Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Brody Simko has signed a NAHL (North American Hockey League) tender agreement with the NAHL's New Mexico Ice Wolves.

The 2022-23 season was Simko's second season with the Esmark's AAA Hockey program, as he skated for Esmark's 16U AAA team during the 2021-22 season.

The (6'0", 195 lbs.) 17 year-old from Butler, PA, registered 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists), in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (28 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games), including one power play goal, during the 2021-22 season for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad

Overall this past season, Simko tallied 43 points (18 goals, 25 assists), including three power play goals, in 61 games played for Esmark.

During the 2020-21 season, Simko registered 23 points (10 goals, 13 assists), including one game-winning goal and three power-play goals, in 25 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (20 regular season and five Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) for Esmark's U16 AAA squad.

Overall during the 2020-21 season, Simko tallied 49 points (27 goals, 22 assists), including nine power-play goals, in 57 games played for Esmark.

He was also selected to participate in the 2021 U16 NAPHL AAA All-Stars game where he scored a goal for Team Demko.

"Brody has a great nose for the goal," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "When he has the puck in the offensive zone, he is a true threat to score."

"As his overall game continues to develop," Kosick added, "he has  the size and strength to be an extremely productive, successful and elite power forward."

Simko becomes the tenth member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club.  He joins Shane Kozlina, forward, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman,, forward, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); Justin Metrick, forward, Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL) in signing NAHL tenders.  Additionally, teammates Ethan Zupanc, forward, and Logan Dittenhafer, defenseman, Wilkes Barre Jr Knights (NCDC); Ray Janik, defenseman, Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC); Keith Smilowitz, forward, and Liam McClaine, defenseman, Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC); who all signed with NCDC teams.

The Ice Wolves, who play in the NAHL's South Division, captured the 2021-22 South Division Regular Season crown this past season.  They went on to win the South's automatic spot in the league's Robertson Cup Championship where they made it to the league's semi-finals.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Logan Dittenhafer has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Wilkes Barre Jr. Knights.

The 2022-23 season was Dittenhafer's initial with Esmark's AAA Hockey's 18U team.

The (6'5", 220 lbs.) 19 year-old from Pequea, PA, registered 10 points (10 assists), in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (24 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) during the 2021-22 season.

Overall this past season, Dittenhafer tallied 19 points (3 goals, 16 assists), including 2 power play goals, in 61 games played for Esmark. 

"Logan has the gift of size and reach," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "and that enticed a lot of interest from Junior teams."

"Add an extremely hard shot and great game sense approach to that frame," Kosick added "and it is very easy to draw a comparison to an 18 year-old Zdeno Chara."

Dittenhafer becomes the ninth member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club.  He joins teammate Ethan Zupanc, forward, in signing with Wilkes Barre (NCDC); Ray Janik, defenseman, Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC); Keith Smilowitz, forward, and Liam McClaine, defenseman, who both signed with the Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC);  as well as forwards Shane Kozlina, forward, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, forward, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Minnesota Wilderness (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Knights, who return to Junior A hockey in the USPHL's "Tuition Free" NCDC Conference after a couple year hiatus from elite Junior A hockey, will be based out of Pittston, PA, and play in the eight-team NCDC South Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Raymond Janik has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Islanders Hockey Club.

The 2022-23 season was Janik's initial with Esmark's AAA Hockey's 18U team.

The (6'0", 165 lbs.) 18 year-old is from Palo Alto, CA, registered 11 points (1 goals, 10 assists), including two power play goals, in 28 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (24 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) during the 2021-22 season.

Overall this past season, Janik tallied 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 54 games played for Esmark. 

"Ray is a very gifted skater," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "who likes to handle the puck."

"I would describe his style of defensive play as being similar to Kris Letang's," Kosick added.

"And he has a tremendous upside to his game as he continues to master his skill set."

Janik becomes the seventh member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club, joining teammates Keith Smilowitz and Liam McClaine, both forwards who signed with the Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC);  as well as forwards Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Islanders Hockey Club, who are based out of Tyngsborough, MA, play in the seven-team NCDC North Division.

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

Varmecky, 18, has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for the past seven seasons, joining the program as a U12 in 2015-16.

For the past two seasons, '21-'22 and '20-'21, Varmecky has skated with the Stars U18 AAA Midget Major squad and during the '19-'20 season with Star's 16U AAA Midget Minor team.

The (6'3", 201 lbs.) graduate of Pine Richland High School, registered 24 points (10 goals, 15 assists), including two power play goals and one game-winning-goal, in 28 regular season NAPHL games played this season. In four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff game appearances, Varmecky registered 2 points (2 assists). He was also named to and played for Team Grey in the NAPHL 18U All-Star game.

Overall this season, Varmecky has tallied 51 points (11 goals, 40 assists), in 60 games played for the Stars.  His numbers includes 4 power play goals and a team leading +/- rating of +48.

He also appeared in one game for the NAHL's Johnstown Tomahawks earlier this season.

During the 2020-21 season, Varmecky registered 8 points (2 goals, 6 assists), in 20 regular season NAPHL games and five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U18 squad.

Overall last season, Varmecky notched 27 points (6 goals and 21 assists), in 69 overall games played to help lead Esmark's U18 squad to the USA Hockey's Tier I National Championship Tournament.

Overall, Varmecky has recorded 41 points (10 goals and 31 assists) including 3 power play goals and 3 game-winning goals, in 86 career NAPHL and Dixon Cup games played.

"Liam is a big d-man, with a long reach, who works hard in both ends of the rink," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He has a high end skill set that allows him to regularly get on the scoresheet in the offensive zone, but the defensive smarts necessary to limit the opposition in his defensive zone.  An ideal combination for Junior hockey."

"Liam has a great opportunity to add value to the Junior Hat Tricks defensive corp for head coach Billy McCreary," Kosick added.

Varmecky becomes the fourth member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club, joining teammates Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls; Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues; and Justin Mettrick, Minnesota Wilderness

The Junior Hat Tricks, who are based out of Danbury, CT, play in the seven-team NAHL East Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Liam McClaine has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Boston Advantage.

McClaine has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for the past three seasons, 2021-'22 with the U18 AAA Midget Major Stars, 2020-'21 with the Stars U16 AAA Midget Minor squad, and the 2019-'20 season with the Stars U15 AAA Midget squad.

The (5'10", 170 lbs.) senior at Butler Area High School, registered 19 points (0 goals, 19 assists), including seven power play goal assists, in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (28 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) this past season.

Overall this season, McClaine tallied 31 points (3 goals, 28 assists), in 61 games played for Esmark.  His numbers include a +/- rating of +36.

During the 2020-21 season, McClaine registered 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U16 squad. He also skated for Team Demko at the NAPHL U16 All-Star game and scored a power play goal.

During the 2020-21 season, McClaine recorded 14 points (2 goals and 12 assists) in 57 games played overall for the U16 Stars.

During the 2019-20 season, McClaine notched 9 points (2 goals and 7 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 13 regular season NAPHL games and four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U15 squad.

And overall, during the 2019-20 season, McClaine recorded 21 points (4 goals and 17 assists) in 55 games played.

"Liam is a solid defensive D-man who plays the game the right way," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He brings the ingredients you ask for from a defensive defenseman ... toughness and grit ... to the rink every day."

"But being a defensive minded d-man does not stop him from contributing on the offensive side,' Kosick added. "He was a valued member of our power play unit as he knew how to not only handle the puck and set-up the offensive zone plays, but he has great vision and is outstanding at reading the opposing team's penalty kill unit's tendencies."

McClaine becomes the fifth member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club,  joining teammates forwards Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Advantage, who are based out of Hingham, MA, play in the seven-team NCDC North Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Ethan Zupanc has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Wilkes Barre Jr. Knights.

Zupanc has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for the past seven seasons: 2021-'22 and 2020-'21 with the U18 AAA Midget Major Stars; 2019-'20 with the Stars U16 AAA Midget Minor team; 2018-'19 season with the Stars U15 AAA Midget Minor squad; 2017-'18 with the Stars U14 AAA Bantam Major team; 2016-'17 with the Stars U13 AAA Bantam Minor squad; and his first season with the Stars program, 2015-'16, with the Stars U12 Pee Wee Major team.

The (6'1", 180 lbs.) 18 year-old from Greensburg, PA, registered 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists), including a team leading eight power play goals, plus one game-winning goal, in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (24 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) during the 2021-22 season.

Overall this past season, Zupanc tallied 59 points (31 goals, 28 assists), including 9 power play goals and 1 shorthanded goal, in 61 games played for Esmark.

During the 2020-21 season, Zupanc registered 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), in 20 regular season NAPHL games and five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U18 squad.

Overall during the 2020-21 season, Zupanc recorded 49 points (14 goals and 35 assists) in 69 games played overall for the U18 Stars, helping the Stars U18 squad earn a spot at the USA Hockey National Championships.

During the 2019-20 season, Zupanc notched 17 points (7 goals and 10 assists), including 1 game-winning goal goal, in 16 regular season NAPHL games and four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U16 squad. He also scored a goal for Team Warroad in the 16U NAPHL All-Star game.

During the 2018-19 season, Zupanc recorded 6 points (3 goals and 3 assists), in 12 regular season NAPHL games and four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U15 squad.

"Ethan is an extremely gifted player," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "his offensive skill set places him in the elite category."

"And as he continues to refine his game and continues to grow physically," Kosick added, "he has the skill set and capability to not only play Junior hockey ... but to excel in the Junior A environment."

Zupanc becomes the eight member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club, joining teammates Ray Janik, defenseman, Islanders Hockey Club (NCDC); Keith Smilowitz, forward, and Liam McClaine, defenseman, who both signed with the Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC);  as well as forwards Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Knights, who return to Junior A hockey in the USPHL's "Tuition Free" NCDC Conference, after a couple year hiatus from elite Junior A hockey, will be based out of Pittston, PA, and play in the seven-team NCDC 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 Keith Smilowitz has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Boston Advantage.

Smilowitz has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for the past seven seasons: 2021-'22 and 2020-'21 with the U18 AAA Midget Major Stars; 2019-'20 with the Stars U16 AAA Midget Minor team; 2018-'19 season with the Stars U15 AAA Midget Minor squad; 2017-'18 with the Stars U14 AAA Bantam Major team; 2016-'17 with the Stars U13 AAA Bantam Minor squad; and his first season with the Stars program, 2015-'16 and Stars U12 Pee Wee Major team.

The (6'0", 185 lbs.) Sarver, PA, resident, is a graduate of Freeport Area High School. This past season, he registered 18 points (8 goals, 10 assists), including two power play goals, in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (28 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games).

Overall this past season, Smilowitz tallied 35 points (16 goals, 19 assists), including 4 power play goals, in 59 games played for Esmark. 

During the 2020-21 season, Smilowitz registered 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists), including 1 game winning goal, in 22 regular season NAPHL games and five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U18 squad.

During the overall 2020-21 season, Smilowitz recorded 34 points (16 goals and 18 assists) in 67 games played overall for the U18 Stars, helping the Stars U18 squad to a spot at the USA Hockey National Championships.

During the 2019-20 season, Smilowitz notched 19 points (14 goals and 5 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 16 regular season NAPHL games and four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U16 squad.

During the 2018-19 season, Smilowitz recorded 6 points (4 goals and 2 assists), including 1 game winning goal, in 12 regular season NAPHL games and four NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U15 squad.

"Keith has always had a great instinct for finding the net," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His size and style of play are best fit as a power forward ... but he also has a high-end ability with the puck."

"Whether shooting or stick-handling," Kosick added, "Keith has worked hard on adding additional skills to his game that should allow him to fit many roles."

Smilowitz becomes the sixth member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club,  joining teammate Liam McClaine in signing with the Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC);  as well as forwards Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Advantage, who are based out of Hingham, MA, play in the seven-team NCDC North Division.

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

Mettrick has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for the past three seasons, the past two seasons, '21-'22 and '20-'21, with the Stars U18 AAA Midget Major squad and the '19-'20 season with Star's 16U AAA Midget Minor team.

The (6'2", 180 lbs.) graduate of South Park High School, registered 25 points (10 goals, 15 assists), including one power play goal and one game-winning-goal, in 27 regular season NAPHL games played this season. In four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff game appearances, Mettrick registered 3 points (2 goals and 1 assist).

Overall this season, Mettrick tallied 50 points (19 goals, 31 assists), in 57 games played for the Stars in their regular season.  His numbers includes 4 power play goals and he accumulated a +/- rating of +34.

During the 2020-21 season, Mettrick registered 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists), including 1 power play goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U18 squad.

Overall last season, Mettrick notched 32 points (14 goals and 18 assists), including 2 power play goals, in 71 overall games played to help lead Esmark's U18 squad to the USA Hockey's Tier I National Championship Tournament.

During his U16 season, 2019-20, Mettrick recorded 19 points (5 goals and 14 assists) including 2 game-winning goals, in 17 NAPHL games, and four Dixon Cup U16 NAPHL playoff games

"Justin brings all the tools necessary to be a successful power forward in the NAHL," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "Combine his toughness and grit with his size, skill and tenacious attitude and you have all the right ingredients for a successful transition to Junior hockey."

"Justin has a great chance to add value to the Wilderness line-up for head coach Dave Boitz," Kosick added. "He can certainly step-in and fill many roles and he has such a strong desire to succeed."

Mettrick becomes the third member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club, joining teammates Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls, and Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues.

The Wilderness, who are based out of Cloquet, MN, play in the eight-team NAHL Midwest Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Hunter Fairman has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the NAHL's Springfield Jr Blues.

Fairman, who was drafted by the NAHL's Johnstown Tomahawks in the 16th round of the annual NAHL entry-level draft last season, has skated for Esmark AAA Hockey for three seasons, two seasons with the Stars U18 AAA Midget Major squad, '21-'22 and '20-'21, and the '19-'20 season with Star's 16U AAA Midget Minor team.

The (6'2", 165 lbs.) graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School, registered 36 points (14 goals, 12 assists), including two shorthanded goals, six power play goals and one game-winning-goal, in 27 regular season NAPHL games played this season. In three Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff game appearances to date, Fairman has registered 4 points (2 goals and 2 assists).

Overall, Fairman has tallied 63 points (37 goals, 26 assists), in 51 games played so far this season, which leads the Stars in scoring.  His numbers include 7 power play goals and 5 shorthanded goals.

During the 2020-21 season, Fairman registered 16 points (6 goals, 10 assists), including 2 power play goals and 1 game-winning-goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and 3 points (1 goals, 2 assists), in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U18 Stars.

Overall last season, Fairman notched 41 points (15 goals and 26 assists), including 3 power play goals, in 70 overall games played to help lead Esmark's U18 squad to the USA Hockey's Tier I National Championship Tournament.

During his U16 season, 2019-20, Fairman recorded 15 points (4 goals and 11 assists) in 16 NAPHL games and 1 point, a game-winning goal, in four Dixon Cup U16 NAPHL playoff games

"Hunter has such a high level work ethic," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "And you mix that with an elite level skill set and a blue collar toughness and you get an outstanding player who has crafted a tremendous amount of interest from numerous NAHL Junior teams."

"He should be a great pick-up for the Jr Blues and head coach Tyler Rennette," Kosick added. "He can fill multiple roles and will work harder than most to accomplish his goals."

Fairman becomes the second member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club, joining teammate Shane Kozlina who previously tendered with the North Iowa Bulls. Last season, the Stars had nine players sign Junior A Tender offers.

The Jr Blues, who are based out of Springfield, IL, play in the eight-team NAHL Midwest Division.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Shane Kozlina has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the North Iowa Bulls.

Kozlina, a 17-year old Cranberry Township, PA, resident has skated for Esmark for a pair of season, this year with Star's U18 AAA Midget Major team and during the 2020-21 season with Star's 16U AAA Midget Minor team.

The (5'11", 165 lbs.) senior at Seneca Valley High School, has registered 31 points (15 goals, 16 assists), including three shorthanded goals, one power play goal and two game-winning-goals, in 20 regular season NAPHL games played to date.

He also notched a pair of assists at the 2021 NAPHL 18U All-Star game to help Team Grey to 5-1 win.

Overall, Kozlina has registered 47 points (21 goals, 26 assists), including 2 power play goals and 4 shorthanded goals, in 37 games played to date during the '21-'22 season.

During the 2020-21 season, Kozlina registered 14 points (8 goals, 6 assists), including two shorthanded goals and two game-winning-goal, in 20 regular season NAPHL games and 2 points (2 goals), in five NAPHL Dixon Cup Playoff games for Esmark's U16 Stars.

"Shane is a high energy forward with an off the charts work ethic ... and a knack for the net," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His work ethic has created a tremendous amount of interest from several NAHL Junior teams."

"He will be a great pick-up for the Bulls and Coach Sanden," Kosick added. "His ability to fill multiple roles can make him an important asset to North Iowa."

Kozlina becomes the first member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with an NAHL club. Last season, the Stars had nine players sign Junior A Tender offers.

The Bulls, who relocated to Mason City, Iowa, from Amarillo, Texas, beginning this season, play in the six-team NAHL Central Division.