NEW KENSINGTON — The Esmark Stars U-18 hockey team believes it can beat just about anybody.

Now it's hoping to get the chance.

The Stars are 47-10-6 on the season and play out of the Pittsburgh Ice Arena in New Kensington. Four Butler County players — goaltenders Connor Strobel (Butler) and Danny Mitchell (Mars), forward Dominic DeZort (North Catholic) and defenseman Jerome Oliver (Butler) — are on their roster.

The Stars recently won the Mid-Am District Tier I 18-U Championships, qualifying for the USA Hockey National Championships April 1-5 in Rochester, Mich.

Only the latter event has been canceled because of the novel coronavirus outbreak.

“We've got a petition circulating to try to get them to hold nationals at a later date,” DeZort said. “Teams are willing to wait.”

For this team, it may be worth the wait.

DeZort, a Cranberry Township resident, is third on the Stars in points with 49. He's scored 21 goals on the year.

Oliver has four goals and 14 assists from his defenseman position despite not joining the team until after the season started.

“I jumped over from the Pens Elite,” Oliver said. “I figured the time was right to try something new. I took a chance. I wanted to see what would happen if I went over there.

“I love the style of hockey we play. It's fast-paced. I can facilitate the rush up ice and that's one of the strengths of my game.”

Stars coach Dave Kosick views both players among the keys to the team's success.

“Dom's a quiet kid, not a real flashy guy,” Kosick said of DeZort. “He just plays a solid game. He goes into the corners and makes plays.

“Jerome is our Kris Letang-type of defenseman. He's become the quarterback on our defensive rush. He's been a solid addition for us.”

DeZort considers himself a strong two-way forward.

“I like skating back into the defensive zone and keeping the other team from scoring,” he said. “Getting pucks in deep, digging them out of corners to begin a play ... That's my game.

“My goal is to be playing junior hockey somewhere next year. That's where I want to wind up.”

Strobel and Mitchell have been splitting time in goal, both with positive results. Strobel is 27-3-4 on the season with a 1.78 goals-against average, seven shutouts and a .936 save percentage.

Mitchell is 20-7-2 on the year with a 2.60 GAA, one shutout and a .911 save percentage.

“These guys also play high school hockey and we play a lot of games, so having two quality goaltenders is a major plus,” Kosick said. “We're confident with either one in the net.

“Playing the way we do, we count on our goalies to make the big save when play breaks the other way. Both of these guys do that consistently.”

Mitchell is in his second year with the U-18 Stars. He shared the goaltending duties last season as well.

“There's plenty of games to go around,” Mitchell said. “Neither Connor or I ever get tired. Connor has been great in goal. He played for our U-16 team last year and has stepped right in to help this team.”

Strobel has hopes of playing for Johnstown of the North American Hockey League next season.

“This experience has been great for me,” he said of playing for the Stars. “I'm pretty good at handling the puck and I love the challenge of making the big save.

“I feel like I'm athletic and quick, so I'll drift out on the shooter and try to force his hand.”

All four county players had an impact on the Stars' winning the Mid-Am District tournament.

DeZort had a goal and assist, Strobel 35 saves in the Stars' 5-3 win over the Cleveland Barons. Oliver had two assists, Mitchell 25 saves in an 8-2 win over the Pens Elite.

DeZort had a goal, Strobel 30 saves in a 3-1 win over the Ohio Blue Jackets. Strobel made 40 saves in a 3-1 victory over Gilmour Academy.

“Our team overcame some adversity in winning that (district) championship,” Mitchell said. “We lost a tough game in the semifinals of our league championship and fell short there.

“We responded well. This is a deep, talented team.”

Kosick agreed.

“We've got two stand-up style goaltenders who skate out and challenge people,” he said. “Our message to our goalies is a simple one: Stop the puck. And they do it.

“Each of our lines can score. We can play any style. Up-tempo just suits us and those four (Butler County) guys are a big reason why.”