NA3HL alum Kestner a true NCAA DI success story

April 22, 2015

The story of Josh Kestner is a successful one and one that is indicative and follows a familiar path that has been established by the now six-year-old NA3HL.

 

Kestner, 21, just completed his first season of NCAA Division I hockey with the University of Alabama-Huntsville in the WCHA.

 

Although he is a native of Huntsville, Alabama, Kestner had a long way to go to realize his NCAA Division I dream playing in his hometown.  That started with playing junior hockey in the NA3HL for the then Flint Jr. Generals, who at the time were coached by current Breezy Point head coach Jeff Worlton.

 

“Playing for Flint in the NA3HL gave me the opportunity that started it all,” said Kestner. “It was the foundation of my career pushing me to the limits I didn't know I had. It extended all the way from the scouts, to the ownership, to the billet families, to the coaching.  Coach Worlton really taught me the meaning of a true hockey player, how to play the game on the ice and how to be a good person off.”

 

During the 2011-12 season in the NA3HL, Kestner had 50 points in 44 games and had seven points in seven playoff games as the Jr. Generals made it to the Silver Cup Tournament. The two years that followed, Kestner played junior hockey in Canada, which ultimately resulted in his opportunity to play at the Division I level.

 

“Where I am now wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for all the teammates and great people that helped along the way, especially during that first year in the NA3HL. It was a huge learning experience and I was very lucky to have support from my parents to go a take the chance to play,” said Kestner.