MASON CITY, Iowa – The North Iowa Bulls, proud members of the North American Hockey League, are excited to announce the signing of North American Prospects Hockey League forward Shane Kozlina to an NAHL tender agreement. Kozlina, who plays for the Esmark Stars’ 18U program in Pennsylvania, is the Bulls’ first tender signing this season from the NAPHL and the Stars’ first player this season to be tendered by an NAHL team.
“Shane is a high energy forward with an off-the-charts work ethic and a knack for the net,” said Esmark 18U head coach Dave Kosick. “His work ethic has created a tremendous amount of interest from several NAHL teams. He will be a great pick-up for the Bulls and [Todd] Sanden. His ability to fill multiple roles can make him an important asset to North Iowa.”
The Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania native is in his second season of NAPHL competition for the Stars, notching 21 goals and 26 assists to date for the organization’s 18-and-under squad this season. 31 of those 47 points have come in NAPHL games, including a pair of game-winning goals and four on special teams. At the NAPHL 18U All-Star Game last month, he picked up a pair of assists to help Team Grey to a 5-1 win.
Kozlina had an outstanding 2020-21 season as well, earning eight goals and six assists in NAPHL regular-season play for Esmark’s 16U team, and adding two more goals in the Dixon Cup playoffs. He posted a total of 37 points last season in 58 games of overall competition when including non-NAPHL games.
Kozlina is currently a senior at Seneca Valley High School in Harmony, Pennsylvania, just north of the Pittsburgh metro area. He has made a significant mark on his high school program as well, posting 42 points in 30 career games, including a team-best 19 points thus far this season.
The North Iowa Bulls congratulate Shane Kozlina on his tender signing and wish him further success as his 2021-22 season with the Esmark Stars continues.
(photo credit: EliteProspects/Dan Hickling)