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 17-year old western Pennsylvania native, who is a senior at Franklin Area High School in Franklin, PA, is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars. Prior to joining the U18 squad, Brophy previously skated for two seasons with the U16 Esmark Stars.

To date this season, Brophy (6'1", 190 lbs.) has tallied 28 points (15 goals, 13 assists), including one power play and one shorthanded goal, in 17 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) games. Brophy was also selected to participate in the 2019-202 NAPHL All-Star game and scored a goal for Team Warroad. Overall this season to date, he has recorded 89 points (44 goals, 45 assists), including 10 power play goals and 2 shorthanded goals, in 48 games played.

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. 

"Ryder has demonstrated without question that he is among the best 18U players in the country," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He has worked his backside off over the course of these last three years and that has resulted in considerable interest and multiple offers from several NAHL teams.

"Ryder is proof that hard work, focused attention to skill development and disciplined play can result in junior placement," Kosick added. "Like his teammates who have previously tendered, he earned his tender." 

Brophy is the third member of the 2019-2020 Esmark Stars to secure a tender with an NAHL squad for the 2020-2021 season.  Teammates Dustin Gergerach, Johnstown Tomahawks, and Lane Ruffner, Wichita Falls Warriors, previously signed with the NAHL clubs.

The Brahmas, who are in the South Division of the NAHL, skate out of the NYTEX Sports Center in North Richland Hills, Texas. The team is coached by Dan Wilfong.

For the 2020-2021 season, in addition to the Lone Star Brahmas the NAHL's South division will be comprised of seven other teams: Amarillo Bulls (Amarillo, TX), Corpus Christi IceRays (Corpus Christi, TX), New Mexico Ice Wolves (Albuquerque, New Mexico), Odessa Jackalopes (Odessa, TX), Shreveport Mudbugs (Shreveport, LA), and Topeka Pilots (Topeka, KS), and new next season the Wichita Falls Warriors (Wichita Falls, TX).