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Baker and Alavi Honored by NAPHL

By DWK, 04/06/14, 7:30PM EDT

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Named to All-NAPHL All-Star teams

The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced All-NAPHL First, Second and Third Teams for the 18U AAA level for the 2013-14 season.

Esmark Stars 18U goaltender Brian Baker, and center, Adam Alavi, were both honored.

Baker was named to the 18U All-NAPHL first team.  He appeared in 16 regular and post season games and statisically finished as the league's number one goaltender, finishing with a 11-3-0-1 record, as he allowed only 18 goals.  His GAA (goals against average) was 1.19 and his save percentage was 93.73 percent.  He recorded seven shutouts and one assist over the course of the season and helped lead the Stars to the NAPHL Championship game.

A senior from Peters Township High School, Baker was previously honored by the NAPHL as the defensive first star, 18U Franklin Peak Performer (Defense), for his performance in the NAPHL's 18U fifth showcase in Troy, MI, in Jan. 2014.  Baker was on top of his game during the final league showcase, as he allowed just one goal in three starts, recording two shutouts and three wins.

He was also honored by the NAPHL as defensive second star, 18U Franklin Virtual High School Peak Performer second star (defense), for his performance in the league's third 18U showcase in Romeoville, IL, in Nov. 2013.  Baker appeared in two of the Stars games and earned shutouts in both contests as he stopped all 31 shots he faced in the two games.   He has earned three shut-outs in in seven NAPHL appearances.

Baker, who has been tendered by the Lone Star Brahmas of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), was also named to the NAPHL's Top Performers Tournament, which featured 80 of the league's top players.  At that all-star event, he recorded two wins in three apperances, finishing with a goals against average of 1.00 and helping to lead Team North to the Tournament Championship.

Alavi was named to the 18U All-NAPHL third team as a forward.  He appeared in 28 regular and post season games and recorded 32 points (11 goals and 21 assists) finshing tied for ninth in regular season scoring.  He recorded four game winning goals during the regular season, finsing teid for first in that category.

A junior from Peters Township High School, Alavi was previously honored by the NAPHL as the offensive first star, 18U Franklin Peak Performer (Offense), for his performance in the NAPHL's 18U fourth showcase in Blaine MN, in Dec. 2013.  Alavi helped the Stars to a perfect 5-0-0-0 record at the event as he recorded 12 points (two goals and 10 assists).

Alavi, who has been tendered by the Soo Eagles of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), was also named to the NAPHL's Top Performers Tournament in March, which featured 80 of the league's top players.  At that all-star event, he finished tied for the lead in the scoring race, recording six points (three goals and three assists) in four games as he helped lead Team North to the Tournament Championship.

In order to be considered for selection, players must have been nominated by their respective coaches.  After that, selection is based on player performance in all NAPHL regular season and playoff games throughout the 2013-14 season.

"Baker and Alavi both had great seasons," said Esmark Stars 18U head coach Dave Kosick.  "They both earned the recognition that the league has bestowed upon them by their play."

“We congratulate all those who were recognized for their efforts this past season,” said NAHL Commissioner and President Mark Frankenfeld.  “Now five years into our history, the NAPHL continues to raise the bar each season with more exposure for the players as we continue to be one of the best Tier I youth leagues under the USA Hockey umbrella. It is thanks in large part to the commitment to excellence that is shared by the hard work of the players and the dedication of the coaching staffs and parents.”