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Stars in the News
Frisco, TX – The North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) has announced All-PHL First, Second and Third Teams, as well as its All-Academic Teams in the 17-team 18U Tier I division for the 2011-2012 season.
Four Pittsburgh Viper Stars players were named to the various All-PHL teams, including: forward, Heinz Koster, 18U First team; forward, Bob Tritschler, 18U Second team; defenseman Alex Baskakov, 18U Second team; and defenseman Jake Pilewicz, 18U Third team.
Koster, a 5’11”, 180 lbs., senior forward from Kittanning High School, scored 99 points in 72 games (44 goals, 55 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season. These included 40 points (20 goals and 20 assists) in 26 NAPHL league games. He has signed a tender agreement to participate with the Aberdeen (South Dakota) Wings in the Junior “A” North American Hockey League for the 2012-13 season.
Tritschler (5’11”, 185 lbs.), a post grad forward from Lower Burrell, PA, scored 78 points in 76 games (41 goals, 37 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season. These included 35 points (20 goals and 15 assists) in 27 NAPHL league games. He has signed a tender agreement to participate with the Jamestown (New York) Ironmen in the Junior “A” North American Hockey League for the 2012-13 season.
Baskakov, (6’ 0”, 185 lbs.), senior defenseman from Canon McMillan, scored 57 points in 64 games (11 goals, 46 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season. These included 27 points (3 goals and 24 assists) in 26 NAPHL league games. A native of Ufa, Russia, Baskakov has not signed a tender agreement yet and is expected to be drafted in the upcoming NAHL and USHL Jr. drafts.
Pilewicz, (6’3” 190 lbs.), junior defenseman from Quaker Valley, scored 55 points in 75 games (11 goals, 44 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season. These included 20 points (6 goals and 14 assists) in 27 NAPHL league games. He has signed a tender agreement to participate with the Minot (North Dakota) Minotaurus in the Junior “A” North American Hockey League for the 2012-13 season..
“We are delighted to have four players placed on the various all-PHL,” says Dave Kosick, AAA Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars and head coach of the program’s 18U AAA team.
In addition, four members of the Pittsburgh Viper Stars were named to the All-PHL Academic Team, including Clayton Bouchard, junior, forward, Quaker Valley; Jake Pilewicz, junior defenseman, Quaker Valley; Doug Revak, senior goaltender, Quaker Valley, and Nick Shultz, senior forward, South Fayette.
To qualify for the All-PHL Academic Team, student-athletes must have a grade-point average of at least 3.5 for the 2011-12 school year and be nominated by their coaches.
“We are equally excited to have had four members of the team placed on the All-PHL Academic Team,” Kosick added.
“To balance the grind of a long Midget AAA season, with the rigors of a high school hockey season … all while maintaining an outstanding level of performance scholastically is something special.”
The Viper Stars are proud to offer western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area the only Tier I AAA full season travel ice hockey program that encourages participation on both the travel and interscholastic levels.
The NAPHL, which will begin its fourth season in 2012-13, is composed of Midget Major (18U) and Midget Minor (16U) teams from across North America that compete at the Tier I AAA level. The NAPHL continues to establish itself as the premiere training ground for development and exposure. Participants in the league have been recognized by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, dozens have received scholarships to NCAA Division I schools, and hundreds more have been drafted and tendered by the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and United States Hockey League (USHL) teams.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars, a member of the North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (NHAHA), western Pennsylvania’s premier amateur ice hockey organization, have provided a memorable hockey experience to hundreds of area youths since 1984. Devoted to promoting the growth of amateur ice hockey on a local and national level, the Viper Stars are a proud member of the NAPHL (North American Prospect Hockey League) and USA Hockey and offer competition at the Tier I (AAA) level.
The North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL), an affiliate of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), has announced that the Pittsburgh Viper Stars AAA Tier I amateur hockey club is one of the 20 programs (40 total teams) from across the United States that will participate in NAPHL play for the 2012-2013 season.
The Viper Stars will field teams in each of the league’s two divisions of play for the 2012-13 season: Midget Major U18 (players born between 1994 – 1997), Midget Minor U16 (players born between 1996 – 1997).
This will be the third season for the Viper Stars Midget Major and Midget Minor squads in the NAPHL.
“We are excited to be launching our fourth season of the PHL, which has developed into one of the premier training grounds for players at the 18U and 16U levels in terms of development and exposure,” said Mark Frankenfeld, Commissioner of the North American Hockey League. “The PHL has a proven track record of moving players onto the NAHL and beyond and has become an integral part of our hockey landscape and community.”
The NAPHL, which will be celebrating its fourth season in 2012-13, is composed of Midget Major (18U) and Midget Minor (16U) teams from across North America that compete at the Tier I AAA level. The NAPHL continues to establish itself as the premiere training ground for development and exposure. Participants in the league have been recognized by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau, dozens have received scholarships to NCAA Division I schools, and hundreds more have been drafted and tendered by the North American Hockey League (NAHL) and United States Hockey League (USHL) teams.
The PHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, attracting hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts.
“We are very excited to return to the NAPHL for the 2012-2013 season,” offered 18U AAA Pittsburgh Viper Stars head coach Dave Kosick.
“The PHL offers the area’s top players a fantastic opportunity to increase their exposure to junior, collegiate and professional opportunities tenfold, without having to leave Pittsburgh to play hockey.”
Celebrating its 37th anniversary, the NAHL, uses its extensive marketing and media reach to promote the NAPHL programs and players. All league games are broadcast live on the NAPHL league partner Fast Hockey website and player statistics are updated live through league partner Point Streak.
The NAPHL will open the 2012-2013 season with the North American Hockey League Future Prospects Tournament, held in conjunction with the NAHL Showcase Tournament, Sept. 13 – 16, 2012 at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, MN.
Teams in the NAPHL Midget Major (U18) and Midget Minor (U16) divisions for the 2012-2013 season, include: Anaheim (CA) Jr. Ducks; California Titans; ?Cleveland (OH) Jr. Lumberjacks; Detroit (MI) Falcons; ? Indiana Jr. Ice; Lansing (MI) Capitals; ?Las Vegas, NV) Storm; New Jersey Jr. Titans; Omaha (NE) AAA Lancers; ?Orange Co. (CA) Hockey Club; Phoenix (AZ) Firebirds; Pikes Peak (CO) Miners; ?Pittsburgh Vipers Stars; ?Pursuit of Excellence (Okagen Valley, Ont.); San Jose (CA) Jr. Sharks; ?St Louis (MO) Selects; ? Texas Tornado; ? Wenatchee (WA) Wild; and West Michigan Hounds (MI).
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars AAA program has offered the region’s top amateur ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills on a national and international level over the past 28 years.
Highlights during the 2011-12 season for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA team, included: a final season record of 52 – 19 – 5 – 1, placing them first in the nation in wins; capturing the regular season title of the NAPHL and finishing as runner-up in the NAPHL Playoffs; won the prestigious Midget AAA Steel City Cup Tournament; finshed as runner-up in the Mid-American District Championships; and the signing of Elliott Tisdale and Robert Tritschler (Jamestown Ironmen), Jake Pilewicz (Minot Minotaurus), Heinz Koster (Aberdeen Wings), Jake Hetz (Fairbanks Ice Dogs), and Austin Heakins (Port Huron Fighting Falcons) to NAHL tenders for the 2012-13 season.
Highlights from the 2011?12 season for the Viper Stars 16U AAA team, include; finished the season with a record of (34 – 26 – 3 - 1); finished sixth in the 18-team NAPHL; and won the prestigious Midget AAA Steel City Cup.
Five Star players named to the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL)
Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Viper Stars AAA Tier I amateur hockey club had five of its players named to the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) Top Prospects Tournament, which was held May 4 – 6, 2012, at the Dr. Pepper Star Center in Frisco, TX.
At the event, four “Top Prospects” teams, each comprised of 20 of the top midget major players in the league, participated in a three day tournament held in conjunction with the North American Hockey League’s Robertson Cup Championship Tournament.
Selected to represent the U18AAA Pittsburgh Viper Stars were: senior goaltender Doug Revak, Quaker Valley; post-grad forward Bob Tritschler, Lower Burrell; junior defenseman Jake Pilewicz, Quaker Valley; senior forward, Elliott Tisdale, Mars Area; and junior forward, Jacob Hetz, Shaler Area High School.
Revak (5’10”, 155 lbs.), a Chagrin Falls, OH native, posted a 26-12-3-0 record for the Viper Stars (including 9 shutouts), this past season. He finished the season with a 2.34 goals against average, helping lead the 18U AAA team to a final record of 52-19-5-1, tops in the nation.
Pilewicz, (6’3” 190 lbs.), scored 55 points in 75 games (11 goals, 44 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season.
Hetz (5’11”, 175 lbs.) scored 76 points in 75 games (36 goals, 40 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season.
Tisdale (5’10”, 185 lbs.) scored 52 points in 74 games (23 goals, 29 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season.
Tritschler (5’11”, 185 lbs.) scored 78 points in 76 games (41 goals, 37 assists) for the Viper Stars during the 2011–12 season.
“We are delighted to have placed so many of our players in the NAPHL’s Top Prospects game,” says Dave Kosick, AAA Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Viper Stars and head coach of the program’s 18U AAA team.
“This is another great opportunity provided to participants of the Viper Stars program to be showcased for collegiate and junior level programs.”
Held in conjunction with the NAHL's Robertson Cup Championship Tournament, the NAPHL Top Prospects Tournament consisted of a three-game round robin followed by a gold and bronze medal games.?
The NAPHL, which will begin its fourth season in 2012-13, has already established itself as the premier Midget (18U and 16U) league in North America. With junior, college and professional scouting presence at all of its events, coupled with a first-class organizational staff, the NAPHL offers unparalleled exposure and opportunity for every participating program.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars, a member of the North Hills Amateur Hockey Association (NHAHA), western Pennsylvania’s premier amateur ice hockey organization, have provided a memorable hockey experience to hundreds of area youths since 1984. Devoted to promoting the growth of amateur ice hockey on a local and national level, the Viper Stars are a proud member of the NAPHL (North American Prospect Hockey League) and USA Hockey and offer competition at the Tier I (AAA) level.
Elliot Tisdale, a senior at Mars Area High School, has signed a tender sheet with the Junior A Jamestown Ironmen (Jamestown, NY) of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the 2012-2013 season.
Elliot Tisdale, a senior at Mars Area High School, has signed a tender sheet with the Junior A Jamestown Ironmen (Jamestown, NY) of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the 2012-2013 season.
A member of the 2011-2012 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA Tier I hockey club, Tisdale a 5’11”, 185 lbs., center, helped lead the Viper Stars to the 2011-2012 regular season championship (19-2-0-1) of the 18U AAA Division of the North American Prospects Hockey League and finished tied for 14 leading scorer in the PHL league play with 22 points (9 goals and 13 assists), in 22 league games.
In post-season NAPHL action, Tisdale scored 2 points (one goal and one assist) in helping guide the Viper Stars to the NAPHL’s Playoffs Championship Game, where the Viper Stars were upended by the California Jr. Titans 18U AAA, 4-2.
(The Viper Stars reached the NAPHL Championship game undefeated, with round-robin playoff wins over Orange County (CA) 18U AAA (5-1), Wenatchee (WA) Wild (6-1), Lansing (MI) Capitals (5-3), and an exciting overtime shootout win over the Detroit Falcons (4-3).)
Tisdale, a Valenica, PA, resident, will have an opportunity to skate next season for Jamestown head coach Dan Daikawa. The Ironmen, in their first year in Jamestown after relocating from Detroit, are currently in fifth place in the NAHL’s North Division.
Tisdale joins five other Viper Stars 18U teammates to date in signing tenders with NAHL clubs for the 2012-2013 season. These include, Bobby Tritschler Jamestown Ironmen (post grad, Lower Burrell); Austin Heakins, (junior, Mars Area High School) Port Huron Fighting Falcons, Jake Hetz, (junior, Shaler Area High School) Fairbanks Ice Dogs; Heinz Koster, (senior, KittanningArea High School) Aberdeen Wings; and Jake Pilewicz, (junior, Quaker Valley High School) Minot Minotauros.
Skating in his third season with the 18U Viper Stars, Tisdale has scored 46 points (19 goals and 27 assists) in 66 games played to date this season, helping the 18U AAA Viper Stars to an overall record of 47-18-3-1. During the 2010-2011 season, Tisdale tallied 45 points (19 goals and 26 assists) in 47 games and during the 2009-2010 season 36 points (19 goals and 17 assists) in 67 games.
By signing a tender to an NAHL club, a contract of sorts, a player is announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft. All tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of the North American Prospect Hockey League (PHL) and USA Hockey and have offered western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area’s top ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills for junior, collegiate and other opportunities on a national and international level over the past 28 years. For additional information on the Pittsburgh Viper Stars program, please visit (www.pittsburghvipers.com).
The 28-member North American Hockey League is the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior A league. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is made up of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level.
The PHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget and Bantam participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts. Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs. For additional information on the PHL, please visit (www.naphl.com).
Jacob Hetz, a junior at Shaler Area High School, and Austin Heakins, a junior at Mars Area High School, both members of the 2011-2012 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA hockey team, have signed tenders with North American Hockey League (NAHL) clubs for the 2012-2013 season.
Hetz, a 5’11”, 180 lbs., forward, will have an opportunity to skate next season in Fairbanks, Alaska for the Fairbanks Ice Dogs head coach Trevor Stewart. The Ice Dogs are currently in second place in the NAHL’s West Division.
Hetz has scored 55 points (23 goals and 32 assists) in 50 games played so far this season. Helping the 18U AAA Viper Stars to an overall record of 34-15-2-1. He finished the 2011-2012 North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) regular season as the ninth leading scorer in the PHL league play with 28 points (11 goals and 17 assists), in 22 league games.
A Glenshaw, PA, resident, Hetz helped lead the 18U Viper Stars to a first place finish in regular season play for the 17-team North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL), with an 19-2-0-1 record.
Heakins a 6’3”, 185 lbs., forward, will have an opportunity to skate next season in Port Huron, Michigan for the Port Huron Fighting Falcons head coach Bill Warren. The Fighting Falcons are currently in first place in the NAHL’s North Division.
Heakins has scored 43 points (11 goals and 32 assists) in 51 games played for the AAA 18U Viper Stars so far this season. He finished the 2011-2012 North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL) regular season as the tenth leading scorer in PHL league play with 26 points (7 goals and 19 assists), in 22 league games.
A Mars, PA, resident, Heakins will helped lead the 18U Viper Stars into PHL league playoff in Troy, MI, Feb. 17 – 20, as they attempt to capture their first PHL Playoff Championship in post-season action against the top eight U18 PHL clubs (Pittsburgh Viper Stars, Pikes Peak (CO) Miners, California Titans, Lansing (MI) Capitals, Wenatchee Wild (WA), Detroit Falcons, Phoenix (AZ) Firebird, and Orange Co. (CA)).
Hetz and Heakins join fellow 2011-2012 18U Viper Stars Bobby Tritschler (Jamestown Ironmen), Heinz Koster, (Aberdeen Wings) and Jake Pilewicz, (Minot Minotauros), who had previously signed tenders
By signing a tender to an NAHL club, a contract of sorts, a player is announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft. All tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of the North American Prospect Hockey League (PHL) and USA Hockey and have offered western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area’s top ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills for junior, collegiate and other opportunities on a national and international level over the past 28 years. For additional information on the Pittsburgh Viper Stars program, please visit (www.pittsburghvipers.com).
The 28-member North American Hockey League is the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior A league. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is made up of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level.
The PHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget and Bantam participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts. Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs. For additional information on the PHL, please visit (www.naphl.com).
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA hockey team has skated to their first ever North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) Regular Season title with a 19-2-0-1 record.
The Viper Stars, whose current overall record is 35-16-2-1, are comprised of 20 of the region’s top amateur hockey players age 18 and under.
Local players on the squad include (name, position, school year, High School, hometown): Alex Baskakov, D, (Sr., Canon-Mac), Ufa, Russia; Joe Bender, F, (Sr., Mars), Mars, PA; Nick Blaney, F, (Sr., Mars), Mars, PA; Clayton Bouchard, F, (Jr., Quaker Valley), Sewickley, PA; Mike Cheswick, G, (Sr., Penn Trafford), Harrison City, PA; Ryan Demyen, F, (Sr., Hubbard (OH), Hubbard, OH; Austin Heakins, F, (Jr., Mars), Mars, PA; Jacob Hetx, F, (Jr., Shaler Area), Glenshaw, PA; Peter Karney, F, (Sr., Bishop Canevin), Washington, PA; Zakery Kindya, D (Sr., Westmont Hilltop), Johnstown, PA; Heinz Koster, F, (Sr., Kittaning), Kittaning, PA; Luke Leya Bender, D, (Jr., Hampton), Allison Park, PA; Jake Pilewicz, D, (Jr., Quaker Valley), Sewickley, PA; Trevor Recktenwald, F, (Jr., Peters Township), Venetia, PA; Doug Revak, G, (Sr., Quaker Valley), Chagrin Falls, OH; Nick Schultz, F, (Sr., South Fayette), Bridgeville, PA; Egor Sukhovirskiy, D, (Soph., Fox Chapel), St. Petersburg, Russia; Elliot Tisdale, F, (Sr., Mars), Valencia, PA; Christian Wirginis, F, (Sr., Fox Chapel), Fox Chapel, PA; and Bobby Tritschler, F (post grad), Lower Burrell, PA
The 18U Viper Stars will chase after their first post season NAPHL Championship, Feb. 17-20, 2012, in Troy, MI, at the league’s playoffs. The league’s top eight regular season finishers (Pittsburgh Viper Stars, Pikes Peak (CO) Miners, California Titans, Lansing (MI) Capitals, Wenatchee Wild (WA), Detroit Falcons, Phoenix (AZ) Firebirds, and Orange Co. (CA ) will compete in a round-robin tournament to crown the league’s post-season champion.
Devoted to promoting the growth of amateur ice hockey on a national and international level, the Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of USA Hockey, the North American Prospect Hockey League (NAPHL), through its Tier I program. The Viper Stars have offered western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area’s top ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills for junior, collegiate and other opportunities on a national and international level over the past 28 years.
Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is comprised of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs across the United States (plus one program from British Columbia, Canada), that compete at the Tier I AAA level … the highest level of amateur hockey in the United States. The league is comprised of five regular-season events leading up to its Championship Tournament Series in which the top teams at each level compete for a NAPHL championship.
For additional information on the Pittsburgh Viper Stars program, please visit (www.pittsburghvipers.com). For additional information on the PHL, please visit (www.naphl.com).
Robert Tritschler, has signed a tender sheet with the Junior A Jamestown Ironmen (Jamestown, NY) of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the 2012-2013 season.
Pittsburgh, PA – Robert Tritschler, a graduate of Greensburg Central Catholic High School, has signed a tender sheet with the Junior A Jamestown Ironmen (Jamestown, NY) of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for the 2012-2013 season.
A member of the 2011-2012 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA Tier I hockey club, Tritschler a 5’11”, 185 lbs., forward, has scored 35 points (21 goals and 14 assists) in 42 games played, helping the 18U AAA Viper Stars to a record of 26-14-2-1.
Currently the fifth leading scorer in the PHL league play with 18 points (10 goals and 8 assists), in 13 league games, Tritschler a Lower Burrell, PA, resident, has helped lead the 18U Viper Stars into first place in the 17-team North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL), with an 11-1-0-1 record with 13 games of the 22 game regular season completed.
Tritschler will have an opportunity to skate next season for Jamestown head coach Dan Daikawa. The Ironmen, in their first year in Jamestown after relocating from Detroit, are currently in fifth place in the NAHL’s North Division.
Tritschler joins Viper Stars teammates Heinz Koster, Aberdeen Wings, and Jake Pilewicz, Minot Minotauros, in signing tenders for the NAHL for the 2012-2013 season.
Tritschler returned to the 18U Viper Stars for the 2011-2012 season to try and earn a second shot into the NAHL. Last season, Tritschler was tendered by Janesville Jets, but did not make their squad coming out of final camp.
Now in his third season with the 18U Viper Stars, Tritschler collected 69 points (35 goals and 34 assists) in 75 games during the 2010-2011 season, and 82 points (42 goals and 40 assists) in 71 games during the 2009-2010 season.
By signing a tender to an NAHL club, a contract of sorts, a player is announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft. All tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of the North American Prospect Hockey League (PHL) and USA Hockey and have offered western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area’s top ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills for junior, collegiate and other opportunities on a national and international level over the past 28 years. For additional information on the Pittsburgh Viper Stars program, please visit (www.pittsburghvipers.com).
The 28-member North American Hockey League is the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior A league. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is made up of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level.
The PHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget and Bantam participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts. Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs. For additional information on the PHL, please visit (www.naphl.com).
Two Viper Stars tendered by NAHL Clubs
Heinz Koster and Jake Pilewicz of the 2011-20121 Pittsburgh Viper Stars 18U AAA Tier I hockey club have been tendered by North American Hockey League (NAHL) Junior A clubs for the 2012-2013 season.
Heinz Koster, a senior at Kittanning High School, has signed a tender sheet with the Aberdeen Wings (Aberdeen, SD) of the NAHL for next season.
Through 41 games in the 2011-2012 season, the 6’0”, 180 lbs., forward, has scored 43 points (21 goals and 22 assists) in 36 games played, helping the 18U AAA Viper Stars to a record of 26-12-2-1.
Currently the leading scorer in the PHL league play with 20 points (11 goals and 9 assists), appearing in 11 league games, Koster a Kittanning, PA, resident, has helped lead the 18U Viper Stars into first place in the 17-team North American Prospects Hockey League (PHL), with an 11-1-0-1 record with 13 games of the 22 game regular season completed.
Koster will have an opportunity to skate next season for Aberdeen head coach and general manager Pete Sauer. The Wings, in their second year in the NAHL, are currently in fourth place in the NAHL’s Central Division.
Jake Pilewicz, a junior at Quaker Valley High School, has signed a tender sheet with the Minot Minotauros, (Minot, ND) of the NAHL for next season.
The 6’3”, 190 lbs., defenseman has scored 25 points in 39 games (9 goals and 16 assists) for the 18U Viper Stars so far this season. In PHL play, the Sewickley resident has tallied 11 points (5 goals and 6 assists) in 12 league games, including four power play goals.
Pilewicz will have an opportunity to skate next season for former NHL player Marty Murray, a 1993 draft choice of the Calgary Flames who played 261 games in the NHL with the Calgary Flames, Philadelphia Flyers, Carolina Hurricanes and the Los Angeles Kings. The Minotauros, an expansion franchise under Murray in their first year in the NAHL, are currently in fifth place in the league’s Central Division.
By signing a tender to an NAHL club, a contract of sorts, a player is announcing his intentions to play for that particular NAHL team and that NAHL team only. Once a player signs a tender with an NAHL team, his playing rights belong to that team within the NAHL and he may not be recruited by any other NAHL team. Each team is granted eight (8) tenders - plus or minus any trades - which become active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft. All tendered and drafted players are eligible to try out for any team in any league other than the NAHL in the U.S. and Canada.
The Pittsburgh Viper Stars are a proud member of the North American Prospect Hockey League (PHL) and USA Hockey and have offered western Pennsylvania and the tri-state area’s top ice hockey players an opportunity to showcase their skills for junior, collegiate and other opportunities on a national and international level over the past 28 years. For additional information on the Pittsburgh Viper Stars program, please visit (www.pittsburghvipers.com).
The 28-member North American Hockey League is the only USA Hockey sanctioned Tier II Junior A league. The NAHL prides itself on the social maturity and skill development of student-athletes with aspirations of advancing to collegiate and/or professional hockey.
Now in its third season, the North American Prospects Hockey League is made up of 42 Midget Major (17), Midget Minor (18) and Bantam Major (7) teams from 20 programs that compete at the Tier I AAA level.
The PHL, which is sanctioned by USA Hockey, utilizes the USA Hockey Officiating Development Program and is designed to maximize the exposure of all the Midget and Bantam participants through the NAHL's high-profile recruiting events, which attract hundreds of college, junior and professional scouts. Orchestrated by the NAHL's experienced and professional staff that makes player promotion a priority, the NAPHL provides an organized and competitive experience with an unrivaled scouting presence guaranteed to benefit all of the participating student-athletes and programs. For additional information on the PHL, please visit (www.naphl.com).
Bob Tritschler - Midget Major (18U) Pointstreak Peak Performer
