USHL Muskegon Lumberjacks

Jacks Outpaced by Phantoms in Youngstown

Published on January 6, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Muskegon Lumberjacks News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (January 6, 2012) - The Youngstown Phantoms used a four-goal first period to skate away from the Muskegon Lumberjacks 7-3 Friday night at the Covelli Centre, sweeping the two-game series between the Eastern Conference rivals.

Lumberjacks leading scorer John Padulo connected for two goals in the third, including Muskegon's first shorthanded goal of the season, but Youngstown scored three times in the final frame to maintain its four-goal margin.

One night after the Lumberjacks (9-13-2, 20 points) killed all eight Youngstown power plays in a 4-3 shootout defeat, the Phantoms scored on their first three power plays of the game after Richard Zehnal opened the scoring just 1:43 into the contest. Muskegon had killed all 32 Youngstown power plays in the season series prior to Friday.

The Lumberjacks got a man advantage goal of their own off the stick of defenseman Ryan Bullock during the penalty filled night. Muskegon set season highs with 20 infractions and 62 penalty minutes; the two sides combined for 34 penalties for 93 total minutes.

Matt O'Connor turned away 21 Jacks shots to earn the win before being replaced by Sean Romeo late in the game. Muskegon also used both goalies, with Paul Berrafato seeing his first action in eight games in relief of John Keeney, who was removed after the first period.

The Jacks will now attempt to end a three-game winless streak (0-1-2) Saturday night at L.C. Walker Arena, as they host Chicago to complete three games in three nights. The Phantoms move on to Indiana to finish a similar stretch of action.

The Phantoms (18-8-2, 38 points) got off to a quick start for the second straight night, as Zehnal banked the puck off Keeney's stick from behind the Muskegon net. Austin Cangelosi scored 1:54 into Thursday's game, but the Lumberjacks were able to grab the lead back before the end of the first.

On Friday night Youngstown stretched its advantage to 4-0 with three consecutive power play goals. Stephen Collins found an open Dylan Margonari at the left post eight minutes in, then Sam Anas flipped in a rebound four minutes later and J.T. Stenglein had Cangelosi's wrister bounce in off his body for his team-leading 15th at 16:10. A scoreless second period followed as Muskegon couldn't take advantage of a handful of power plays, but Padulo's shorthanded breakaway 47 seconds into the third provided hope for the visitors.

Mike Ambrosia restored the four-goal Youngstown lead three minutes later, though, burying a one-timer from the left circle. Collins added one of his own to make the score 6-1 midway through the period, gathering a missed shot off the end boards.

Bullock blasted a right-circle slapper through backup goalie Romeo with less than six minutes to go, soon followed by Padulo's second of the night at eighth of the season, as he finished the rebound of Travis Belohrad's shot off the post. Rudy Sulmonte earned the secondary assist, his second straight game with a point.

Collins polished off the evening with a rebound goal from in tight with less than three minutes to go. The seven Youngstown goals matched a season-high against the Lumberjacks.

The Stanley Cup will be in the house for the Lumberjacks' next home game, Saturday at 7:15 p.m. against Chicago! It will also be NASCAR Night, with tickets to the Daytona 500 and other valuable racing-related prizes up for grabs. Call the L.C. Walker Arena box office at 231.724.JACK(5225) for Lumberjacks tickets and information, or visit startickets.com or go to your local Meijer.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 6, 2012


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