USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Have Chance to 'Get the Ball Rolling' in 2012 with Trio of Conference Games

Published on January 4, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Although 2011 may have been the most successful calendar year in Youngstown Phantoms history, its end was a rather acrimonious one last weekend in Indianapolis, Ind. The Phantoms (16-8-2, fourth East) fell victim to the flu and a red-hot Indiana Ice team, ending the year with their first consecutive regulation losses of the season.

For that reason, Head Coach Anthony Noreen said he could not be more eager get 2012 started with a trio of games this week, facing off against the Muskegon Lumberjacks Thursday and Friday in the Covelli Centre before heading back out to Indiana to take on the Ice just seven days after last weekend's sweep.

"It's definitely a good thing," Noreen said. "From a health standpoint, the guys who were sick last weekend are getting back to 100 percent. And from a hockey standpoint, any time you lose a couple games and things start going in the wrong direction, the last thing you want is to have to sit and wait around for awhile and wait for another game.

"We get another three-game weekend - another big test against two conference rivals - with the chance to get the ball rolling back in the right direction."

Thursday the Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre, where they are tied for the United States Hockey League's best home record (9-2-1), for the first time in nearly a month. They will face a familiar foe in the Lumberjacks (9-12-1, seventh East), whom they have already faced four times this season, falling in the first three outings before a watershed 4-2 win on the bank of Lake Michigan at L.C. Walker Arena.

That win back on Dec. 3 was the catalyst for the Phantoms' third four-game winning streak of the season, and Noreen said he hopes for a similar boost on Thursday and Friday.

"Last time we played them, it seemed like things finally went our way, but we're not expecting anything less from them," he said. "They've probably had a good week of practice and they're probably just as excited to come in here and play us as we are to have our shot at them."

Although Noreen said his team would not look past the Lumberjacks, he was unabashed in admitting that he and his team savored the chance to face the Ice (17-7-4, second East) again Saturday at Pepsi Coliseum - so soon after they handed the Phantoms just their second shutout of the season.

"We talked about it after the game last Saturday," Noreen said. "I think a lot of guys were frustrated and upset with the outcome of the game and we said, 'Let's remember what we feel like and what these guys did to us. We get the chance to get back at them again and let's make sure we use those things to fuel our fire.'"

The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. EST on Thursday and Friday at the Covelli Centre and 7:05 p.m. EST Saturday at Pepsi Coliseum in Indianapolis.

Come down to the Covelli Centre Thursday for a "Double Dollar Deal Day" when the Phantoms host Muskegon. Fans can get a 16-oz. beer, 16-oz. soda, hotdog or popcorn for the low price of just $2 each!

Cleveland Browns fans have one more chance to break out their gear and Pittsburg Steelers fans can get a head start on celebrating the playoffs Friday night at the Covelli Centre. All fans wearing Browns or Steelers apparel will get a $4 dollar discount on purple level tickets and additionally, all students with a valid college I.D. will get 50 percent off purple level tickets.

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 January 4, 2012


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