The North American Hockey League (NAHL) has announced league-wide awards winners for the 2019-20 season and former Esmark Stars AAA Hockey forward Christian Gorscak has been named NAHL 2019-20 Most Valuable Player and NAHL Forward of the Year. 

In a previous announcement from the league, Gorscak, who skates for the Johnstown Tomahawks, was named to the 2019-20 All-East Division Team and selected as the 2019-20 East Division Most Valuable Player and Forward of the Year.

"We are all so very proud of Christian," said Stars General Manager Dave Kosick. "But honestly none of us are surprised by his accomplishments. His work ethic and desire to succeed drive his continued path of success."

Gorscak, 19, made a 40-point improvement from last season to tie for the NAHL scoring title in 2019-20 with 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 51 games played. He has appeared in 155 games in his NAHL career and recorded 101 points.

Earlier this season, Gorscak ( 5’11/185 lbs.) committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Niagara University.

Gorscak a native of Jeannette, PA, skated for the 16U AAA Esmark Stars during the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons, during which he registered 159 points (77 goals and 82 assists) in 141 games played.  Those numbers included 60 points in 48 career games in NAPHL action. 

During the 2016-17 season, he helped the Stars to the NAPHL 16U Dixon Cup Championship, appeared in the NAPHL 16U All-Star Game, and was named to the All-NAPHL 16U First Team. He signed a tender with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) following his second season on the Stars 16U squad. 

"Christian is as determined to succeed as any hockey player as I have seen in my career'" offered Yuri Krivokhija, Gorscak's U16 head coach. "He never settles for okay ... rather he continually pushes himself to overachieve." 

The NAHL selections were based on performance during the 2019-20 regular season, as voted upon by the league’s 26 Head Coaches.