FRISCO, TEXAS – 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 the Iceworks Arena in Aston, PA, Nov, 13 - 16.

Esmark Stars 18U AAA goaltender William (Tre) Lowe III was selected as the top goaltender in the 18U AAA Division at the event.

"In their history with the NAPHL, Esmark has had a long line of goalies who have stood out, shined and gone on to advance to the next level. Current 18U netminder William Lowe III appears next in line," said league spokesman Alex Kyrias.

The 17-year-old native of Bethel Park, PA, shined for Esmark during the event in Aston, as the Stars posted a 3-1-1 record at the event to remain in solid playoff positioning.

Lowe, a 5’10, 170 lbs., netminder, got the start in three of the five Esmark games in Aston and allowed just three goals during that span. He stopped 62 of 65 shots he faced, good for a 95.38% save percentage.

He opened the event with a shutout against Wenatchee Wild, stopping all 12 shots he faced. The next day, he made 21 saves in a 3-2 shootout win over the Madison Capitols, who currently sit atop the 18U NAPHL Standings.  In overtime, Tre stopped the first three shooters he faced in a five-man shootout, allowing only a goal to the fourth shooter, as the Stars scored three goals with their first four shooters to clinch the shootout win. His final game, on Monday, may have been his best as he turned aside 29 of 30 shots he faced in a 1-0 loss to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Jr. Knights.

Lowe currently ranks 3rd in the NAPHL 18U Division with a 1.36 goals against average (GAA) and is tied for 5th in save percentage with a 93.1% mark. Through three NAPHL events, his league record stands at 6-2-0-0.

Overall, Lowe's numbers are equally impressive. He carries a 12-4-2-0 record in 19 games played, with a 1.57 GAA and a 92.35% save percentage.

"Tre was highly recommended to me by his high school coach," said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick, "who, like myself, has had his fair share of top flight goalies. The recommendation he gave Tre was sparkling, but perhaps more important ... spot on. Tre has played his backside off for us and given us a chance to emerge with a win in every game he has played."

"Going into the season, our number one question was whether our new goaltenders could continue the tradition we have built in the goalie position." Kosick said. "Both Tre and his playing partner, Joe Heubert, have stepped up and answered the challenge." 

Now in its 7th season, the NAPHL is composed of Midget Major (18U) and Midget Minor (16U) teams from across North America that compete at the Tier I level.  The NAPHL has established itself as the premiere training ground for development and exposure. Not only have players in the NAPHL received recognition from NHL Central Scouting, dozens have received scholarships to NCAA Division I schools and hundreds more have been drafted and tendered by North American Hockey League (NAHL) and United States Hockey League (USHL) teams. The NAPHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events that attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts.