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

The 2022-23 season is Willoughby-Ray's first season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and the Star's U18 squad.

Prior to joining the Stars mid-season this year, Willoughby-Ray was skating for the Junior A Mercer Chiefs of the NCDC league.

The (6'0", 180 lbs.) 18 year-old from Greensboro, NC, has registered 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists) in eight North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances, including three power play goals and two game-winning goals, for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Willoughby-Ray has tallied 28 points (12 goals, 13 assists), including four power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 30 games played for Esmark.

"Brooks was a great addition to our squad," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He is an extremely gifted offensive player who has both size and ability to play with an edge."

Willoughby-Ray becomes the seventh member of the 2022-2023 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender for the 2023-24 season, joining five teammates who had previously signed tenders with NAHL Junior A clubs, Derek Pietrzyk, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays; Wesley Schwartzmiller, forward, Minnesota Wilderness; Ian Norkevicus, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs; Nathan Burlando, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks; Brody Simkko, Maryland BlackBears; as well as teammate Colin Ruffner, forward, who signed an NCDC tender with the Mercer Chiefs.

The Rhinos, who play in the NAHL's eight-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, Corpus Christi (TX) IceRays, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors, and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the El Paso County Coliseum in El Paso, TX, and are coached by Head Coach Joe Coombs.

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 Maryland Black Bears.

The 2022-23 season is Simko’s third season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and second year with the Star's U18 squad.

The (6'0", 190 lbs.) 18 year-old from Butler, PA, is the leading scorer in the NAPHL so far this season, registering 21 points (14 goals, 7 assists) in eight North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances, including four power play goals and two game winning goals, for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Simko, a 12th grader and Butler High School, has tallied 59 points (32 goals, 27 assists), including seven power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 36 games played for Esmark to lead the Stars in scoring.

During the 2021-22 season, Simko recorded 17 points (4G, 13A) in 32 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season (28) and Dixon Cup Playoff (4) appearances, including one power play goal and three power play assists for Esmark’s U18 squad.

Overall during the ’21-‘22 season, Simko tallied 43 points (18G, 25A), including three power play goals, in 61 games played for Esmark.

During the 2020-21 season, Simko registered 23 points (10G, 13A) in 25 NAPHL regular season (20) and Dixon Cup Playoff (5) games played, helping lead the U16 Stars to the league Championship game. He was also selected to the NAPHL U16 All-Star game and scored a goal for Team Demko.

Overall during the ‘20-‘21 season, Simko tallied 49 points (27G, 22A), including nine power play goals, in 57 games played for Esmark

"Brody has worked really hard on his game and in doing so has stepped to the forefront and become a dominating force this season for our squad," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He is an extremely talented offensive player who is a true threat to score every time he touches the puck … with a true scorer’s touch. But just as importantly, he has also become a true leader for our squad in the locker room."

Simko becomes the sixth member of the 2022-2023 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender for the 2022-23 season, joining three teammates who had previously signed tenders with NAHL Junior A clubs, Derek Pietrzyk, forward, Corpus Christi IceRays; Wesley Schwartzmiller, forward, Minnesota Wilderness; Ian Norkevicus, defenseman, Fairbanks Ice Dogs; and Nathan Burlando, forward, Johnstown Tomahawks; as well as teammate Colin Ruffner, forward, who signed an NCDC tender with the Mercer Chiefs.

The Black Bears, who play in the NAHL's seven-team Midwest Division along with the Danbury (CT) Jr Hat Tricks, Johnstown Tomahawks, Maine Nordiques, New Jersey Jr Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, and Philadelphia Rebels, play in the First Summit Arena at the Piney Orchard Ice Arena in Odenton, MD, and are coached by Head Coach Clint Mylymok.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Colin Ruffner has signed a USPHL NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the NCDC's New Jersey-based Mercer Chiefs.

The 2022-23 season is Ruffner's second season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and first year with the Star's U18 squad.

The (5'11", 170 lbs.) 17 year-old from Upper St. Clair, PA, has registered 15 points (3 goals, 12 assists), in 8 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances so far this season, including one power play goal and two power play assists, for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Ruffner, who is a senior at Upper St. Clair High School, has tallied 38 points (15 goals, 23 assists), including two power-play  goals, in 31 games played for Esmark.

During the 2021-22 season, Ruffner registered 23 points (16 goals, 7 assists), including two game-winning goals, in 27 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (21 regular season and six Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) in helping lead Esmark's  U16 AAA squad to the NAPHL's Dixon Cup Championship.

"Colin has a great set of hands ... and an elite level of vision and anticipation" said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He not only sees the ice and understands the options at remarkable speed, but his instincts, with or without the puck, in terms of options are fun to watch."

The Chiefs, who play in the NCDC's seven-team South Division along with the Connecticut Jr. Rangers, Jersey Hitmen, P.A.L. Junior Islanders, Rockets Hockey Club, Utica Jr Comets, and the Wilkes-Barre Scranton Knights, play at the Ice Land Arena in Hamilton, NJ, and are under the direction of Head Coach Rod Broderick.

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

The 2022-23 season is Norkevicus' third season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and first year with the Star's U18 squad.

The (5'10", 170 lbs.) 17 year-old from Canonsburg, PA, has registered 13 points (9 goals, 4 assists) in 8 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances so far this season, including one power play goal and one game winning shootout goal, for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Burlando, an 11th grader and Canon Mac High School, has tallied 35 points (18 goals, 17 assists), including four power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 34 games played for Esmark.

During the 2021-22 season, Burlando recorded 28 points (17G, 11A) in 30 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) regular season (24) and Dixon Cup Playoff (6) appearances, including four game-winning goals and one shorthanded goal, helping lead the U16 Esmark Stars to the Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff Championship.

Overall during the ’21-‘22 season, Burlando tallied 53 points (25G, 28A), including one power play goal and two shorthanded goal, in 67 games played for Esmark.

During the 2020-21 season, Burlando registered 10 (5G, 5A) points in 17 NAPHL regular season (12) and Dixon Cup Playoff (5) games played, helping lead the Stars to the league Championship game.

Overall during the 20-‘21 season, Burlando tallied 35 points (16G, 19A), including five power play goals, in 51 games played for Esmark

"Nathan has had an opportunity to skate with Johnstown and certainly made an impression on the coaching staff," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He is an extremely gifted player who is crafty with the puck and has a deft touch around the net who is also an outstanding skater. He has a great knack for finding opportunities to change games."

The Tomahawks, who play in the NAHL's seven-team Midwest Division along with the Danbury (CT) Jr Hat Tricks, Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Jersey Jr Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, and Philadelphia Rebels, play in the First Summit Arena at the Cambria County War Memorial in Johnstown, PA, and are coached by Head Coach Mike Letizia.

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Ian Norkevicus has signed a NAHL (North American Hockey League) tender agreement with the NAHL's Alaska-based Fairbanks Ice Dogs.

The 2022-23 season is Norkevicus' first season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and first year with the Star's U18 squad.

The (5'11", 170 lbs.) 18 year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, is currently the leading scorer (defenseman) in NAPHL play and has registered 12 points (1 goal, 11 assists), in 8 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances so far this season, including three power play assists, for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Norkevicus has tallied 32 points (5 goals, 27 assists), including one power play  goal, in 31 games played for Esmark.

"Ian has been a great addition to our club and defensive corp" said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His instincts, with and without the puck, and overall play to date have helped propel him to this tender opportunity. There has been considerable interest in signing him and Fairbanks landed a quality d-man with a bright future."

The Ice Dogs, who play in the NAHL's eight-team Midwest Division along with the Anchorage (AK) Wolverines, Chippewa (WI) Steel, Janesville (WI) Jets, Kenai River (AK) Brown Bears, Minnesota Wilderness, Springfield (MO) Jr Blues, and the Wisconsin Windigo, play in the Big Dipper Ice Arena in Fairbanks, AK, and are coached by Head Coach and former NHL'er Dave Allison.

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

The 2022-23 season is Schwarzmiller's second season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and first year with the Star's U18 squad.

The (6'1", 170 lbs.) 17 year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, is currently the second leading scorer in NAPHL play and has registered 19 points (6 goals, 13 assists), in 8 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances so far this season, including one power play goal and one game winning goal for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Schwarzmiller, a senior at South Fayette High School, has tallied 53 points (22 goals, 31 assists), including three power play and one shorthanded goal, in 31 games played for Esmark.

During the 2021-22 season, Schwarzmiller registered 29 points (14 goals, 19 assists), including four game-winning goals, one power play goal and two shorthanded goals in 30 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (24 regular season and six Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) in helping lead Esmark's  U16 AAA squad to the NAPHL Dixon Cup Championship.

Overall during the 2021-22 season, Schwarzmiller, tied for the scoring lead for Esmark's Midget Minor team as he tallied 58 points (32 goals, 26 assists), including nine power-play and two shorthanded goals, in 67 games played.

"Wes is an extremely bright young man who is gifted with elite level hockey skill" said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He has good size and strength and he matches that with a very cerebral approach to the game."

The Wilderness, who play in the NAHL's eight-team Midwest Division along with the Anchorage (AK) Wolverines, Chippewa (WI) Steel, Fairbanks (AK) Ice Dogs, Janesville (WI) Jets, Kenai River (AK) Brown Bears, Springfield (MO) Jr Blues, and the Wisconsin Windigo, play in the Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet, MN, and are coached by Head Coach / General Manager David Boitz.

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

The 2022-23 season is Pietrzkys' fourth season with Esmark's AAA Hockey program and second season with the Star's U18 squad.

The (6'0", 181 lbs.) 18 year-old from Pittsburgh, PA, has registered 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists), in 8 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances so far this season, including one game winning goal for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall this season to date, Pietrzyk has tallied 21 points (11 goals, 10 assists), including one power play and one shorthanded goal, in 29 games played for Esmark.

During the 2021-22 season, Pietrzyk registered 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists), including one game-winning goal, in 25 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (20 regular season and five Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) for Esmark's U18 AAA squad.

Overall during the 2021-22 season, Pietrzyk tallied 17 points (10 goals, 7 assists), including two power-play goals, in 47 games played for Esmark in an injury shorten season.

Pietrzyk skated for Esmark's U16 team during the 2020-21 season and their U15 team during the 2019-20 season.

"Derek has the build, size and strength to be a successful power forward in the junior world" said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He is a big strong kid who thrives in the tough areas of the game.  And as his overall game continues to develop and evolve his future is bright, as he has all the tools of today's elite power forwards."

The IceRays, who play in the NAHL's eight-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi and are coached by Sylvain Clouthier.