The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program will have two of its teams - U12 & U16 - in action this Thanksgiving weekend, Nov. 26-28.

The Esmark U16 squad (19-4-1-2) will travel to South Bend, IN, and Notre Dame University, to participate in the CCM Notre Dame Shootout, Friday through Sunday. They open play on Friday, against Detroit-based Victory Honda (16-13-0-3) at 8:30 a.m.  Later Friday afternoon, the Stars return to the ice at  5:30 p.m. to face another Detroit powerhouse and the nation's #12 ranked team (www.myhockeyrankings.com), Little Caesars (13-11-2-0). On Saturday the Stars play the Green Bay Jr Gamblers (4-14-0-1) at 8:50 a.m.  And then Saturday evening, the Stars square-off with fellow NAPHL league member Chicago Reapers (14-15-2-0) at 6:00 p.m. The Stars close the five-game showcase with a 10:20 a.m. game against Gilmour Academy's 16U squad (11-9-1-0).  All games will played at Notre Dame's Compton Family Arena.

The U12 AAA Pee Wee Major Stars (8-19-4-0) will travel to Dunellen, NJ, for a three-game weekend against the U12 New Jersey Rockets (13-10-6-2). The two Pee Wee Major squads will open the weekend Saturday with a 2:50 p.m. game. On Sunday they will square-off at 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. All three games will be played at the Rock Ice Facility in Dunellen.

The U11, U13, U14 and U18 Stars will all enjoy the holiday weekend off.