USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms' Bradley, Cangelosi and Zehnal Named to USHL/NHL Prospect Game Roster

Published on January 5, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The United States Hockey League today announced the roster for its inaugural USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, presented by CCM, and three Youngstown Phantoms were among the 40 players chosen to take part in the exhibition. Defenseman Chris Bradley, center Austin Cangelosi and center Richard Zehnal were all selected to play in the game, which will take place on Jan. 24 at L.C. Walker Arena in Muskegon, Mich.

The game is the first of its kind for the USHL and will showcase many of the top USHL players eligible for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft. The selection process for the players was completed in cooperation with USHL General Managers, NHL scouts and decision makers, and NHL Central Scouting.

"I think this is a huge opportunity for both those players and our organization," Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Anthony Noreen said. "We're proud to be able to send three players who we feel are great representatives of the Youngstown Phantoms. And for the players, they have the chance to showcase their skills in front of every team in the NHL on a big stage."

Bradley, 18, is in his second year eligible for the NHL Draft. The 6-foot-4, 190-pound defenseman from Williamsville, N.Y., is in his second season with the Phantoms and has accumulated a goal and five assists for six points and a plus-7 rating through 21 games this season. Bradley also took part in the Buffalo Sabres draft prospect combine this past summer and was chosen to play on Team USA during the World Junior A Challenge earlier this season. He is committed to play college hockey at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute beginning next fall.

Cangelosi, 17, is in his first year with the Phantoms and his first year eligible for the NHL Draft. The speedy 5-foot-8, 185-pound center from Estero, Fla. is second on the Phantoms in scoring with 11 goals, 12 assists and a team-high plus-13 rating through just 19 games this season. Cangelosi leads the entire USHL with five short-handed goals and joined Bradley on Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge, where he registered a goal and two assists. He is committed to Boston College for the fall of 2013.

"Austin is a dynamic player who can be a game-breaker with his speed, his quickness and his play-making ability," Noreen said. "His hockey sense, especially for his age, is phenomenal. I think that's what separates him.

"There are little guys whose size hurt them, but I've never seen him shy away from physical play, no matter what. When he goes into the corner for a battle, he comes out with the puck."

Zehnal, 17, is in his first year eligible for the NHL Draft in this his third season in the USHL, but first with the Phantoms. The 6-foot-2, 210-pound center is a native Pardubice, Czech Republic, and has three goals, six assists and nine points along with a plus-3 rating while playing in all 26 of the Phantoms games this season.

"Richard's play-making ability is very good," Noreen said. "He skates well for his size and he's strong on his feet. He's one of the best guys on our team - even the league - at protecting the puck. He dictates what he's going to do with it but he's very patient. He allows plays to develop.

"He's also vastly improved his play in his own end and I think that's not only made him a better player all-around but it adds to his dynamic as a potential draft pick."

The 40 USHL/NHL Top Prospects will now be divided into two teams, the makeup of which will be announced at a later date.

The 2012 NHL Entry Draft takes place on June 22-23 in Pittsburgh, Pa. Last year, a total of 37 players with USHL experience - 28 from the 2010-11 season and nine USHL alumni - were selected by NHL teams in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.

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 5, 2012


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