Esmark Stars AAA Hockey's U18 defenseman Zachary Stoner was called up to the North American Hockey League's (NAHL) Johnstown Tomahawks this past weekend as the Tomahawks swept a Friday-Saturday series (8-1 & 3-0) to remain in first place in the NAHL's  Eastern Division.

Stoner, who tendered with the Tomahawks earlier in the season, was brought up through the NAHL's "affiliate player" process and saw action in both games. He finished the two-game set with one assist and a +3 rating (+/-).

"It was a great opportunity for Zach to see and more importantly participate inside the world of junior A hockey," said Stars's Head Coach Dave Kosick.

Stoner, who was paired at times with former Stars stand-out defenseman Dusty Geregach, was able to show Tomahawk's Head Coach Mike Letizia how he has progressed over the course of the '20-'21 season to date.

Stoner recorded 17 points (4 goals and 13 assists), including 2 game winning goals, in 25 NAPHL regular season and Dean Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games this season.  He has recorded 37 points (9 goals and 28 assists), including 5 power play goals, and a plus/minus rating of +42 in 63 overall games played to date.