The Esmark Stars of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) have announced that goaltender Joseph Recktenwald has signed an NAHL tender agreement with the Aston Rebels. The Rebels, who will take to the ice in the NAHL for the 2015-16 season, skated as the Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees this past season.

Recktenwald, 19, saw action in the NAPHL over the course of three seasons with the Stars organization. This past season, the native of South Park, PA, appeared in 13 NAPHL games, posting a record of 11-1-0-1 with a 2.15 goals against average, a 93% save percentage and one shutout.  He was named the 18U Peak Performer for goalies following his performance at the NAPHL leagues showcase in Troy, MI in January.  Overall, he played in 32 games and posted a 20-9-1-2 record with a 2.56 goals against average, a 91.53% save percentage, and two shutouts.

During the 2013-14 season, Recktenwald played in 14 NAPHL games, posting a record of 11-2-0-1 with a 1.80 goals against average, a 91% save percentage, and two shutouts.  Overall, he appeared in 37 games and posted a 26-7-2-3 record with a 2.06 goals against average, a 91.12% save percentage, and six shutouts.

For his NAPHL career, Recktenwald (155 lbs., 5’11") appeared in 30 career regular season games, posting a career record of 24-3-2 with a 1.86 goals against average and a 92.3% save percentage.

“Joey is a great pick-up for Aston," offered 18U Esmark Head Coach Dave Kosick. "Very much like his teammate David Polinski, Joey returned post grad to give himself the best opportunity to make a NAHL squad and has been rewarded for his dedication and determination."

"We built our Midget 18U team the past two season from the goaltender position out, and Joe has been a staple of both teams.  He teamed with Brian Baker two seasons ago and Scott Trellis this past season to give us as strong a goaltending tandem as you could find under USA Hockey's umbrella,” Kosick added.

“Joe has the perfect make-up for the goaltender position.  He does not get rattled, is a true student of the game and position, and believes and understands that the best "style" a goalie can bring to his team is simple … "do whatever is necessary to stop the puck."

"Joe's signing is another validation of the NAPHL and its purpose.  He is a young man who returned for another season of Midget AAA play in the NAPHL to afford himself the best opportunity to move on and play a high level of junior hockey. He truly deserved and earned the opportunity!” continued Kosick.

Recktenwald is the fifth player from the 2014-15 Esmark 18U team to sign an NAHL tender for this upcoming season, joining David Polinski (Minot Minotauros), Jon Dagnal (Johnstown Tomahawks), Carter Ekberg (Janesville Jets) and Adam Alavi (Wenatchee Wild).