The Pittsburgh, PA, based amateur hockey club Esmark Stars, of the
North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), are pleased to announce
that 18U forward Cole Hepler has signed an NAHL tender agreement with
the Kenai River (Alaska) Brown Bears.
Hepler, 18, concluded the 2013-14 regular season as Esmark’s 18U
leading scorer, posting 90 points (46 goals and 44 assists) in 62 games
played. In NAPHL action, he recorded 28 points, 10 goals and 18
assists, in 24 league games played.
A senior at Freeport Area High School, Hepler (165 lbs., 5’11")
helped lead the Stars to a 19-3-2 record during the NAPHL regular
season, good for third place, and a spot in the NAPHL's Championship
Series. The Stars advanced through the round-robin League Championship
Series and semi-final play before falling to Omaha AAA in the league's
Championship game.
Hepler, a Freeport, PA, resident, will have an opportunity to skate
next season for Kenai’s head coach Geoff Beauparlant. The Brown Bears,
who play out of the Soldotna Sports Center in Soldotna, Alaska, are
currently in fifth place in the NAHL’s Midwest Division and looking to
clinch a earn a spot in the NAHL Playoffs.
Last season, Hepler tallied 56 points (28 goals and 28 assists) in
57 overall games for the Stars 18U team, including 22 points (14 goals
and 8 assists) in 16 NAPHL games, leading them to the NAPHL's
Championship Series 18U semi-finals. During the 2011-12 season, Hepler
recorded 58 points (29 goals and 29 assists) in 58 overall games for the
16U Stars, including 18 points (8 goals and 10 assists) in 22 NAPHL
games.
Hepler had previously been recognized by the NAPHL as he was named
the NAPHL’s 18U third offensive star at this season’s second NAPHL
Showcase in Blaine, MN, held Dec. 6-9, 2013.
Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick offered high praise for Hepler and his future potential.
“Cole is a player you can build a program around. He thrives in
all aspects of the game, be it penalty kill, power play, fore-checking,
offensive and defensive zone play, etc. He brings a high competitive
drive to every practice and game and never rests on the success he has
earned," said Kosick.
"When Cole hits the ice for Kenai, their fans and coaching staff
will love this kid,” Kosick added. “Not only is he a solid two-way
player, he understands and sees the game at a level few midget major
players can comprehend.”
Hepler is the fifth member of the Esmark 18U team to sign a tender
this season, joining teammates Brian Baker (Lone Star), Tristan Ramage
(Johnstown), Carmen Dalesandro (Soo) and Adam Alavi (Soo).
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