The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) has announced its Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performers for the month of November.  The players were selected based upon their performance at the third NAPHL event of the season, which took place at Moylan Iceplex in Omaha, NE, Nov. 13-16, 2014.

Esmark Stars David Polinski, was named the 18U Apex Peak Performer - Forward for the event.

In recent years, the Esmark Stars have done their winning with defense, but at the event in Omaha their offense sparked them to a perfect 4-0 record as they scored 18 goals in four games. Helping lead the way was 18-year-old Polinski.

The native of Moundsville, WV, was one of the offensive leaders as he recorded seven points (2 G, 5 A) in the four wins and he managed to record at least one point in each game.

In the Stars opening game at the Omaha Showcase, the 6’0”, 190 lbs. forward, registered an assist in a 5-2 win over New Jersey. Later that day, he recorded the game-winning goal and two assists in a 5-1 win over HC Dallas. The following day, Polinski had a goal and an assist in a 5-4 shootout win over St. Louis. On the final day of the event, he picked up another assist in a 3-0 shutout of the Minnesota Revolution. 

For the season, Polinski ranks third in league game scoring with 14 points (6 G , 8 A). He also leads the Stars with three game-winning NAPHL goals.

“David had a great weekend in Omaha and it was nice to see his hard work pay off. His success is predicated on being a true power forward. He has the body and the strength to play at the next level and if he uses that to his advantage in the NAPHL, he is very effective,” said Esmark head coach Dave Kosick.

Overall, Polinski is the leading scorer for the Stars, recording 45 points (19 G, 26 A).  He is tied for the lead in goals (19) with Adam Alavi and leads the club in assists (26) through the club’s first 39 games.

In addition to honoring Polinski, the league also selected Esmark forward Adam Alavi, who tallied six points (4G, 2A) in Omaha as the third star - forward, and Esmark goaltender Scott Trellis, who recorded two wins, including a shutout, and stopped 49 of 50 shots he faced, as second star - goaltender for the Omaha Showcase.