Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program, proud members of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) and the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF), have kicked off the 2023-24 season.

The Stars program, the oldest Tier I program in the Mid-American District of USA Hockey and one of the oldest Tier I programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, will be celebrating their 39th season of operation. 

"We are excited for the season to begin," said program founder and Esmark Stars General Manager Dave Kosick. "Each season brings both new and returning faces and names to our program ... and the sense of excitement for this season is very high."

The Stars program will field eight Tier I AAA teams this season: U18 Midget Major, U16 Midget Minor, U15 Midget (15 Only), U13 Bantam Minor, U12 Red Pee Wee Major, U12 White Pee Wee Major, U11, Pee Wee Minor, and U10 Squirt Major.

Game schedules for the season, excluding tournaments and showcases, have been posted to the various Esmark Stars team pages on the Esmark Stars website (www.esmarkstars.com).

The Stars will open the 2023-24 campaign next weekend, Aug 26 & 27, with 13 T1HF home games at Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA, and Alpha Ice Center in Harmarville, PA.

The game schedule for the "2023-24 Season Opening Kick-Off Weekend" ... Aug 26 & 27 ... is as follows:

Saturday, Aug 26

11:30 a.m. - Esmark Stars U13 vs Revolution Elite
1:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U10 vs Revolution Elite
2:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Jersey Hitmen
4:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U18 vs Philly Revolution
5:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 White vs New Jersey Jets (Alpha Ice Center)
6:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 RED vs Jersey Hitmen
6:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U10 vs Revolution Elite (Alpha Ice Center)
7:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Jersey Hitmen

Sunday, Aug 27

8:00 a.m. - Esmark Stars U12 Red vs Jersey Hitmen
9:30 a.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Philly Revolution
11:00 a.m. - Esmark Stars U18 vs Philly Revolution
1:00 p.m. - Esmark Stars U12 White vs Jersey Hitmen
2:30 p.m. - Esmark Stars U11 vs Philly Revolution

Admission for home games is free and fans are encouraged to attend.