USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Acquire Forward Soren Jonzzon from Tri-City, Face Chicago in 2011 Home Finale Saturday

Published on December 9, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms wrap up their 2011 home slate on Saturday when they face off against the Chicago Steel. It is the lone game of the weekend for the Phantoms (13-6-1, third East), who last week suffered consecutive losses for the first time all season - falling to Sioux Falls on Thursday and Muskegon the following night - but bounced back on Saturday with a convincing 4-2 win over the Lumberjacks.

Left wing JT Stenglein said the win was crucial for the team's confidence.

"It should definitely be a turning point," he said. "It was tough coming off two losses but we went out there and got two points. But we've got a tough game coming up with Chicago."

The Steel (7-13-1, seventh East) have dropped three straight including a 4-1 loss to Team USA last Saturday. They returned only six players from last season's team and - having lost eight of their last 10 - are in the midst of some growing pains under first-year Head Coach Scott McConnell.

A bright spot, however, has been the play of Chicago's backend, which starts and stops with goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom, the United States Hockey League's saves leader. Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen said that although Dahlstrom has been overshadowed by some other big-name netminders, the skilled Swede is among the league's elite.

"He's arguably one of the best goaltenders in the league," he said. "He's played great every time we've seen him and every time we've watched him on film, he's given his team a chance to win."

Noreen said that Dahlstrom also gets a hand from a very underrated defensive corps.

"Their defenseman are good defensively, but they're also very mobile," he said. "The last time we played them, they had a lot of success shooting the puck from the point and penetrating offensively."

The Steel and their puck-moving blue liners have given the Phantoms a handful in both meetings between the teams this season - both wins for Youngstown. But were it not for the spectacular play of goaltender Matthew O'Connor, who backstopped the pair of Phantoms' wins, the outcomes could have looked very different.

In their most recent meeting back on Nov. 18, O'Connor turned away 44 of 45 Chicago shots to lead the Phantoms to a 4-1 win and capture the USHL's Reebook Goaltender of the Week accolades for the second time this season.

"[O'Connor] definitely helped us out last time," said defenseman Mike Gunn, who spent two seasons in Chicago before the Phantoms acquired him this summer. "This Saturday, it's like we owe him one, so we're definitely going to be giving it our all. We've only got one game this weekend. So we've got nothing to save for."

Events and Promotions

Saturday, Dec. 10: "Teddy Bear Toss" with Santa Visit: The Phantoms are hosting their third annual "Teddy Bear Toss". All fans who bring a stuffed animal to throw on the ice after the first Phantoms' goal will receive a $4 discount on purple level tickets at the box office. All bears collected will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital of Mahoning Valley.

Santa Claus will also be in attendance Saturday night and available for pictures with children on the concourse. In addition, former Cleveland Browns great and NFL Hall-of-Famer Jim Brown will also be at the game.

Following the game, Phantoms players will be available to sign autographs for fans outside the Eagle Wear Team Shop.

Phantoms tickets make the perfect holiday stocking stuffers! For a limited time four purple level ticket vouchers along with a Phantoms T-Shirt are available for low price of just $20! Call the Phantoms office at 330.747.7825 for more information or to place an order.

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com .

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 9, 2011


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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