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NAPHL announces Apex Learning Peak Performers for December 2019

By DLG, 01/10/20, 11:00AM EST

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Esmark's Gray, Palombo and Strobel Honored at 18U

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced its Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performers for the month of December. 

The players were selected based upon their performance at the December NAPHL event, which took place in Blaine, MN, Dec. 14-16.

The 18U Esmark Stars had three players (forward Giovanni Palombo, defenseman Trent Gray and goaltender Connor Strobel) recognized as Peak Performers in the 18U AAA Division, as the team skated to a perfect 4-0-0-0 record at the event.

Palombo was selected as the number two star for 18U Forwards as the 5’10"/185 lbs. winger from Pittsburgh, PA, recorded seven points (3 goals, 4 assists) in four games, including three points (1 goal, 2 assist2) in a 7-1 win over the Chicago Young Americans.

To date, Palombo has recorded 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists) in 8 NAPHL league games, including one power play and one shorthanded goal, and 24 points (11 goals, 13 assists) in 19 overall games. Palombo returned to the ice in mid-November after missing eight weeks of the season recovering from a broken ankle.

Gray was selected as the number two star for 18U Defenseman as the 5’11"/190 lbs. defenseman from Greensburg, PA, recorded three points (1 goal, 2 assists) in four games, including a power play goal in a 4-2 win over the Thunder Bay Kings.

To date, Gray has recorded 10 points (2 goals, 8 assists) in 16 NAPHL league games and 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 41 overall games.

Strobel was selected as the number three star for 18U Goaltenders as the 6’2"/165 lbs. goaltender from Butler, PA, recorded two wins (2-0-0-0) in two games played, including a 1-0 shutout over Meijer AAA, in an overtime shootout win, stopping all 21 shots he faced in regulation and overtime, and a 4-2 win over Omaha AAA, stopping 28 of 30 shots he faced.

To date, Strobel has recorded a 7-0-0-1 record, including three shutouts in nine NAPHL league games with a save percentage of .938, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.50, and one assist.  Overall to date in 22 appearances, he has recorded a record of 18-0-2-1, including seven shutouts, with a save percentage of .945, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.35 and one assist recorded.