can make him an important asset to Amarillo."

Camp becomes the seventh member of the 2020-2021 Esmark AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club, and the eighth '20-'21 Esmark player overall to sign a Junior A tender offer.

He joins teammates Nathan Dickey, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears; Ryder Brophy, forward, Lone Star Brahmas; Yahor Ramanau, defenseman, Wichita Warriors; Michael Felsing, forward, Minnesota Wilderness; Dominic Dezort, El Paso Rhinos; and Zachary Stoner, Johnstown Tomahawks, in signing tenders with NAHL Junior A clubs for the 2021-2022 season and teammate Edward Pazo, who signed a tender offer with the Northern Cyclones of the USPHL's NCDC Division.

The Wranglers, who are relocating to Amarillo from Kansas City and rebranding from the Kansas City Scouts to the Amarillo Wranglers, beginning with the '21-'22 season, will play in the eight-team NAHL South Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Michael Felsing has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL’s Central Division.

The 18-year old from Pittsburgh, PA, who is a senior at Montour High School, is in his first season with the Esmark AAA program.

"Michael is a highly skilled forward who brings a creative passion and work ethic that mixes with a high-end skill set," Esmark Stars U18 head coach Dave Kosick said.

"Skating with our club provided Michael the opportunity to demonstrate  his skills to the gatekeepers of the world of Junior hockey," Kosick added. "And as the season has progressed, he has attracted attention from teams across the spectrum of Junior A leagues."

Felsing (5'11”, 170 lbs.) tallied 34 points (15 goals, 19 assists), including two game-winning goals, four power-play goals, two shorthanded goals, and one game winning overtime/shootout goal in 25 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season and Dixon Cup Playoff games.  And 77 points (32 goals, 45 assists) overall, including five power-play and three shorthanded goals and a +28 plus/minus rating, in 59 games played to date.

"Mike will add an extremely high-end offensive skill set to the Wilderness club next season," Kosick said.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Dominic Dezort has signed a NAHL tender agreement with the NAHL's expansion franchise El Paso (TX) Rhinos.

A native of Cranberry Township, PA, the 18-year old senior at North Catholic High School has skated for the Stars for three seasons, two seasons with Esmark's U18 team and one season with their 16U team.

During the 2020-21 season, Dezort (6'0", 165 lbs.) registered 22 points (9 goals, 13 assists), including three power play goals, one shorthanded goal and one game-winning-goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and 2 points (2 goals), including one power play goal and one game winning goal in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. He was also selected to play in the NAPHL's All-Star game, where he scored two points, a goal and an assist, for Team Matthews.

Overall to date, Dezort has registered 60 points (27 goals, 33 assists), including 7 power play goals and 2 shorthanded goals, in 65 games played.

During the 2019-20 season, Dezort registered 18 points (7 goals, 11 assists) in 16 regular season NAPHL games, including 2 game winning goals, and 4 points (3 goals, 1 assist) in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the U18 AAA Stars. Overall, he registered 49 points (21 goals, 28 assists), including 3 power play goals and a +36 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, Dezort registered 15 points (7 goals, 8 assists), including 3 power play goals, 1 shorthanded goal, and 1 game winning goal in 15 NAPHL regular season games and 4 points (1 goal, 3 assists) in four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for the Stars U16 AAA squad. Overall, he registered 33 points (11 goals, 22 assists), including 5 power play goals and 1 shorthanded goal in 48 games played for Esmark.

"Dominic is a hard working player who we utilize in all situations," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick.  "He mixes a true blue collar work ethic with a high skill set, and brings it to the rink every time."

"He will be a solid addition to an expansion Rhino's club," Kosick added. "His versatility of roles will be an important asset to the team."

Dezort is the sixth Esmark player to sign a tender with an NAHL club, and the seventh Esmark player overall to sign a Junior A tender offer, thus far during the 2020-2021 season.

He joins teammates Nathan Dickey, goaltender, Kenai River Brown Bears; Ryder Brophy, forward, Lone Star Brahmas; Yahor Ramanau, defenseman, Wichita Warriors; Michael Felsing, forward, Minnesota Wilderness; and Zachary Stoner, Johnstown Tomahawks, in signing tenders with NAHL Junior A clubs for the 2021-2022 season and teammate Edward Pazo, who signed a tender offer with the Northern Cyclones of the USPHL's NCDC Division.

The Rhinos will begin play next season (2021-22) in the NAHL's South Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U goaltender Nathan Dickey has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Kenai River Brown Bears.

The 17-year old Butler, PA native, who is a senior at Butler High School, is in his sixth season skating with the Stars AAA Hockey program.  He joined the Stars and skated for their Pee Wee major club (12U) during the 2015-16 season, and subsequently skated for their Bantam Minor, Bantam Major, U15 Midget Minor and U16 Midget Minor teams prior to joining  the U18 Midget Major AAA Stars for the 2020-2021 season.

To date, Dickey (6'1", 170 lbs.) has recorded a 5-0-0-0 record in 5 overall appearances, with a .936 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.40 during the 2020-21 season.  In three North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances to date season, Stobel has a 3-0-0-0 record, with a .957 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.00.

Dickey missed most of October for his Esmark club as he attended Kenai River's 2020 main camp as an invitee.

During the 2019-20 NAPHL 16U season, Dickey had an overall record of 6-4-0-1, with a .875 save percentage, and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.33, including three shutouts, in 12 regular season and Dixon Cup appearances.

During the 2018-19 NAPHL 15U season, Dickey had an overall record of 5-6-0-1, with a .899 save percentage, and a goals against average (GAA) of 2.75, including two shutouts, in 12 regular season and Dixon Cup appearances.

"Nathan has certainly demonstrated to the Brown Bear's staff that he is among the premier midget major goaltenders in the nation," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His skill set and work ethic certainly set him aside."

"It was never a case of would he tender, rather it was where would he tender," Kosick added.   "And Kevin ... (Murdock, head coach at Kenai River) ... landed himself an elite goaltender."

Kenai River is in the NAHL's Midwest Division and is based out of Soldotna, Alaska.

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

The 18-year old Leesburg, VA native, who is a graduate of Heritage High School, in Leesburg, is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 squad, Stoner previously skated for the Washington Little Capitals.

"Zachary is a quality defenseman with good body size who exceeds in both the offensive and defensive sides of the game," Esmark Stars U18 head coach Dave Kosick said.  "He has attracted attention from multiple teams ... including both NAHL and USHL teams."

“Having the opportunity to work in our system and to work closely with Yuri Krivokhija (Esmark’s 18U assistant coach) has allowed Zach to step out and showcase his skills,” Kosick added.

To date, during the 2020-2021 season, Stoner (6'2", 180lbs.) has tallied 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists), including one power-play goal and two game-winning goals, in 16 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season games.  And 22 points (5 goals, 17 assists), including two power-play goals and a team leading +24 plus/minus rating, in 34 regular season games.

Stoner was also selected to participate in the 2020-2021 NAPHL All-Star game for Team Matthews.

"Zachary is the next defenseman in line who will continue to build upon the strong relationship between Johnstown and Esmark," Kosick said.  “We have been able to provide Johnstown with several quality blue-liners of the past few seasons … including current Tomahawks defenseman Ethan Webb and Dustin Geregach.”