Esmark 16U forward Gorscak signs NAHL tender
April 7, 2017
The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club, of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL), are pleased to announce that 16U forward Christian Gorscak has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Johnstown Tomahawks. The Tomahawks compete in the NAHL's East Division.
Gorscak, 16, completed his second 16U season with the Esmark program during the 2016-17 season.
The 5’11/165 lbs. native of Jeanette, Pennsylvania, led Esmark in team NAPHL scoring this season with 42 points (18 goals, 17 assists in 23 regular season games; and 3 goals, 4 assists in five playoff games), leading the Stars to the NAPHL Playoff Championship … and their first ever Dixon Cup. He was also named to the 2016-17 All-NAPHL 16U first-team.
Gorscak was also selected to and participated in the NAPHL’s annual All-Star game during both of his seasons with Esmark’s U16 team. At the 2016-17 16U All-Star game he notched two goals for the victorious Team Suter team, in their 6-2 win over Team Dixon. At the 2015-16 16U All-Star game, he earned an assist for winning Team OT Sports in their 4-2 win over Team Easton.
He led the Stars in scoring during the overall 2016-17 season, registering 100 points (48 goals and 52 assists), including 13 power play goals and 2 shorthanded goals, in 77 games played.
He also led the Stars in scoring during the 2015-16 season, as he recorded 59 points (29 goals and 30 assists) in 64 games for Esmark.
"Christian is such a smart player,” said Esmark 16U head coach Yuri Krivokhija. “He sees the ice and game at a level that isvery uncommon at this age group. On top of which he has a true scorers touch.”
A tender is a contract, of sorts, a player signs 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 ten (10) tenders, which include two (2) tenders exclusively used on players from the NAPHL - plus or minus any trades - which became active on Nov. 1. Tendered players are not eligible for the NAHL draft, which will be held on June 6, 2017.
