Alexandria, MN (Feb. 16, 2023)
For more information, contact: Johnny Van Atta, Director of Hockey Operations (615) 830-1113, [email protected]
Northstar Knights teammates Sam Kartch and Nathan Huntington are joining previous tender Brady Jones, with the Utah Outliers in the NCDC. The Outliers are currently in first place in the Mountain division of the USPHL Premier league and will make the jump next year to the NCDC which is the top league in the USPHL.
Kartch, a Duluth, MN native is in his second season in the Knights organization but his first on the 18U Prep team. He currently has 19 points (9G, 10A) in 29 games played this year in a season where he has dealt with a few different injuries. The toughness he has displayed this season will be a welcomed addition to the Outliers. In the 2021-22 season, Kartch was selected to the NAPHL All-Star game after putting up 44 points (23G, 21A) in 56 games played. “I am excited for the opportunity Utah has given me”, Katch said. “I want to thank God for opening doors in my life to get me where I am today. I want to thank my parents along with the staff, coaches and teammates at Northstar for shaping me into a better man and a hockey player.”
Huntington, from Berkeley Lake, GA is a seasoned Northstar veteran as he is currently in his 3rd season in the Knights organization and his second on the 18U Prep team. This season his experience and leadership led him to be selected as one of the captains for the team. In the 2021-22 season playing as a forward, Huntington scored 43 points (18G, 25A) in 56 games played. This season, Huntington has shown off his versatility and has been used as the team’s “swiss army knife” by playing as both a forward and defenseman at different times this season. In 37 games played, he has scored 26 points (5G, 21A) and has been featured on both the power play and penalty kill units. Utah will be getting a well rounded and a “team-first” player in Huntington next year. “I am extremely excited to be a part of the Outliers team next year”, said Huntington. “I want to thank all my parents, coaches and teammates for pushing me to become the man and hockey player I am today. Finally, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity to be a part of such an elite organization. Go Outliers!”
“Congratulations to Nathan and Sam on being recognized as an asset to the Utah Outliers”, said 18U Prep coach Tim Jackman. “Nathan has been a 3 year player at Northstar and has a joy about playing the game of hockey that is contagious to his teammates. He has a great competitive nature and will be a great servant to the Utah Outliers. Sam will be a welcomed addition to Utah as a player that can play hard-nosed hockey every night. He has a knack to get to the front of the net and finds ways to get his stick on pucks. Both players will bring a servant attitude and will be a welcomed attention to the Utah Outliers locker room.”