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Hepler Named ECAC Rookie of the Year

By Mike Freeman, 03/04/17, 6:00PM EST

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Former Star has standout freshman campaign

DANBURY, Conn. – Former Esmark Star's forward Cole Hepler was recognized by and received several awards from the ECAC Division III Men's West Hockey Conference at their annual post season awards ceremony.

Skating for Lebanon Valley College, in eastern Pennsylvania, Hepler, a freshman from Sarver, PA,, was named ECAC West Rookie of the Year for men's ice hockey, named to the league's All-Rookie Team, and earned Honorable Mention by the league for its All-Conference teams.

Hepler’s Rookie of the Year honor comes after the freshman led the Flying Dutchmen in goals (16) and points (32) during the regular season. The forward saved some of his best work for league action, tallying 11 and setting up nine (9) more for 20 points in 14 conference games, just one behind the ECAC's leading scorer in conference play. Hepler also led all ECAC Men’s West skaters with five (5) power-play goals in league play.

"I am extremely proud of Hepler," said head coach Don Parsons.  "He worked hard all season and is very deserving of these awards."

"Although this season was a struggle at times, we are comfortable in knowing we have a solid core of players, including Hepler, who are ready to bring Lebanon Valley to the next level as a contender in our conference."

Hepler enjoyed a stand-out career with the Stars AAA program, skating with the Star's Bantam, Midget Minor and Midget Major team's from 2008 - 2014.

Post his career with the Stars, Hepler signed a tender and headed north of the border for a pair of Junior A seasons with the Elliot Lake Wildcats on the Northern Ontario Junior Hockey League.