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Esmark Stars in the News

Thomas Named T1HF 18U Player of the Week

By DLG 10/03/2023, 12:15am EDT

Honored for his performance at the T1HF - Pittsburgh Event

Pittsburgh, PA - Alex Thomas was named the U18 Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) "Player of the Week" for the week ending Sept. 24.

Thomas helped lead the U18 Stars to a 3-1-0-0 record at the T1HF Pittsburgh Showcase as he recorded eight points (3G, 5A) in four games. This included registering a three-goal hat-trick and adding two assists to record 5 points in an 8-1 win over the New Jersey 87’s.

Teammate, Hleb Subach, goaltender, was selected as honorable mention for the U18 division for the award as he posted a pair of wins in two starts and a relief appearance.

Weekend Preview: Sept 30 & Oct 1

By DLG 09/25/2023, 11:00pm EDT

Stars in Action

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program returns to action this weekend, Sept 30 - Oct 1, as seven of the eight Esmark Stars teams (U18, U16, U15, U13, U12 Red, U12 White and U11) hit the ice for exciting action.

The U11 Pee Wee Minor Stars will entertain the Red Bank Generals in a pair of T1HF games at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena. Face-offs are set for Saturday, at 12:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

The U12 White Stars will return to Pittsburgh and the friendly confines of Pittsburgh Ice Arena for four T1HF games this weekend. On Saturday they play host to a pair of games versus the Revolution Elite. Face-offs are set for 11:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. On Sunday the Stars will face the Red Bank Generals in a pair of games. Face-offs are set for 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The U12 Red Stars will welcome the Mercer Chiefs Pee Wee Major squad to Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Ice Arena for a pair of T1HF games on Saturday. Face-offs are set for 1:00 and 7:00 p.m.

The 13U Bantam Minor Stars will welcome the Jersey Hitmen to Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Ice Arena for a pair of T1HF games on Saturday. Face-offs are set for 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. On Sunday, the U13 Stars will square-off with the Buffalo Regals SCTA squad at 9:00 a.m.

Meanwhile, the Stars three Midget teams will travel to Cleveland for a pair of games versus the Cleveland Barons this weekend.

The U15 Midget Minor Stars (6-5-0-0) will hook-up with the Barons for a pair of games on Saturday at the Barons Bus Arena in Cleveland, 11:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m . 

The U16 Midget Minor Stars (10-1-0-1) will hook-up with the Barons at the Barons Bus Arena in Cleveland on Saturday at 7:45 p.m. and then again on Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

And the U18 Midget Major Stars (12-2-0-0) will hook-up with the Barons at the Barons Bus Arena in Cleveland on Saturday at 1:45 p.m. and then again on Sunday at 10:25 a.m.

The U10 Stars will enjoy an off weekend.

Weekend Preview: Sept 22 - 24

By DLG 09/21/2023, 2:15pm EDT

T1HF Showcase - Pittsburgh will Highlight Weekend Action

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program returns to action this weekend, Sept 22 - 24, as the U18, U16, U15, U11 and U10 Stars take to the ice.

The U10 Squirt Major Stars will travel to Erie, PA, for a pair of  games on Saturday, Sept 23, against the Erie Jr Otters, 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Both games will be at the Erie Bank Sports Park in Erie.

The U11 Stars will travel to Rochester, NY, for the Rochester Coalition Showcase. On Saturday, the Stars Pee Wee Minor squad will square-off with Top Gun at 10:30 a.m. They return to the ice Saturday afternoon, 4:00 p.m., to face the Rochester Coalition. Both Saturday games will be played at the Gene Polisseni Center on the campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). On Sunday, the U11 Stars open with the Troy Albany Titans at 8:00 a.m. They close the four-game Showcase with a 11:45 a.m., face-off with the Amherst Knights. Both Sunday games will be played at the Lakeshore Hockey Arena in Rochester.

Meanwhile, the Stars three Midget teams will be in Pittsburgh,  Sept 22 - 24, for the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (TIHF) - Pittsburgh showcase.

The U18 Midget Major Stars (9-1-0-0) will open their T1HF Pittsburgh Showcase schedule on Friday, Sept 22, against the Northern Cyclones Academy 18U (NH) at 6:00 p.m., at Printscape Arena at Southpointe in Canonsburg, PA. On Saturday, Sept. 23, the 18U Stars square-off with San Jose Jr Sharks at 10:30 a.m. Later Saturday afternoon, the 18U Stars take to the ice to face the New Jersey 87's at 4:30 p.m. Both Saturday games are also at PrintScape Arena. The Midget Major Stars close the T1HF's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 24,  against the Tri-State Spartans, 2:30 p.m., at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA.

The U16 Midget Minor Stars (6-1-0-1) will open play on Friday, Sept 22, against Team Illinois at 12:00 p.m. Later Friday, 8:00 p.m., the Stars return to the ice to face the San Jose Jr Sharks. On Saturday, Sept 23, the Stars square-off with Biggby Coffee at 4:00 p.m. Esmark's U16 Midget Minor Stars close the T1HF-Pittsburgh showcase on Sunday, Sept 24, 12:00 p.m., against the Northern Cyclones Academy. All games will be at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA. 

The U15 (only) Stars (3-3-0-0) will likewise open play on Friday, Sept 22, with a pair of T1HF Showcase games. First up will be the San Jose Jr Sharks at 10:00 a.m. Then later on Friday, the U15 Stars will face the PAL Islanders at 6:00 p.m. On Saturday, Sept 23, the Stars return to the ice to face the New Jersey Jets at 12:00 p.m. The 15U Stars will close their T1HF Pittsburgh Showcase on Saturday evening, 6:00 p.m., against Biggby Coffee. All four T1HF  Pittsburgh Showcase games will be conducted at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena. On Sunday, Sept 24, 8:30 a.m., the Stars U15 squad will face the New Jersey Rockets in a T1HF league game at the PrintScape Arena at Southpointe in Canonsburg, PA.

The U12 Red, U12 White and U13 Stars will enjoy an off weekend.

Weekend Preview: Sept 15 - 17

By DLG 09/10/2023, 11:25pm EDT

U18, U16, U15, U13 and U11 Stars in Action

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program returns to action this weekend, Sept 14 - 17, as the U18, U16, U15, U13 and U11 Stars take to the ice.

The U11 Stars will travel to Bridgewater, NJ, for a pair of T1HF games on Saturday, Sept 16, against the Rockets Hockey Club, 2:20 and 5:40 p.m. Both games will be at the Bridgewater Sports Arena.

The U13 Stars travel to Cleveland, OH, to participate in the Mad Men "Rust Belt" Showcase, Sept 15 - 17. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars open the Showcase at 2:30 p.m. against Honeybaked Hockey. They return to the ice at 7:00 p.m. to face Fox Motors. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars will square-off with the Oakland Jr Grizzlies at 9:45 a.m. Later on Saturday, the Stars Bantam Minor team will face the Kitchener Rangers at 3:45 p.m. The Stars U13 squad close the showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 10:15 a.m., against Victory Honda. All games will be at the Mentor Arena in Mentor, OH.

Meanwhile, the Stars three Midget teams will be in Blaine, MN, Sept 14 - 17, for the opening event of the NAPHL Tier 1 Season.

The U18 Midget Major Stars (5-1-0-0) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the Maine Nordiques at 8:45 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars square off with Belle Tire at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars take to the ice to face Compuware at 6:00 p.m. The Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 11:00 a.m., against the Nashville Jr Predators. All games will be at the SuperRink in Blaine, MN.

The U16 Midget Minor Stars (3-0-0-1) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the Nashville Jr Predators at 10:15 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars return to the ice to face the Minnesota Green Giants at 10:30 a.m. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars square-off with the Philadelphia Hockey Club at 12:00 p.m. The Midget Minor Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 9:00 a.m., against the Florida Alliance. All games will be at the SuperRink in Blaine, MN. 

The U15 (only) Stars (2-0-0-0) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the California Golden Bears at 10:15 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars will face the Minnesota Blue Ox at 2:00 p.m., back at Fogerty Ice Arena. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars take to the ice to face the Minnesota Walleye at 8:00 a.m., SuperRink in Blaine, MN. The Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 7:30 a.m., against Belle Tire, at the SuperRink Arena.

The U10, U12 White and U12 Red Stars will enjoy an off weekend.

 

18U, 16U and 15U Stars Headed to Blaine, MN

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Midget Teams will be in Blaine, MN, this weekend, Sept 14 - 17, as the U18, U16 and U15 Stars take to the ice for the opening event of the NAPHL Tier 1 Season.

The U18 Midget Major Stars (5-1-0-0) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the Maine Nordiques at 8:45 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars square off with Belle Tire at 2:30 p.m. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars take to the ice to face Compuware at 6:00 p.m. The Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 11:00 a.m., against the Nashville Jr Predators. All games will be at the SuperRink in Blaine, MN.

The U16 Midget Minor Stars (3-0-0-1) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the Nashville Jr Predators at 10:15 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars return to the ice to face the Minnesota Green Giants at 10:30 a.m. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars square-off with the Philadelphia Hockey Club at 12:00 p.m. The Midget Minor Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 9:00 a.m., against the Florida Alliance. All games will be at the SuperRink in Blaine, MN. 

The U15 (only) Stars (2-0-0-0) will open play on Thursday, Sept 14, against the California Golden Bears at 10:15 a.m. On Friday, Sept. 15, the Stars will face the Minnesota Blue Ox at 2:00 p.m., back at Fogerty Ice Arena. On Saturday, Sept 16, the Stars take to the ice to face the Minnesota Walleye at 8:00 a.m., SuperRink in Blaine, MN. The Stars close the league's first showcase on Sunday, Sept 14, 7:30 a.m., against Belle Tire, at the SuperRink Arena. 

The 20th annual North American Hockey League (NAHL) Showcase ... the "Greatest Show on Ice" ...  which will be held from September 13-16, 2023, at the Super Rink in Blaine, Minnesota ... and will feature all 32 NAHL teams, playing three and four regular-season games, in what has become one of amateur hockey's most prominent and popular events of the entire season.

The NAHL Showcase attracts over 9,000 people in overall attendance, including more than 300+ professional, college and junior scouts.  For scouting purposes, the NAHL Showcase is the premier event of its kind and is a yearly gathering for every NCAA program and NHL team as they get their first look at some of the best and brightest hockey talent North America has to offer.

“We continue to raise the bar and the 2023 NAHL Showcase will be our biggest and best one yet. It is a thrilling four days of competition and no other event in the hockey world brings people together like the Showcase. The opportunity it represents for our teams and players is one that unique to the NAHL and NAPHL, and we always look forward to seeing a new crop of players and talent showcase their skills. It truly is the Greatest Show on Ice,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld.

In addition to all 32 NAHL teams playing in the event, the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP) of the United States Hockey League (USHL) will be playing in the event in two exhibition games and it will be the first event of the season for the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) T1ER League.

Entering its 15th season in 2023-24, the NAPHL is made up of USA Hockey-sanctioned teams that compete in the 18U, 16U, 15U and 14U levels. NAPHL teams will compete at the NAHL Showcase from September 14-17.

The Super Rink is the largest ice arena of its kind in the world. The state-of-the-art facility, a $21 million project totaling over 300,000 square feet, features eight sheets of ice under one roof. With all its varied amenities and services, the Super Rink is absolutely unique in the world of ice sport facilities.

Weekend Preview: Sept 8-10

By DLG 09/06/2023, 11:45pm EDT

Six Esmark Stars AAA Hockey teams in Action

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars program will have multiple teams in action this upcoming weekend, Sept 8 - 10.

The Stars U10, U11, U12 White and U12 Red squads all travel to Boston, MA, to participate in the Boston Breakout, presented by SuperSeries AAA.

The U10 Stars open play on Friday, Sept 8, against Top Gun Elite at 12:45 p.m. They return to the ice at 6:45 p.m. to face the Providence Hockey Elite. On Saturday, Sept 9, the Stars will face the Bay State Breakers at 9:30 a.m. Later Saturday, the Stars will face the New Jesrey Rockets at 2:15 p.m. The Squirt Major Stars close the showcase on Sunday, Sept 10, at 8 a.m. against the South Shore Kings Platinum squad. All five 10U Stars games will be conducted at the Tri-Town Arena in Hooksett, NH.

The U11 Stars open play on Friday, Sept 8, against the Bay State Breakers at 9:40 a.m. at the Essex Sports Center in Middleton, MA. They return to the ice at 3:30 p.m. to face the Boston Jr Rangers at the Ristuccia Memorial Arena in Wilmington, MA. On Saturday, Sept 9, the Stars will face the Boston Jr Bruins at 10:15 a.m. at the Breakaway Ice Center in Tewksbury, MA. Later Saturday, the Stars will face the West Chester Express at 3:50 p.m.  at the Gallant Arena in North Andover, MA. The Pee Wee Minor Stars close the showcase on Sunday, Sept 10, at 8 a.m. against the Boston Jr Terriers back at the Breakaway Ice Center. 

The U12 White Stars open play on Friday, Sept 8, against the New Jersey Devils at 11:20 a.m. at the Gallant Arena in North Andover, MA. They return to the ice at 6:50 p.m. to face the Casco Bay Spartans at the Gallant Arena. On Saturday, Sept 9, the Stars will face the Boston Ice Dogs at 9:45 a.m. at the Haverhill Valley Ice Forum in Haverhill, MA. Later Saturday, the Stars will face Top Gun Gold at 6:40 p.m.  at the Essex Sports Center in Middleton, MA. . The Pee Wee Major Stars close the showcase on Sunday, Sept 10, at 8:30 a.m. against the Bridgwater Bandits Platinum at the Breakaway Ice Center in Tewksbury, MA.

The U12 Red Stars open play on Friday, Sept 8, against IHC Platinum at 11:15 a.m. at the Skate Three Hockey Arena in Tyngsborough, MA. They return to the ice at 6:50 p.m. to face the Casco Bay Spartans at the Gallant Arena in North Andover, MA. On Saturday, Sept 9, the Stars will face Top Gun Gold at 12:50 p.m. back at the Gallant Arena. Later Saturday, the Stars will face the New Jersey Devils at 6:45 p.m. back at the Skate Three Hockey Arena. The Pee Wee Major Stars close the showcase on Sunday, Sept 10, at 10:15 a.m. against the Top Gun Platinum at the Haverhill Valley Ice Forum in Haverhill, MA.

The U13 Bantam Minor Stars will return to home ice at Pittsburgh Ice Arena and host the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets in a pair of games on Saturday, September 9, at 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

The U15 Midget Stars will open their 2023-24 season, traveling to the Pond Ice Rink & Sports Complex in Chagrin Falls, OH, to face the Tri-State Spartans for a pair of games on Saturday, Sept 9, at 2:10 and 6:10 p.m.

The U16 and U18 Stars will enjoy the weekend off.

Weekend Preview: Sept 1 - 3

By DLG 09/01/2023, 2:30am EDT

16 and 18s in New England for New England Fall Prep Showcase

Boston, MA - The Esmark Stars U18 and U16 squads will venture north to New England (Salem,  NH and Lowell, MA) to participate in the New England Fall Prep, presented by Defender Hockey Tournaments, for the Labor Day Weekend.

The U16 Esmark Stars squad opens their 2023-24 campaign on Friday, Sept 1, 6:40 p.m. , against the American Hockey Academy at the Salem Icenter in Salem, NH. Then on Saturday (Sept 2) morning, 9:30 a.m., the Midget Minor Stars will face the New Hampshire Avalanche at the Tsongas Center Arena, located in the heart of the University of Massachusetts - Lowell Campus Later Saturday afternoon, the Stars 16U squad returns to the Salem Icenter for a 4:00 p.m. opening face-off against Top Gun. The Stars will close the four-game showcase on Sunday, Sept 3, against a 'To Be Determined" opponent.

Likewise, the U18 Esmark Stars (2-0-0-0) return to action on Friday, Sept 1, 8:00 p.m. , against the Valley Jr Warriors at the Salem Icenter in Salem, NH. Then on Saturday (Sept 2) morning, 9:30 a.m., the Midget Major Stars will face the Minutemen Flames at the Tsongas Center Arena, located in the heart of the University of Massachusetts - Lowell Campus  Saturday afternoon, the Stars 18U squad returns to the Salem Icenter for a 8:00 p.m. opening face-off against the American Hockey Academy. The Stars will close the four-game showcase on Sunday, Sept 3, against a 'To Be Determined" opponent.

The U15, U13, U12 Red, U12 White, U11 and U10 teams are off for the Labor Day Weekend.

Here We Go - Stars Kick-Off 39th Season

By DLG 08/19/2023, 9:45am EDT

2023-24 Season Begins

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program, proud members of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF), have kicked off the 2023-24 season.

The Stars program, the oldest Tier I program in the Mid-American District of USA Hockey and one of the oldest Tier I programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, will be celebrating their 39th season of operation. 

"We are excited for the season to begin," said program founder and Esmark Stars General Manager Dave Kosick. "Each season brings both new and returning faces and names to our program ... and the sense of excitement for this season is very high."

The Stars program will field eight Tier I AAA teams this season: U18 Midget Major, U16 Midget Minor, U15 Midget (15 Only), U13 Bantam Minor, U12 Red Pee Wee Major, U12 White Pee Wee Major, U11, Pee Wee Minor, and U10 Squirt Major.

Game schedules for the season, excluding tournaments and showcases, have been posted to the various Esmark Stars team pages on the Esmark Stars website (www.esmarkstars.com).

The Stars will open the 2023-24 campaign next weekend, Aug 26 & 27, with 13 T1HF home games at Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA, and Alpha Ice Center in Harmarville, PA.

The game schedule for the "2023-24 Season Opening Kick-Off Weekend" ... Aug 26 & 27 ... is as follows:

Saturday, Aug 26

11:30 a.m. - Esmark Stars U13 vs Revolution Elite
1:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U10 vs Revolution Elite
2:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Jersey Hitmen
4:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U18 vs Philly Revolution
5:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 White vs New Jersey Jets (Alpha Ice Center)
6:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 RED vs Jersey Hitmen
6:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U10 vs Revolution Elite (Alpha Ice Center)
7:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Jersey Hitmen

Sunday, Aug 27

8:00 a.m. - Esmark Stars U12 Red vs Jersey Hitmen
9:30 a.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Philly Revolution
11:00 a.m. - Esmark Stars U18 vs Philly Revolution
1:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 White vs Jersey Hitmen
2:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Philly Revolution

Admission for home games is free and fans are encouraged to attend. 

NAPHL announces 2022-23 T1ER All-15U Midget Teams

By DLG 08/18/2023, 10:30pm EDT

McClaine, Hewitt and Haley Honored; Stern Named Coach of the Year

McKinney, TX - The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced All-NAPHL T1ER 15U 1st and 2nd Teams for the 2022-23 season.

Consideration and selection were based on player performance in all NAPHL regular season and playoff games throughout the 2022-23 season.

The 15U Esmark Stars AAA Hockey team had one player, forward Emmet McClaine, named to the All-T1ER 15U 1st Team and two players, forward Marshall Hewitt, and goaltender Tyler Hayley, named to the All-T1ER 15U 2nd Team for the 2022-23 season.

Additionally, head coach Chris "Sluggo" Stern, was named NAPHL T1ER 15U Coach of the Year.

In eight regular season 2022-23 NAPHL appearances, McClaine, who is from Chicora, PA, recorded 12 points (8 goals, 4 assists) for the Stars U15 Midget squad. In five T1ER Dixon Cup playoff games, he recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) and helped lead the Stars to the Championship of the NAPHL's T1ER Dixon Cup Playoffs.

Overall, McClaine, a Sophomore at Butler Area High School, recorded 60 points (40 goals, 20 assists), in 60 games played.

"Emmet's skills speak for themselves," said Stars 15U Head Coach Chris Stern. "His future is certainly bright with opportunity."

In eight regular season 2022-23 NAPHL games played, Hewitt, who lives in Cranberry Township, PA, recorded 12 points (7 goals, 5 assists) for the Stars U15 Midget squad. In five T1ER Dixon Cup playoff games, he recorded six points (5 goals, 1 assist) and helped lead the Stars to the Championship of the NAPHL's T1ER Dixon Cup Playoffs.

Overall, Hewitt, a sophomore at Seneca Valley High School, recorded 51 points (30 goals, 21 assists) in 60 games played.

"Marshall brings a high octane offense skill set" Stern offered. "He is a crafty forward with a nose to find and make offense happen."

Hayley, who is from Springfield, OH, recorded a 4-0-0-0 record in four NAPHL T1ER Regular Season games, with a save percentage of .947, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.36 and recorded one shutout. In the Dixon Cup T1ER Playoffs, Hayley was again perfect, recording a 3-0-0-0 record, with a save percentage of .948, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.33, and one shutout, backstopping the Stars in the Championship game and the Dixon Cup T1ER Title.

During the regular season, Hayley recorded a 19-5-0-0 record in 26 games played, with a GAA of 2.20.

"Tyler ... and our goaltending tandem ... understood and lived up to our expectations," said Coach Stern. "We ask them both to keep the puck out of the net and give us a chance to win the game. And Tyler held up his end of that challenge."

Stern, who joined the Stars coaching staff for the 2022-23 season, successfully guided the U15 Stars to the T1ER Playoff Championships during his inaugural season.

"Chris has a lengthy and successful track record," Stars General manager Dave Kosick said. "And he brought that acumen to our 15U squad and guided them to a very successful season in his first year with us."

Trofimov Named to 2nd Team

McKinney, TX - The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced All-NAPHL T1ER 14U 1st and 2nd Teams for the 2022-23 season.

Consideration and selection were based on player performance in all NAPHL regular season and playoff games throughout the 2022-23 season.

The 14U Esmark Stars AAA Bantam Major Hockey team's Mikhail Trofimov, forward, was named to the All TIER 14U 2nd Team for the 2022-23 season. 

Overall, Trofimov recorded 43 points (31 goals, 12 assists), including five power-play goals and five shorthanded goals, in 41 games played.

"Mikhail is a very gifted forward," said Stars General Manager Dave Kosick. "His addition to our 14U Squad created a lot of instant offense."

 

Hepler Signs Pro Contract with Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Lebanon Valley College's Cole Hepler has signed a professional contract with the Huntsville Havoc and will report to Huntsville immediately. The Havoc are members of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
 
"We're very excited that Cole is getting this opportunity to play professional hockey," said Lebanon Valley's head men's ice hockey coach Don Parsons. "Cole is an asset in every aspect of the game, including in the locker room, and on and off the ice. I have no doubt in my mind that he'll do a tremendous job and be welcomed on the Huntsville Havoc hockey team. I have had the opportunity to play with Coach Detullio (the coach of the Havoc), and I know the type of player he was and that he'll love the way Cole plays the game."
 
Recently, Hepler capped an impressive career wearing a Flying Dutchmen sweater. Earlier this week, the team captain was named to the All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Second Team for the third straight season, after amassing 15 points this season, good for second on the team. He scored seven goals, which was tied for first, and notched eight assists. He paced the offense with three power-play goals, as well as one game-winning goal and one short-handed tally.
 
In both his junior and sophomore seasons, Hepler also garnered All-MAC Second Team honors. In 2018-19, he finished third on the team with 25 points and tied for second with 17 helpers. During his sophomore season, he ranked third on the squad with 10 goals and 21 points, while leading the Dutchmen with three short-handed goals.
 
In LVC's return to the NCAA during his freshman year, Hepler led the squad with 32 points and 16 tallies. He earned ECAC West Rookie of the Year honors and was an Honorable Mention pick. Lebanon Valley College plays is a Div. III NCAA school who plays in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC).
 
"LVC has molded my ability on the ice and in the classroom to the person I am today," said Hepler. "I'm thankful to Coach Parsons to the opportunity to play college hockey as a Dutchman. I have gained many memorable experiences and friends that will last a lifetime. I'm excited to start my pro career and am looking forward to where it will take me."

Hepler skated six seasons for the Stars program (from 2008 through the 2014 season), spending seasons with the Stars U14 (two seasons), U15, U16 and U18 (two seasons) squads. He wrapped up his amateur career with the Stars 18U Midget Major AAA squad during the 2013-14 season.

"This is great for Cole," said Stars General Manager Dave Kosick.  "You talk about a classy young man who plays the game the right way and brings a passion and love for the game to the rink every night ... that's Cole."

Following the 2013-14 season, Hepler signed an NAHL tender with the Kenai River (AK) Brown Bears. He would go on to skate the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season with the Elliot Lake Wildcats of the NOJHL.

 The Huntsville Havoc are 25-14-3 so far this season and sit in fourth place in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). The regular season wraps up in early April, with playoffs to follow.

Tkac Earns Roster Spot with Team Slovakia

Former Esmark Stars forward Daniel Tkac has made Team Slovakia’s final roster for the 2020 World Junior Championships.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Pittsburgh and who currently skates for the Merritt Centennials in the British Columbia Hockey League, a dual American-Slovakian citizen, was invited to Team Slovakia's camp earlier this month and was named to the finalized roster for the event.

“Every kid growing up wants to make that tournament,” said Tkac upon his invitation to camp. “It’s the biggest tournament in junior hockey. When you get that chance, you want to make it happen.”

This year’s World Junior tournament is taking place, Dec. 26 - Jan. 5, in Ostrava and Třinec in the Czech Republic, right near the Slovakian border, which means Slovakia should have plenty of support all tournament long.

“I think there will be a lot of fans there,” said Tkac. “It would be amazing to play in that kind of atmosphere. I’ll be really excited.”

Although he was born in the U.S., Tkac and his family moved back to Slovakia seven years ago and that’s the country he currently calls home. He played most of his youth hockey in Slovakia, but decided to come back to North America to further his hockey career.  He skated for Yuri Kroivokhija's U16 Esmark Stars squads during both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

Last year, he had 14 points in 46 regular-season games for the Centennials, but so far this year he’s the team’s third-leading scorer with 23 points in 29 contests.

Slovakia is in Group A of the World Juniors along with Finland, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Switzerland.

Tkac and the rest of his teammates are scheduled to open the tournament Dec. 27 against Kazakhstan.

Former Star on Cusp of Junior World Championship Roster

Former Esmark Stars forward Daniel Tkac, who currently skates for the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), has been invited to Team Slovakia’s selection camp for the 2020 World Junior Championships.

The 18-year-old is a dual American-Slovakian citizen who was born in Pittsburgh, but both of his parents are from Slovakia.

He left for training camp in Slovakia this past Saturday.

“I have to go into camp and play my best hockey and see how that goes,” he said. “But the opportunity is unbelievable to get that chance. You’ve just got to work hard and play your best hockey when you get there. I can’t wait.”

This year’s World Junior tournament takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Ostrava and Třinec in the Czech Republic, right near the Slovakian border, which means Slovakia should have plenty of support all tournament long.

“I think there will be a lot of fans there,” said Tkac. “It would be amazing to play in that kind of atmosphere. If it does happen, which I really hope it does, I’ll be really excited.”

The World Juniors have become a holiday tradition in Canada and it’s often said that no one cares about the tournament as much as Canadians, but for someone who’s lived in Slovakia and the U.S. his whole life, the tournament is still something he’s always dreamed of playing in.

“Every kid growing up wants to make that tournament,” said Tkac. “It’s the biggest tournament in junior hockey. When you get that chance, you want to make it happen.”

This isn’t the first time Tkac has represented his country on the international stage as he played for Slovakia at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships in 2018.

“It was an unbelievable experience to play against the top guys around the world,” he said. “It was really nice to see what that kind of hockey is like.”

Although he was born in the U.S., Tkac and his family moved back to Slovakia seven years ago and that’s the country he currently calls home. He played a lot of his youth hockey in Slovakia, but decided to come back to North America to further his hockey career.

After playing in the U.S. for the Stars, he ventured north to Merritt in 2018 to start his junior career.

With any hockey player, there’s always an adjustment period when they make the jump to the next level and Tkac was no different.

Last year, he had 14 points in 46 regular-season games, but so far this year he’s at almost a point per game with 20 in 24 contests.

“It’s a really fast league,” he said. “You have to make decisions quickly, so you have to get used to it. It took some time, but I think I’m used to it now.”

Slovakia is in Group A of the World Juniors along with Finland, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Switzerland.

Slovakia opens the tournament Dec. 27, 2019, against Kazakhstan.

STROBEL EARNS CALL-UP TO YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS (USHL)

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) have announced that 18U goaltender Connor Strobel has been called up by the Youngstown Phantoms Junior A club of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

He will join the Phantoms (16-17-0-6) for a weekend series, Feb. 7 & 8, 2020, with the Des Moines Buccaneers (18-17-0-3) at the Mystique Ice Center in Des Moines, IA

The 17-year old Butler, PA native, a senior at Butler High School who is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars, has an overall record of 21-1-3-1 in 26 overall appearances, with a .941 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.47, with seven shutouts.

In nine North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances this season, Stobel (6'2", 170 lbs.) has a 7-0-0-1 record, with a .940 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.50, and has recorded three shutouts.

"What a great opportunity for Connor," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “From the long bus ride, to the crowd, to the entire junior environment.  It is an opportunity well earned.”

Strobel recently signed a tender for the 2020-2021 season with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

J.T. Schimizzi and Blake Rossi share a 'Latrobe connection'

Reprinted from the Post

by Jack Gleckler 

J.T. Schimizzi and Blake Rossi hobbled out from the locker room, skates on and panting from that day’s practice.

Rossi and Schimizzi share a friendship that has forged over the last decade. They are roommates, teammates and have what they call “the Latrobe connection.”

The Pennsylvania natives are as close as two teammates can be. Both were raised near Latrobe, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and grew up 15 minutes away from each other. They began playing hockey at young ages, and both began skating before they were in kindergarten. 

The duo played together on the same team for nine years — from elementary school to the Esmark Stars 18U team. Rossi tallied 18 points in 26 games, and Schimizzi totaled 29 points in 30 games over two seasons.

“It’s an awesome organization,” Rossi said. “We played our whole entire lives, but the past two years we were both on (the Stars), and last year, we made it to nationals, which is the first that team had made it in probably 10 years.”

The nine-year streak was broken when Rossi joined the Amarillo Bulls and Schimizzi joined the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League last season. Neither saw much action. They can count on one hand the number of games they played for their respective teams. The two returned to the Stars at the end of the season. 

Scouts took notice of the duo during their time at Latrobe and with the Stars. Former assistant coach for Ohio Mike Gugin approached each of them with offers to join the Bobcats. Schimizzi had family ties to Ohio, his older sister and cousins were alumni. The offer was too good to pass up.

“I let (Rossi) know that OU was gonna be my plan, and he was like, ‘Well, now I got to look into it, too,‘“ Schimizzi said. “It really worked out for the best that we were able to come here together.”

Rossi and Schimizzi are looking to refine their skills together again this season. They’re only two of an 11-player freshmen class, and they both want to prove they can step into key roles immediately. Schimizzi plays center and is actively looking to be more defensive-minded. Rossi wants to be more aggressive around the net and develop a stronger presence on the ice. 

Improving is how the pair plans to contribute to the cause this season. The goal of any team is to win the national championship, but the Bobcats say it’s now or never. The two want to give back to the seniors that have provided for them by winning the American Collegiate Hockey Association national championship. The Bobcats lost in the national quarterfinals last year to Iowa State.

“The consensus from the seniors this year is that we gotta win this year,” Schimizzi said. “These guys have been working their butts off for years to get to that point, and we both just want to contribute and make that happen.”

Schimizzi and Rossi will get their chance to contribute once the season kicks into gear with the Green and White scrimmage on Sept. 14.

Kucharski Selected in 2018 NHL Draft

Pittsburgh, PA - Former Esmark Stars AAA Hockey goaltender Jake Kucharski was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes on Day Two of the 2018 NHL Draft.

The 6’4"/193 lbs. native of Erie, PA, who began his climb up the ladder of development with the Esmark program's U16 club during the 2015-16 season, was selected in the seventh round, 197th overall. 

During the '15-'16 season, Kucharski posted a 1.77 goals against average and .917 save percentage for the Stars, including three shut-outs, in 14 NAPHL games. Overall, in 32 Esmark 16U AAA game appearances, he finished with a .896% save percentage and a a 2.41 GAA with five shut-outs.

After the '15-'16 season, Kucharski signed a tender agreement with the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).  In addition, he was also selected in the ninth round of the 2016 USHL Draft, pick #140, by the Chicago Steele.

Kucharski spent most of the 2016-17 with  Austin. where he played in 34 games with a save percentage of .894 and posted a goals against average of 3.31.

During the 2017-18 campaign, Kucharski skated for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, where he returned for the current campaign.

Kucharski has also signed a letter of commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Providence Friars beginning with the 2019-20 season.

"I was very proud to see Jake get selected in the Draft," said Esmark Stars U16 head coach Yuri Krivokhija, who himself was selected by the Montreal Canadians in the 10th round of the 1988 NHL draft. "He has worked really hard and stayed focused on achieving his goal," Krivokhija added, "and he is now one step closer to reaching it," 

Kucharski joins former Stars players Grant Lewis (2004 draft, second round, 40th overall) and Miles Liberati (2013 Draft, seventh round, 205th overall) in being selected in the annual NHL draft.

"As both Lewis and Liberati did, Jake has parlayed the opportunity that playing with the Stars provided him ... to chase his dreams all the way to the NHL Draft," said Stars founder and General Manager Dave Kosick.  "Proving that dreams, mixed with sweat and hard work, can come true."

Former Stars Earn All-MAC Honors

Two former members of the Esmark Stars AAA program were among four players from Lebanon Valley College Dutchman that were named to the  2017-18 All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Teams, as chosen by the league's coaches.

Forward Cole Hepler and goaltender Tyler Perhac each garnered Second-Team recognition for the league’s inaugural All-League Teams.

Hepler picked up 20 points this season, and was fourth on the team in goals, with nine, and fifth on the squad in assists, with 11.  He netted four goals on the man-advantage, and led LVC with three short-handed goals, including two in LVC's outdoor game against Chatham last month. The assistant captain also registered two game-winning goals on the year.

Perhac enjoyed a breakout season in 2017-18, going 6-3-1 and recording one shutout. The sophomore allowed just 2.62 goals per game and had a saves percentage of .913. His lone shutout of the season came at the Dutchmen Outdoor Classic where he stopped all 16 shots he faced against Chatham.