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Youngstown Phantoms

Countdown To Puck Drop: Phantoms Vs. Indiana

February 2, 2010 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


Eager to put a trying January behind them, the Youngstown Phantoms take the ice for their only morning start of the season on Hockey for Health School Day. The opponent is the defending USHL champion Indiana Ice, whom the Phantoms defeated 5-2 Dec. 18 in the two teams' most recent meeting. In that contest, Taylor Holstrom picked up two assists and Cody Strang nailed the game winner late in the second period as goalie Jordan Tibbett earned the win in his hometown.

The Phantoms (14-21-2, 30 points / 6th in East) lost the first two tilts of their current five-game homestand last weekend against Sioux Falls, getting outscored 16-4 in the process. Holstrom, Ryan Jasinsky and defenseman Scott Mayfield deposited goals Sunday afternoon, with Mayfield posting the Phantoms only plus rating on the day (+1). Mayfield's plus-two rating for the season leads all Youngstown blueliners, and his 14 points (7 G, 7 A) place him second to Dave Donnellan among rearguards.

After posting a 2-1-0 record last weekend, the Ice (21-15-2, 44 points / 3rd in East) have rebounded nicely from a four-game losing streak Jan. 15-23. Antti Roppo, Indiana's leading sniper with 19 goals, has snapped home four in the past three games, which included a two-game home sweep of the fifth-place Chicago Steel. Now holding a nine-point lead over Chicago, last year's champs are in good position for a return trip to the Clark Cup Playoffs.

PHANTOM PHACTS

- Following a humbling 8-1 defeat Friday to Sioux Falls, the Phantoms were ready to play Sunday, grabbing an early lead on Holstrom's first-period four-on-four tally. But three consecutive Stampede goals before the first intermission stole the momentum away from the home side. The trio was scored in a 52 second span, the quickest three against Youngstown this season.

- January was eminently forgettable for the Phantoms, who went 1-9-0 and were outscored 47-23 in the first month of 2010. However, redemption is achievable in a 12-game February. Only five of the dozen are at home, but nine are against teams ahead of them in the East Division standings. Youngstown stands six points out of the fourth and final playoff spot currently held by the Waterloo Black Hawks, who will fly into town for a two-game series this weekend.

- The road team has claimed all three games in the season series, a trend the Phantoms will try to stop. Each contest has been decided by at least three goals, with Indiana grabbing convincing wins Oct. 3 (6-2) and Dec. 10 (3-0) before falling victim to Tibbett's 40 saves and a diversified Youngstown attack Dec. 18 at the Pepsi Coliseum by the final count of 5-2.

ICE INSIGHTS

- The Ice hosted the USHL All-Star Game last Tuesday night in Indianapolis, and it was a successful night for many members of the "home team." Skating for the East Division (Team CCM), Indiana's Shane Berschbach (G, A), Max Cook (G, A) and Nick Bailen (game-winning goal in overtime) each shared the spotlight in a 5-4 sudden-death triumph over the West (Team Reebok).

- Recently acquired from the South Shore Kings of the Eastern Junior Hockey League, new back-up goaltender Sam Marotta beat Chicago 4-3 Saturday for his first USHL victory between the pipes. The 6-foot-4 19-year-old stopped 31 of 34 Steel missiles and was made a winner when Chris Martin broke a 3-3 tie with 9:44 left in the game.

- Berschbach has been Indiana's primary "Phantom killer" this season, posting two goals and two assists in three games. Los Angeles Kings draft pick Nic Dowd also has four points, all assists, and Byron Paulazzo and Roppo have two goals apiece vs. Youngstown. Netminder Cab Morris has appeared in two of the matchups, earning the 23-save shutout Dec. 10 at Covelli Centre and relieving the departed Casey DeSmith Dec. 18.

UPCOMING PHANTOMS GAMES (ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Wednesday at 10 a.m. vs. INDIANA - Hockey for Health School Day

Friday at 7:15 p.m. vs. WATERLOO - College/Military ID Night & Bargain Beer Night / Bring your college or military ID to Covelli Centre and receive a $4 ticket to the evening's game! Enjoy $1 brews all night long as the Phantoms host divisional rival Waterloo. Also, bring five or more non-perishable food items and receive a half-priced ticket; the food drive benefits Big Reach.

Saturday at 7:15 p.m. vs. WATERLOO - Star Wars Night & Scout Night / Meet and take pictures with your favorite Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader and C-3PO!

CATCH PHANTOMS PHEVER!

"Phantoms Phever" is an hour-long weekly talk show that brings you an inside look at your Youngstown Phantoms. Join Voice of the Phantoms Matt Gajtka at Jeremiah Bullfrog's Sports Bar & Grille on US Route 224 in Boardman as he chats with coaches, players and front office staff about northeast Ohio's most exciting team and the great sport of hockey. Catch Phantoms Phever Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on Youngstown's ESPN Radio 1240 AM and online at www.wbbw.com!

FOLLOW THE PHANTOMS ALL SEASON LONG

ESPN 1240 is also the exclusive radio home for the Youngstown Phantoms! Gajtka has the call from all 60 Phantoms regular season games as they roll through their first-ever campaign in the Tier I United States Hockey League. Hockey nuts outside the listening area can log onto www.wbbw.com to utilize the "Listen Live" feature! Fans may also purchase the Phantoms season pass at www.b2tv.com to watch and listen via the B2 Networks' multimedia game broadcasts.

Also, make "Youngstown Phantoms" your friend on Facebook and follow "ytownphantoms" on Twitter to stay plugged into the Phantoms 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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