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Recent U16 AAA Esmark Stars News

Naletov and Wiseman Recognized

Pittsburgh, PA - A pair of U16 Esmark Stars AAA Hockey players from the 2022-23 16U squad have received post-season recognition from the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) for their play in T1HF league action this past season.

Defenseman Liam Wiseman and forward Timur Naletov were both named to the T1HF's All-Season Second Team.

"Liam and Timur both played well in the T1HF," said Esmark Stars U16 head coach Yuri Krivokhija. "I was glad to hear both were recognized for their play."

The 2022-23 campaign was the inaugural season for the T1HF. The league named first and second team selections from the 18-team 16U AAA Tier I division.

NAPHL Apex Learning Peak Performers - September

By Alex Kyrias 10/02/2022, 12:45am EDT

Simko, Baldwin and Subach earn honors

Dallas, TX – The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced its Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performers for the month of September. The players were selected based upon their performance during the NAPHL regular season games played in September at the T1ER event in Blaine, MN.

T1ER 18U

Forward: Brody Simko, Esmark Stars – Simko, 18, lit it up at the first T1ER event of the season, recording 14 points (10 goals, 4 assists) in Esmark’s first four games. The (6’0", 195 lbs.) native of Butler, PA, had two game winning goals in the four game opening event, including scoring seven goals in a 10-0 win over the Minnesota Grey Ducks.

Goaltender: Peter Baldwin, Esmark Stars – Baldwin, 18, posted a pair of shutouts in his two starts at the first NAPHL Event in September. The 5’8"/140 lbs. native of Cleveland Heights, OH, made 50 saves in two games, which included a 15-save shutout over Colorado Springs and a 30-save shutout over Omaha.

T1ER 16U

Goaltender: Hleb Subach, Esmark Stars – Subach, 16, posted shutouts in both of his appearances in Blaine in September. The 6’2"/195 lbs. native of Minsk, Belarus, stopped all 41 shots that he faced in two games. This incouded including a 24-save shutout over the Minnesota Walleye and a 17-save shutout over Minnesota-based United Hockey Federation.

Now in its 14th season, the NAPHL is composed of 18U, 16U, 15U, and 14U teams from across North America that compete at the Tier I level. The NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs. Not only have players in the NAPHL received recognition from NHL Central Scouting, dozens more have received scholarships to NCAA Division I schools and hundreds more have been drafted and tendered by NAHL and USHL teams. The NAPHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, is designed to maximize the exposure of all the participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events that attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts. For more information on the NAPHL, visit (www.naphl.com).

Mindful Brewing Co. - Saturday, Sept 24 - Castle Shannon, PA

Pittsburgh, PA, - With the world-wide impact of the conflict in Ukraine, it is easy to forget the about the individuals who’s daily lives have been completely overturned.

Youth hockey players are among those whose lives have been changed and who get lost in the chaos and devastation … most likely forever.

The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Program has built a proud tradition of providing International players, including Eastern European players, with the experience and immersion into the American culture and way-of-life ... so that they can share those experiences and ideals in their native countries… all while providing an opportunity to play hockey against the highest levels of competition.

This year the significance of that effort has even greater meaning, as these players may not have even had the opportunity to play in their own countries.

Topped with the hardship that these Eastern European families are currently experiencing, these players are in need of assistance with living and travel expenses while here in the United States. And as most know, elite level travel hockey “is not inexpensive."

With that in mind, the Mindful Brewing Company has stepped up to the plate and is hosting what promises to be a fun evening for a most beneficial cause.

This upcoming Saturday, Sept 25, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Mindful Brewing will be hosting an evening of Music with rising Pittsburgh Music Star Trinity Wiseman at their Castle Shannon location, 3759 Library Road in Castle Shannon.

Born in Pittsburgh and living in Nashville, Trinity has been wowing audiences since she was 11 years old. Her uniquely beautiful voice and guitar skills shine through as she covers songs across the last seven decades. Trinity’s original tunes draw from influences like Maggie Rogers, Phoebe Bridgers and Kacey Musgraves. Trinity has been the receipient of various Pittsburgh awards, including: the WYEP Singer/Songwriter of the Year, William’s Sing Off for First Night and the Pittsburgh Acoustic Challenge.

The evening will also include a "Craft Beer Launch" of Mindful Brewing Company's newest wet hopped lager.

If you are unable to attend the event but would like to still donate to the event, please use the following link (https://sites.google.com/view/u16-aaa-esmark-stars/home).