Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) are pleased to announce that 18U defenseman Raymond Janik has signed a NCDC (National Collegiate Development Conference) tender agreement with the USPHL's Islanders Hockey Club.

The 2022-23 season was Janik's initial with Esmark's AAA Hockey's 18U team.

The (6'0", 165 lbs.) 18 year-old is from Palo Alto, CA, registered 11 points (1 goals, 10 assists), including two power play goals, in 28 North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances (24 regular season and four Dixon Cup NAPHL Playoff games) during the 2021-22 season.

Overall this past season, Janik tallied 26 points (5 goals, 21 assists) in 54 games played for Esmark. 

"Ray is a very gifted skater," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "who likes to handle the puck."

"I would describe his style of defensive play as being similar to Kris Letang's," Kosick added. "And he has a tremendous upside to his game as he continues to master his skill set."

Janik becomes the seventh member of the 2021-2022 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club, joining teammates Keith Smilowitz, forward, and Liam McClaine, defenseman, who both signed with the Boston Jr. Advantage (NCDC);  as well as forwards Shane Kozlina, North Iowa Bulls (NAHL); Hunter Fairman, Springfield Jr Blues (NAHL); and Justin McClain, Springfield Jr. Blues (NAHL); and defenseman Liam Varmecky, Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks (NAHL).

The Islanders Hockey Club, who are based out of Tyngsborough, MA, play in the seven-team NCDC North Division.