Two Esmark Stars Forwards Earn Call-Up to NAHL

Esmark Stars AAA Hockey U18 forwards Alex Thomas and Timur Naletov were both called up to the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for for action this past weekend.

Thomas was called up to the Colorado Grit, who had previously tendered him for the 2024-25 season, and saw action in games against the New Mexico Ice Wolves.

Thomas, who hails from North Huntington, PA, has registered 13 points (7 goals, 6 assists), in eight T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League appearances so far this season, including two power-play goals and two game-winning goals for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad.

Overall, this season to date, Thomas has tallied 54 points (28 goals, 26 assists), including nine power-play goals and one shorthanded goal, in 48 games played for Esmark (through Jan. 21).

Naletov was called up by the Danbury Hat Tricks, who had previously tendered him for the 2024-25 season, for games against the Northeast Generals. He recorded an assist in two appearances.

Naletov, who hails from St. Petersburg, Russia, has recorded 7 points (1 goal and 6 assists) in eight T1ER North American Prospects Hockey League games to date, helping lead Esmark’s 18U to a perfect 8-0-0-0 T1ER start.

The 6'1/185 lbs forward has tallied 37 points (6 goals, 21 assists), including one power-play goal, in 50 games played for Esmark's U18 AAA Midget Major squad (through Jan. 21).

“It is a great opportunity for both of these guys,” said Stars head coach Dave Kosick. “It allowed them to get a taste of Junior A Hockey, spend some time with their respective clubs and coaching staffs, and get acclimated to the Junior experience.”