The North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) announced that Esmark Stars 18U goaltender Joe Recktenwald, has been named the 18U Apex Learning Virtual School Peak Performer - Goaltender for the month of January.  The league's Peak Performers (offense, defense and goaltender) were selected based on the their performance at the NAPHL's fifth and final regular season event of the season, which took place at the Troy Sports  Center in Troy, MI, Jan. 16 - 19, 2015.

A big part of the Star's number #1 ranked defense in the 18U division is their goaltending tandem and that was the case again at the Troy event thanks in large part to Recktenwald.  The native of South Park, PA, played in three of Esmark's five games during the event and won all three, allowing just four goals in the process.  Recktenwald (5'11" / 155 lbs.) turned aside 90 of the 94 shots he faced at the event, good for a 95.7% save percentage and a 1.33 goals against average.

Recktenwald began the event by recording 23 saves in a 5-1 win over HC Dallas.  The following day he made 31 saves in a 3-2 win over the 18U division-leading Madison Capitols.  He closed out the showcase on the final day with a NAPHL season-high 36 saves in a 2-1 win over the Anaheim Jr. Ducks.

Recktenwald's performance helped the Stars secure a tie for second place in the final league standings.  He and fellow goaltender Scott Trellis backstopped the Stars to a league best 44 goals against in 24 NAPHL games (1.83 GAA) during the regular season.

“He had an outstanding weekend," offered Esmark U18 Head Coach Dave Kosick.  "This was nothing new for Joey.  For two seasons, he has provided the 18U team with a comfort level knowing that we have one of the best goalies in the country in between the pipes for us."