The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced its Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performers for the month of October.  The players were selected based upon their performance at the NAPHL's second event of the season, which took place at Canlan Ice Sports in Romeoville, IL, Oct. 17 - 20, 2014.

For the Romeoville event, the league selected Esmark Stars defenseman Cole Barney, 16, as the Defensive Peak Performer In the 16U division.

"The Esmark Stars have developed a rich history of producing top quality defenseman and it appears that Barney may be another of the young stars being groomed by the Stars coaching staff," offered the NAPHL's Alex Kyrias.

"Cole works hard at his craft," said 16U Stars head coach Yuri Krivokhija.  " He brings a good attitude and invests the sweat equity required to succeed at this game each time he hits the ice."

Barney enjoyed a breakout weekend in Romeoville as he helped the Stars to a 4-1-0 record at the league's second event of the season.  He recorded at least a point in each of the five games and recorded eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) overall during the showcase.

The Fort Wayne, IN, native began the event with the lone goal in a 1-0 win over San Jose.   The next day, Barney recorded three assists in a 6-5 win over the California Titans.  In his third game, he picked up two assists in a 7-1 win over New Jersey.  Later that day, Barney scored two goals, including the game-winning goal, and added an assist in a 5-1 win over Pursuit of Excellence.  He added an assist in the Stars final game of the Showcase, a 5-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks.

Through 10 NAPHL league games, Barney leads the Stars with 11 points.