skip navigation

Esmark Stars in the News

Tune-Up For Tryouts

By DLG 03/27/2024, 8:30pm EDT

Stellabotte Skating & Development and Intel Academy Present

Pittsburgh, PA - Stellabotte Skating & Development and Intel Hockey Academy will be hosting a series of "Tune-Up for Tryouts" camps at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena.

The skates are a great way for youth hockey players to prepare for the upcoming season while working with some of the top skills instructors in the nation.

The skates are priced at $20 per session ($10 for players registered for the 2024-25 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey tryouts).

Goaltenders are free.

For additional information on the camp, please contact Stellabotte Skating & Development (724-882-8221).

Saturday, March 30 
11:00 am - 12:20 pm - 15U/16U (2008 and 2009)
12:30 pm - 1:50 pm - 13U (2011)

Tuesday, April 2
4:30 pm - 5:40 pm - 18U (2006 & 2007)
5:50 pm - 6:50 pm - 13U  (2011)

Monday, April 8
4:30 pm - 5:50 pm - 18U (2006 & 2007)
6:00 pm - 7:20 pm - 15U/16U (2008 and 2009)
7:30 pm - 8:20 pm - 14U (2010)

Alex Thomas and Jacob Stock Honored

Pittsburgh, PA - Two members of the 2023-24 Esmark Stars U18 Midget AAA squad have been recognized by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as part of the Post-Gazette's Annual Stellar Six Hockey Team for their work in the Pittsburgh Interscholastic Hockey League (PIHL).

Alex Thomas, Norwin High School, and Jacob Stock, Thomas Jefferson High School, were both selected as members of the top six local high school players and make up 1/3 of the squad for the 2023-24 season.

Thomas, selected as the 2024 Post-Gazette Stellar 6 Player of the Year, has been a dominant player ever since he stepped on the ice for the Knights. He led the team to its first PIHL Class 1A Penguins Cup title and a berth in the state championship game two years ago as a sophomore, led the PIHL in scoring as a junior and, despite moving up in classification, led the league again this season.

He is the first player in PIHL history to lead the league in scoring in consecutive years while playing in two classifications.

If that wasn’t enough, on Jan. 20, he was in Greeley, Colo., on the ice and in uniform playing junior hockey. Thomas played in a home game for the Colorado Grit of the North American Hockey League against the New Mexico Ice Wolves.

“It’s honestly been a lot of fun,” Thomas said. “I never expected any of the junior things. It was a dream at first, and becoming a reality, it was extremely exciting.”

As a sophomore in the 2021-22 season, Thomas showed flashes of what was to come. He finished in the top 25 in the PIHL in overall scoring and 13th in Class 1A with 21 goals and 35 points. However, it was in the postseason when he really came into his own. He finished with four goals and seven points in three playoff games, including a pair of goals in the Knights’ 5-0 victory against McDowell in the Penguins Cup final to win the program’s first championship.

Last season, he took his place among the best in the area. In 18 regular-season games, he scored 38 goals, added 32 assists for 70 points and added four goals in two playoff games, including a pair in a 7-3 loss to Fox Chapel in the semifinals. He also was selected to the Stellar 6.

Norwin appeared to be set for a second title in three years in Class 1A before news came down the Knights would be moved up to Class 2A as part of the league’s annual realignment.

Despite the tougher competition in the higher classification, Thomas still led the top three classes of the PIHL in scoring with 32 goals and 61 points. He had 19 points, including a league-high 14 assists, on the power play and scored four short-handed goals.

Norwin made it to the Class 2A semifinals before bowing out against rival Penn-Trafford.

Even so, Thomas already saw his future when he went to Colorado to play for the Grit. And he has a pretty good idea what to do to succeed at the next level and the legacy he’s leaving behind.

Stock led the PIHL Class 2A regular-season co-champions Jaguars with 45 points and was a key to Thomas Jefferson winning their second Penguins Cup title in three years. He had five-point nights, including hat tricks, in both the Penguins Cup semifinals against Franklin Regional and the championship game against Penn-Trafford. After being shut out in the season opener he scored in every game he dressed for this season.

- Credit, Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Keith Barnes, Tri-State Sports and News Service

# # #

18U DEFENSEMAN COMMITS TO NAHL CLUB

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey defenseman Mark Trischler has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Kenai River (AK) Brown Bears.

"Mark is a gifted player,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, “who matches his physical talent with a highly cerebral approach. He is an outstanding two-way defenseman who can both contribute in the offensive zone, while applying a solid defensive approach.”

The 18-year-old defenseman from Canonsburg, PA, recorded 14 points (2 goals and 12 assists), in 12 T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and 5 Dixon Cup Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the League's Regular Season and Playoff Championships.

Overall the 6'1" / 170 lbs. defenseman tallied 43 points (8 goals, 35 assists), including one power play goal, in 61 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

He was also named to the 2024 NAT1HL U18 Top Prospects event and picked up an assist in that showcase event.

The 2023-24 season was Trischler’s third season with the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program.

During the 2022-23 season, Trischler recorded 10 points (2 goals and 12 assists), in 12 T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and 4 Dixon Cup Playoff Games for Esmark’s U18 squad.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Trischler tallied 41 points (16 goals, 25 assists), including seven power play goals, in 70 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

During the 2022-23 season, Trischler recorded 11 points (4 goals and 11 assists), including two power play goals, in 24 NAPHL North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and Dixon Cup Playoff Games for Esmark’s U16 squad.

Overall during the 2022-23 season, Trischler tallied 19 points (4 goals, 15 assists), including two power play goals, in 53 games played for Esmark's U16 AAA Midget Minor squad.

“Mark is well respected within the locker room,” Kosick added. “Combining his leadership capabilities with his high hockey IQ and you get a kid with a maturity level off the charts, who is determined to succeed … all attributes that should help him succeed in Kenai River” 

Trischler becomes the ninth member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Trischler joins 18U teammates Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, in signing tender agreements with the NAHL teams; and Hunter Furman, who signed a tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) in the United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL).

Kenai River is in the NAHL's eight-team Midwest Division along with the Anchorage Wolverines (AK), Janesville Jets (WI), Chippewa Steel (WI), Wisconsin Windego (WI), Minnesota Wilderness (MN), Fairbanks Ice Dogs (AK) and Springfield Jr Blues (IL).

The Brown Bears play in the Soldotna Regional sports Complex in Soldotna, AK, and are led by Head Coach Taylor Shaw.

# # #

2024 - 2025 TRYOUT DATES ANNOUNCED

By DLG 03/26/2024, 12:01am EDT

Stars Set to Celebrate 40th Year!

Feb. 13, 2024

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club have announced a schedule for tryout dates for their Tier I AAA teams for the 2024-25 season.

The schedule includes tryouts at the U18 Midget Major (2006-2007 birth-years), U16 Midget Minor (2008), U15 Only Midget (2009), U14 Bantam Major (2010), U13 Bantam Minor (2011), U12 Pee Wee Major (2012), U11 Pee Wee Minor (2013) and U10 Squirt (2014 & 2015).

As the oldest Tier I AAA program in the Mid-American District (founded in 1984 and continuously providing elite training and showcase opportunities for amateur hockey players since), and one of the oldest Tier I AAA programs under the USA Hockey umbrella, the Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program will be celebrating their 40th year of operation. The Stars Program offers:

* Nationally recognized program;
* Nationally recognized elite-level coaching staff;
* One team at each birth-year level;
* 2 - 3 practices per week;
* Comprehensive off-ice testing and instruction, including use of a full service gym at the rink
* Members of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL)
* Members of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF)
* Participate in high-end national tournaments and scheduling opportunities, selected to best showcase elite athletes;
* Great schedule (mix of league, tournament and home and home series) with elite AAA opponents from across the US and Canada
* Direct Affiliation with the NAHL and USHL;
* Past players have gone on to play hockey at every level, including (NHL, OHL, AHL, IHL, USHL, NAHL, NCAA Div. I & III, ACHA, Div. I & III).

Tryouts will be conducted at the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington, PA.

Additional tryout information will be posted on the Esmark Stars website (www.esmarkstars.com) or can be obtained by contacting Esmark Stars General Manager Dave Kosick (dwk@thekmagroup.com).

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program looks forward to seeing all interested players at our upcoming tryout sessions and encourages all to "Shoot for the Stars!"

Note: Times and dates are subject to change ... please refer to website for up-to-date information.

Esmark Stars AAA Hockey

2024 – 2025 Tryout Schedule

Squirt 10U AAA - (2014 & 2015 Birth Year)

March 30, 2024: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 1, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 2, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Pee Wee 11U AAA - (2013 Birth Year)

March 30, 2024: 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 1, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:20 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 2, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Pee Wee 12U AAA - (2012 Birth Year)

March 30, 2024: 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 1, 2024: 7:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 2, 2024: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. – Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Bantam 13U AAA - (2011 Birth Year)

April 14, 2024: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 14, 2024: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - (Goaltenders Only) Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 15, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 16, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 17, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Bantam 14U AAA - (2010 Birth Year)

April 14, 2024: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 14, 2024: 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. - (Goaltenders Only) Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 15, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 16, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 17, 2024: 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Midget 15U (only) AAA - (2009 Birth Year)

April 14, 2024: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 14, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - (Goaltenders Only) Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 15, 2024: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 16, 2024: 8:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 17, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Midget 16U AAA - (2008 Birth Years)

April 14, 2024: 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 14, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - (Goaltenders Only) Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 15, 2024: 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 16, 2024: 9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 17, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena

Midget 18U AAA - (2006 - 2007 Birth Years)

April 12, 2024: 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 13, 2024: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - (Goaltenders Only) Pittsburgh Ice Arena
April 13, 2024: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)
April 13, 2024: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)
April 13, 2024: 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)
April 13, 2024: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)
April 14, 2024: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)
April 14, 2024: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. - Pittsburgh Ice Arena (scrimmages)

Thank you for your continued interest in Esmark Stars AAA Hockey!

Note - Please continue to check the website (www.esmarkstars.com) for updated information.

JACKSON FURMAN TENDERS WITH NORTHERN CYCLONES

By DLG 03/19/2024, 8:30pm EDT

18U FORWARD COMMITS TO NCDC CLUB

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Jackson Furman has signed a United States Premier Hockey League (USPHL) National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC) tender agreement with the Northern Cyclones.

The 18-year-old forward from Westerville, OH, recorded seven points (3 goals and 4 assists), in 12 T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and 5 Dixon Cup Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the League's Regular Season Crown and Playoff Championships.

Overall, the 5'11" / 170 lbs. forward tallied 46 points (15 goals, 31 assists), including one power play goal and two game-winning goals, in 68 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Furman’s second season with the Esmark Stars program.

During the 2022-23 season, Furman recorded 15 points (10 goals and 5 assists), in 12 T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and 4 Dixon Cup Playoff Games.

Overall during the ’22-’23 campaign, Furman tallied 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists), including two power play goals, in 62 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

"Jackson is a true Swiss Army knife,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "His skill set and on-ice compete level allowed us to use him in all settings … from special teams (penalty kill and power play) to end-of-game scenarios. He brings such a tenacity and desire to succeed to each game and practice that will not allow him to be outworked. That skill set and his drive to succeed should afford him a bright Junior opportunity."

In addition to his success on the ice, Furman was also selected as an All-State Lacrosse player in the state of Ohio last season.

Furman becomes the eight member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season, and the first to sign a NCDC tender, as he joins 18U teammates Aiden Petroff (New Hampshire Mountain Kings), Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, who have all previously signed tender agreements with the NAHL teams.

The Norther Cyclones are in the six-team New England Division of the USPHL’s 18-team NCDC Division, along with the Boston Junior Bruins, Islanders Hockey Club (MA), Twin City Thunder (ME), South Shore Kings (MA) and Utica (NY) Comets.

The Northern Cyclones play in the Cyclones Arena in Hudson, NH, and are led by Head Coach Bill Flanagan.

# # #

18U FORWARD COMMITS TO NAHL CLUB

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League have announced that Esmark Stars 18U AAA Hockey forward Aiden Petroff has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the New Hampshire Mountain Kings.

The 17-year-old forward from Natrona Heights, PA, recorded seven points (3 goals and 4 assists), in 8 T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League regular season games and 5 Dixon Cup Playoff Games in helping lead the U18 Stars to the League's Regular Season and Playoff Championships.

Overall the 5'11" / 170 lbs. forward tallied 40 points (14 goals, 26 assists), including one power play, one shorthanded goal and three game-winning goals, in 53 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

The 2023-24 season was Petroff's first season with the Esmark Stars program.

"Aiden is an extremely talented hockey player with an elite level skill set,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. "He combines an elite level skating ability, with an elite level stick handling skill set and a marksman shooting talent ... all skills that Junior A teams desire."

Petroff becomes the seventh member of the 2023-2024 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey program to sign a tender with a Junior A club for the upcoming season.

Petroff joins 18U teammates Alex Thomas (Colorado Grit), Timur Naletov (Danbury Hat Tricks), Max Rutkowski (Oklahoma Warriors) and Mykyta Yalovyi (Lone Star Brahmas), as well as 16U Esmark forwards Emmet McClaine and Vitaliy Ulianov, who both signed with the Johnstown Tomahawks, in signing tender agreements with the NAHL teams.

New Hampshire is in the NAHL's nine-team East Division along with the Danbury Hat Tricks (CT), Johnstown Tomahawks (PA), Maine Nordiques, Maryland Black Bears, New Jersey Titans, Northeast (MA) Generals, Philadelphia (PA) Rebels and Rochester (NY) Jr Americans.

The Mountain Kings play in the Tri-Town Ice Arena in Hooksett, NH, and are led by Head Coach Cam Robichaud.

# # #

Three Esmark Stars Named to 2024 THF Championships All Tournament Teams

Pittsburgh, PA - The Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) has announced its All-Tournament teams from their 2024 THF Championships.

In total, Esmark had three players named to the various "THF All-Tournament Teams."

At the U18 Midget Major division, forward Nathan Burlando and defenseman Aiden Tarasovich were both recognized with placement on the league's "18U All-Tournament Team."

At the 15U (only) Midget division, defenseman Derek Schliebner was recognized with placement on the league's "15U All-Tournament Team."

The 2024 T1HF Playoffs, which took place, Feb. 23-25, in several locations in New Jersey, saw the league crown its 2024 Playoff Champions.

The Esmark Stars U18 advanced to the league's Championship game, going 3-0-0-0 in round-robin play in the double elimination tournament before dropping a 3-2 overtime decision to Team Maryland in the league's 18U AAA Championship game.

Burlando would contribute seven points in four games to help guide the 18U squad to the league's Championship game. While Tarasovich, who scored a power play goal in the Star's 7-5 win over the nation's #10 team Jersey Rockets, turned in an outstanding defensive performance over the course of the Championships.

The 15U Stars dropped their opening THF playoff game, before going on a 3-0-0-0 run and advancing to the finals of the elimination bracket where they would be eliminated by the eventual champion American Hockey Academy.

Schliebner would contribute seven points (2G 5A) in five games to pace 15U defenseman in scoring at the event.

Stars Well Represented with Six Players Selected

Troy, MI - The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) T1ER League has announced All-Tournament teams from their 2024 Dixon Cup Playoffs at the U18, U16 and U15 levels.

Esmark was well represented on the three "All-Tournament Teams" as they have six players in total named to the various teams.

At the U18 Midget Major division, forward Timur Naletov, defenseman Liam Wiseman and goaltender Hleb Subach were all recognized with placement on the league's 18U "All Tournament Team."

At the U16 Midget Minor division, forward Emmet McClaine was recognized with placement on the league's 16U "All Tournament Team."

And at the U15 (only) Midget Minor division, forward Nar-Ulan Baiken and defenseman Derek Schliebner were both recognized with placement on the league's 15U "All Tournament Team."

The 2024 T1ER Dixon Cup Playoffs, which took place, Feb. 16-19, in suburban Detroit, saw the league, in its 15th season, crown its 2024 Playoff Champions at the 18U, 16U, 15U, 14U, 13U, and 12U levels.

The Esmark Stars U18 captured the 2024 T1ER Dixon Cup Playoffs championship at the Midget Major level with a 4-1 win over CarShield AAA in the 18U Championship game.

Likewise, the Esmark Stars U12 Red squad captured the 2024 T1ER Dixon Cup Playoffs Trophy with a 4-3 overtime win over the Sylvania North Stars.

McLaughlin Named Peak Performer

By DLG 03/07/2024, 11:30pm EST

Stars 16U Goaltender Shines in Pittsburgh NAT1ER Showcase

Pittsburgh, PA - The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) announced its US Performance Academy T1ER League Peak Performers for the Central Showcase in February. The players were selected based upon their performance during the T1ER 18U and 16U regular season games played between Feb. 2 and 4 at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex in Cranberry Township, PA.

Esmark Stars AAA Hockey U16 Goaltender Kyle McLaughlin was named Peak Performer for the Pittsburgh Showcase as he turned in two phenomenal 30+ save performances in Esmark’s crease at the event, beginning with a 35-save victory against Seacoast Prep Academy on Friday. Two days later he was nearly perfect between the pipes, keeping out all but one of 35 shots that Pittsburgh Penguins Elite sent his way in a 2-1 win. He finished the regular season with a 4-2 record alongside a 1.77 goals-against average and a .945 save percentage. 

Weekend Preview: March 7 - 10

By DLG 03/04/2024, 5:45pm EST

Stars Set for Mid-Am District Tournament

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program will have all four of its "National Bound" teams in action this weekend, March 7 - 10, as they compete at the Mid-American District Tournament in Pittsburgh to try and capture the Mid-American District Championship and the automatic bid to the 2024 USA Hockey National Championships.

The U18 Midget Major Esmark Stars will kick-off the Mid-American Districts with a 3:30 p.m. game on Thursday, March 7, against Gilmour Academy at the Island Sports Center at Robert Morris University on Neville Island. On Friday, March 8, at 2:20 p.m., the Stars will face the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets back at the Island Sports Center. The Midget Major Stars will close round-robin play on Saturday, March 9, with a 5:10 p.m. showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U18 at the UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. The Mid-Am U18 Championship game, and the automatic berth into the USA Hockey National Championships, is set for Sunday, March 10, 11:30 a.m., back at the UPMC Lemieux Center.

The U16 Midget Minor Esmark Stars will kick-off the Mid-American Districts with a 6:10 p.m. game on Thursday, March 7, against Gilmour Academy at the Island Sports Center at Robert Morris University on Neville Island. On Friday, March 8, at 10:20 a.m., the Stars will face the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets back at the Island Sports Center. The Midget Minor Stars will close round-robin play on Saturday, March 9, with a 2:10 p.m. showdown with Culver Academy U16 at the UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. The Mid-Am U16 Championship game, and the automatic berth into the USA Hockey National Championships, is set for Sunday, March 10, 9:15 a.m., back at the UPMC Lemieux Center.

The U15 (only) Midget Minor Esmark Stars will kick-off the Mid-American Districts with a 7:55 p.m. game on Thursday, March 7, against SHAHA at the UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. On Friday, March 8, at 12:20 p.m., the 15U Stars will face the Pittsburgh Vengeance at the Island Sports Center at Robert Morris University on Neville Island. The 15U Stars will close round-robin play on Saturday, March 9, with a 1:10 p.m. showdown with the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite U15 at the UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. The Mid-Am U15 (only) Championship game, and the automatic berth into the USA Hockey National Championships, is set for Sunday, March 10, 12:00 p.m., back at the UPMC Lemieux Center.

The U13 Bantam Minor Esmark Stars will kick-off the Mid-American Districts with a 8:00 p.m. game on Friday, March 8, against the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite at the UPMC Lemieux Complex in Cranberry Township, PA. On Saturday, March 9, the Stars will take to the ice twice. First up at 10:10 a.m., the 13U Stars will face Indiana Elite at the UPMC Lemieux Complex. The 13U Stars will then close round-robin play on Saturday evening, with a 7:00 p.m. showdown with the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets at the Island Sports Center at Robert Morris University on Neville Island. The Mid-Am U13 Championship game, and the automatic berth into the USA Hockey National Championships, is set for Sunday, March 10, 10:00 a.m., back at the UPMC Lemieux Center.

The 12U Red Pee Wee Major, 12U White Pee Wee Major, 11U Pee Wee Minor and 10U Squirt Major Esmark Stars have all concluded their 2023-24 season schedule.

Hepler Signs Pro Contract with Huntsville

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Lebanon Valley College's Cole Hepler has signed a professional contract with the Huntsville Havoc and will report to Huntsville immediately. The Havoc are members of the Southern Professional Hockey League.
 
"We're very excited that Cole is getting this opportunity to play professional hockey," said Lebanon Valley's head men's ice hockey coach Don Parsons. "Cole is an asset in every aspect of the game, including in the locker room, and on and off the ice. I have no doubt in my mind that he'll do a tremendous job and be welcomed on the Huntsville Havoc hockey team. I have had the opportunity to play with Coach Detullio (the coach of the Havoc), and I know the type of player he was and that he'll love the way Cole plays the game."
 
Recently, Hepler capped an impressive career wearing a Flying Dutchmen sweater. Earlier this week, the team captain was named to the All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Second Team for the third straight season, after amassing 15 points this season, good for second on the team. He scored seven goals, which was tied for first, and notched eight assists. He paced the offense with three power-play goals, as well as one game-winning goal and one short-handed tally.
 
In both his junior and sophomore seasons, Hepler also garnered All-MAC Second Team honors. In 2018-19, he finished third on the team with 25 points and tied for second with 17 helpers. During his sophomore season, he ranked third on the squad with 10 goals and 21 points, while leading the Dutchmen with three short-handed goals.
 
In LVC's return to the NCAA during his freshman year, Hepler led the squad with 32 points and 16 tallies. He earned ECAC West Rookie of the Year honors and was an Honorable Mention pick. Lebanon Valley College plays is a Div. III NCAA school who plays in the Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC).
 
"LVC has molded my ability on the ice and in the classroom to the person I am today," said Hepler. "I'm thankful to Coach Parsons to the opportunity to play college hockey as a Dutchman. I have gained many memorable experiences and friends that will last a lifetime. I'm excited to start my pro career and am looking forward to where it will take me."

Hepler skated six seasons for the Stars program (from 2008 through the 2014 season), spending seasons with the Stars U14 (two seasons), U15, U16 and U18 (two seasons) squads. He wrapped up his amateur career with the Stars 18U Midget Major AAA squad during the 2013-14 season.

"This is great for Cole," said Stars General Manager Dave Kosick.  "You talk about a classy young man who plays the game the right way and brings a passion and love for the game to the rink every night ... that's Cole."

Following the 2013-14 season, Hepler signed an NAHL tender with the Kenai River (AK) Brown Bears. He would go on to skate the 2014-15 and 2015-16 season with the Elliot Lake Wildcats of the NOJHL.

 The Huntsville Havoc are 25-14-3 so far this season and sit in fourth place in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL). The regular season wraps up in early April, with playoffs to follow.

Tkac Earns Roster Spot with Team Slovakia

Former Esmark Stars forward Daniel Tkac has made Team Slovakia’s final roster for the 2020 World Junior Championships.

The 19-year-old, who was born in Pittsburgh and who currently skates for the Merritt Centennials in the British Columbia Hockey League, a dual American-Slovakian citizen, was invited to Team Slovakia's camp earlier this month and was named to the finalized roster for the event.

“Every kid growing up wants to make that tournament,” said Tkac upon his invitation to camp. “It’s the biggest tournament in junior hockey. When you get that chance, you want to make it happen.”

This year’s World Junior tournament is taking place, Dec. 26 - Jan. 5, in Ostrava and Třinec in the Czech Republic, right near the Slovakian border, which means Slovakia should have plenty of support all tournament long.

“I think there will be a lot of fans there,” said Tkac. “It would be amazing to play in that kind of atmosphere. I’ll be really excited.”

Although he was born in the U.S., Tkac and his family moved back to Slovakia seven years ago and that’s the country he currently calls home. He played most of his youth hockey in Slovakia, but decided to come back to North America to further his hockey career.  He skated for Yuri Kroivokhija's U16 Esmark Stars squads during both the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons.

Last year, he had 14 points in 46 regular-season games for the Centennials, but so far this year he’s the team’s third-leading scorer with 23 points in 29 contests.

Slovakia is in Group A of the World Juniors along with Finland, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Switzerland.

Tkac and the rest of his teammates are scheduled to open the tournament Dec. 27 against Kazakhstan.

Former Star on Cusp of Junior World Championship Roster

Former Esmark Stars forward Daniel Tkac, who currently skates for the Merritt Centennials of the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL), has been invited to Team Slovakia’s selection camp for the 2020 World Junior Championships.

The 18-year-old is a dual American-Slovakian citizen who was born in Pittsburgh, but both of his parents are from Slovakia.

He left for training camp in Slovakia this past Saturday.

“I have to go into camp and play my best hockey and see how that goes,” he said. “But the opportunity is unbelievable to get that chance. You’ve just got to work hard and play your best hockey when you get there. I can’t wait.”

This year’s World Junior tournament takes place from Dec. 26 to Jan. 5 in Ostrava and Třinec in the Czech Republic, right near the Slovakian border, which means Slovakia should have plenty of support all tournament long.

“I think there will be a lot of fans there,” said Tkac. “It would be amazing to play in that kind of atmosphere. If it does happen, which I really hope it does, I’ll be really excited.”

The World Juniors have become a holiday tradition in Canada and it’s often said that no one cares about the tournament as much as Canadians, but for someone who’s lived in Slovakia and the U.S. his whole life, the tournament is still something he’s always dreamed of playing in.

“Every kid growing up wants to make that tournament,” said Tkac. “It’s the biggest tournament in junior hockey. When you get that chance, you want to make it happen.”

This isn’t the first time Tkac has represented his country on the international stage as he played for Slovakia at the IIHF Under-18 World Championships in 2018.

“It was an unbelievable experience to play against the top guys around the world,” he said. “It was really nice to see what that kind of hockey is like.”

Although he was born in the U.S., Tkac and his family moved back to Slovakia seven years ago and that’s the country he currently calls home. He played a lot of his youth hockey in Slovakia, but decided to come back to North America to further his hockey career.

After playing in the U.S. for the Stars, he ventured north to Merritt in 2018 to start his junior career.

With any hockey player, there’s always an adjustment period when they make the jump to the next level and Tkac was no different.

Last year, he had 14 points in 46 regular-season games, but so far this year he’s at almost a point per game with 20 in 24 contests.

“It’s a really fast league,” he said. “You have to make decisions quickly, so you have to get used to it. It took some time, but I think I’m used to it now.”

Slovakia is in Group A of the World Juniors along with Finland, Kazakhstan, Sweden and Switzerland.

Slovakia opens the tournament Dec. 27, 2019, against Kazakhstan.

STROBEL EARNS CALL-UP TO YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS (USHL)

Pittsburgh, PA - The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) have announced that 18U goaltender Connor Strobel has been called up by the Youngstown Phantoms Junior A club of the United States Hockey League (USHL).

He will join the Phantoms (16-17-0-6) for a weekend series, Feb. 7 & 8, 2020, with the Des Moines Buccaneers (18-17-0-3) at the Mystique Ice Center in Des Moines, IA

The 17-year old Butler, PA native, a senior at Butler High School who is in his first season with the U18 AAA Stars, has an overall record of 21-1-3-1 in 26 overall appearances, with a .941 save percentage and a goals against average (GAA) of 1.47, with seven shutouts.

In nine North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) appearances this season, Stobel (6'2", 170 lbs.) has a 7-0-0-1 record, with a .940 save percentage, a goals against average (GAA) of 1.50, and has recorded three shutouts.

"What a great opportunity for Connor," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “From the long bus ride, to the crowd, to the entire junior environment.  It is an opportunity well earned.”

Strobel recently signed a tender for the 2020-2021 season with the Johnstown Tomahawks of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).

J.T. Schimizzi and Blake Rossi share a 'Latrobe connection'

Reprinted from the Post

by Jack Gleckler 

J.T. Schimizzi and Blake Rossi hobbled out from the locker room, skates on and panting from that day’s practice.

Rossi and Schimizzi share a friendship that has forged over the last decade. They are roommates, teammates and have what they call “the Latrobe connection.”

The Pennsylvania natives are as close as two teammates can be. Both were raised near Latrobe, a suburb of Pittsburgh, and grew up 15 minutes away from each other. They began playing hockey at young ages, and both began skating before they were in kindergarten. 

The duo played together on the same team for nine years — from elementary school to the Esmark Stars 18U team. Rossi tallied 18 points in 26 games, and Schimizzi totaled 29 points in 30 games over two seasons.

“It’s an awesome organization,” Rossi said. “We played our whole entire lives, but the past two years we were both on (the Stars), and last year, we made it to nationals, which is the first that team had made it in probably 10 years.”

The nine-year streak was broken when Rossi joined the Amarillo Bulls and Schimizzi joined the Fairbanks Ice Dogs of the North American Hockey League last season. Neither saw much action. They can count on one hand the number of games they played for their respective teams. The two returned to the Stars at the end of the season. 

Scouts took notice of the duo during their time at Latrobe and with the Stars. Former assistant coach for Ohio Mike Gugin approached each of them with offers to join the Bobcats. Schimizzi had family ties to Ohio, his older sister and cousins were alumni. The offer was too good to pass up.

“I let (Rossi) know that OU was gonna be my plan, and he was like, ‘Well, now I got to look into it, too,‘“ Schimizzi said. “It really worked out for the best that we were able to come here together.”

Rossi and Schimizzi are looking to refine their skills together again this season. They’re only two of an 11-player freshmen class, and they both want to prove they can step into key roles immediately. Schimizzi plays center and is actively looking to be more defensive-minded. Rossi wants to be more aggressive around the net and develop a stronger presence on the ice. 

Improving is how the pair plans to contribute to the cause this season. The goal of any team is to win the national championship, but the Bobcats say it’s now or never. The two want to give back to the seniors that have provided for them by winning the American Collegiate Hockey Association national championship. The Bobcats lost in the national quarterfinals last year to Iowa State.

“The consensus from the seniors this year is that we gotta win this year,” Schimizzi said. “These guys have been working their butts off for years to get to that point, and we both just want to contribute and make that happen.”

Schimizzi and Rossi will get their chance to contribute once the season kicks into gear with the Green and White scrimmage on Sept. 14.

Kucharski Selected in 2018 NHL Draft

Pittsburgh, PA - Former Esmark Stars AAA Hockey goaltender Jake Kucharski was selected by the Carolina Hurricanes on Day Two of the 2018 NHL Draft.

The 6’4"/193 lbs. native of Erie, PA, who began his climb up the ladder of development with the Esmark program's U16 club during the 2015-16 season, was selected in the seventh round, 197th overall. 

During the '15-'16 season, Kucharski posted a 1.77 goals against average and .917 save percentage for the Stars, including three shut-outs, in 14 NAPHL games. Overall, in 32 Esmark 16U AAA game appearances, he finished with a .896% save percentage and a a 2.41 GAA with five shut-outs.

After the '15-'16 season, Kucharski signed a tender agreement with the Austin Bruins of the North American Hockey League (NAHL).  In addition, he was also selected in the ninth round of the 2016 USHL Draft, pick #140, by the Chicago Steele.

Kucharski spent most of the 2016-17 with  Austin. where he played in 34 games with a save percentage of .894 and posted a goals against average of 3.31.

During the 2017-18 campaign, Kucharski skated for the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, where he returned for the current campaign.

Kucharski has also signed a letter of commitment to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Providence Friars beginning with the 2019-20 season.

"I was very proud to see Jake get selected in the Draft," said Esmark Stars U16 head coach Yuri Krivokhija, who himself was selected by the Montreal Canadians in the 10th round of the 1988 NHL draft. "He has worked really hard and stayed focused on achieving his goal," Krivokhija added, "and he is now one step closer to reaching it," 

Kucharski joins former Stars players Grant Lewis (2004 draft, second round, 40th overall) and Miles Liberati (2013 Draft, seventh round, 205th overall) in being selected in the annual NHL draft.

"As both Lewis and Liberati did, Jake has parlayed the opportunity that playing with the Stars provided him ... to chase his dreams all the way to the NHL Draft," said Stars founder and General Manager Dave Kosick.  "Proving that dreams, mixed with sweat and hard work, can come true."

Former Stars Earn All-MAC Honors

Two former members of the Esmark Stars AAA program were among four players from Lebanon Valley College Dutchman that were named to the  2017-18 All-Middle Atlantic Conference (MAC) Teams, as chosen by the league's coaches.

Forward Cole Hepler and goaltender Tyler Perhac each garnered Second-Team recognition for the league’s inaugural All-League Teams.

Hepler picked up 20 points this season, and was fourth on the team in goals, with nine, and fifth on the squad in assists, with 11.  He netted four goals on the man-advantage, and led LVC with three short-handed goals, including two in LVC's outdoor game against Chatham last month. The assistant captain also registered two game-winning goals on the year.

Perhac enjoyed a breakout season in 2017-18, going 6-3-1 and recording one shutout. The sophomore allowed just 2.62 goals per game and had a saves percentage of .913. His lone shutout of the season came at the Dutchmen Outdoor Classic where he stopped all 16 shots he faced against Chatham.