USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Best of the west Omaha stops Phantoms again

Published on February 20, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Despite another solid effort by the Youngstown Phantoms against the best of the West Division, the visiting Omaha Lancers made the most of their limited chances and held on for a 3-1 win Saturday night and a weekend sweep at Covelli Centre.

Brett Gensler cashed in his 13th in the first period to stake Youngstown (15-29-2, 32 points) to an early lead for the third time in five games, but a three-goal second-period burst by the Lancers closed out the scoring. The Phantoms, who have dropped seven straight at home, now take to the highway for a season-high five-game road swing.

The Lancers (32-12-3, 67 points), playing their third consecutive game against the Phantoms in an odd scheduling quirk, have now claimed the first three of the interdivision season series. The two sides will lock horns for the fourth and final time in Omaha Mar. 19.

For the second night in a row, the Phantoms hung with Omaha every step of the way. Gensler's icebreaking tally came after Cody Strang tried to pass to Ben Paulides in front but was denied. The puck deflected back to Gensler, and the future Bentley University Falcon rifled it over Jeff Teglia's glove hand at 10:35.

The home side got into penalty trouble to begin the second, and Camden Wojtala chipped in a power-play rebound to tie the score 80 seconds in. Youngstown goalie Matt Mahalak made a sensational stop on C.J. Ludwig to deny a bang-bang play, but Wojtala was at the right post to clean up the trash.

The Phantoms pressed back, getting numerous opportunities to jump back on top, but Teglia was flawless for the rest of the contest, making 27 saves in all. Tom Craig then continued the Omaha surge, finishing a 2-on-1 rush with Stefan Demopolous with 2:40 left in the second to give the Lancers their first lead; Craig has scored in all three games vs. Youngstown over the past week.

Seth Ambroz, another Phantoms killer, deposited Omaha's third goal with just 12 seconds showing on the second-period clock. Following Greg Wolfe's blocked shot, the puck somehow fluttered off the end boards and off a body right to Ambroz, who flipped his fourth goal and sixth point against the Purple and Orange into an open net.

The third stanza was uneventful, with Teglia denying Taylor Holstrom's semi-breakaway chance early to keep the score 3-1, then watching as his teammates kept the Phantoms on the perimeter for most of the period.

Next up for Youngstown is a showdown with the RoughRiders in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Friday night at 8:05 Eastern time. The Chick-Fil-A Pregame Show begins at 7:50 on ESPN 1240. Follow the Phantoms all season long via Youngstown's ESPN 1240 (www.wbbw.com) and the B2 Networks at www.b2tv.com.

The Youngstown Phantoms are a Member Club of the United States Hockey League (USHL), America's only Tier I hockey league and premier developer of National Hockey League talent with more than 100 alumni on current NHL rosters.

Visit www.youngstownphantoms.com or call the Front Office at 330.747.PUCK(7825) for more information on the Phantoms organization. The Youngstown Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company (Phantom Fireworks), located in Youngstown, Ohio.

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 20, 2010


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