Pittsburgh, PA – The Esmark Stars AAA Hockey Club of the Tier 1 Hockey Federation (T1HF) are pleased to announce that 18U forward Alex Thomas has signed a North American Hockey League (NAHL) tender agreement with the Colorado Grit.
The 2023-24 season is Thomas’ first season with Esmark’s U18 Midget Major squad.
Through Nov 9, the (5’10” / 165 lbs.) 18-year-old from North Huntington, PA, has registered 11 points (7 goals, 4 assist), including two power-play goals, in eight T1HF appearances this season for Esmark’s U18 AAA Midget Major squad.
Overall, this season to date, Thomas has tallied 38 points (21 goals, 17 assists), including eight power play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 27 games played for Esmark (through Nov. 9).
“Alex is an extremely gifted player with an explosive skill set,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “He has the tools to succeed in the NAHL and Colorado landed a talented player who will give them a high-end offensive threat.”
Thomas is the second member of the 2023-2024 Esmark 18U AAA team to sign a tender with a Junior A club. Teammate Max Rutkowski previously signed with the NAHL’s Oklahoma Warriors.
The Grit, who play in the NAHL’s nine-team South Division along with the Amarillo (TX) Wranglers, Corpus Cristi (TX) IceRays, El Paso (TX) Rhinos, Lone Star (TX) Brahmas, New Mexico Ice Wolves, Odessa (TX) Jackalopes, Oklahoma Warriors and Shreveport (LA) Mudbugs, play in the Greely Ice House in Greely, CO, and are led by Head Coach Steve Haddon.