USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Look to Rally on the Road vs. Indy, Muskegon

Published on February 13, 2013 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


INDIANAPOLIS - The Youngstown Phantoms are in the midst of a two-game winning streak and currently have a three-point hold on fourth place in the Eastern Conference - the final Clark Cup Playoff spot. They have the chance to pad both on the road this week when they face the Indiana Ice Thursday and the Muskegon Lumberjacks Saturday.

But If the Phantoms (22-19-0, 44 points) are going to do so, it will have to be done without the help of their leading scorer.

Center Austin Cangelosi will miss the next four games while serving a suspension stemming from a checking from behind major assessed to him last Sunday in Indianapolis. The Phantoms co-captain was for racing for a puck dumped down into the offensive zone and bumped Ice defenseman Jake Cass, who fell forward and slid into the boards.

Cangelosi was assessed a five-minute major and 10-minute game misconduct, both firsts in his USHL career. Left wing Markus McCrea also received a one-game suspension for a separate checking from behind incident during the game.

Head coach Anthony Noreen said that next four games will speak volumes about that character of his team, especially in the midst of a playoff push.

"It's a chance for some other guys to step up and take a leadership role," Noreen said. "Just as importantly, it's a chance for some guys to step up and play some very important minutes for us.

"As far as the decision, no comment."

In two seasons, the Phantoms have gone 3-7-0 without Cangelosi in the lineup, including a 0-4-0 stretch during his absence in November while playing in the 2012 World Junior A Challenge. Working for Youngstown, however, is a combined 8-2-0 record vs. Indiana (16-26-4, 36 points) and Muskegon (24-14-8, 56 points) this season.

Defenseman Ryan Lowney has played as big a role in that success as any player. The Ferris State recruit and Michigan native has six assists in as many games vs. the Ice. Against the Lumberjacks, he has been even more deadly with four goals, three assists and seven points in four contests.

"Honestly, I have no idea [what the explanation is]," Lowney said. "I just seem to have had some luck against them."

Left wing John Padulo, who is No. 3 on the Phantoms scoring list and has played on a line with Cangelosi since mid-November, was one of the veterans Noreen called upon to help fill the void. The former Lumberjack said he is eager to accept the challenge, but he also extended it to young forwards such as Kyle Connor, Zach Evancho, JJ Piccinich and Luke Stork.

"We're at the point where the initiation part is over," Padulo said. "There's playing time up for grabs and the young guys need to grab it by the horns. Tomorrow night's game is huge and we need to address it like it's a playoff game."

Game Schedule (Times EST)

Thursday, Feb. 14: Phantoms at Indiana at 7:05 p.m. EST - FASTHockey.com

Saturday, Feb. 16: Phantoms at Muskegon at 7:15 p.m. EST - FASTHockey.com

Phantoms Flex Packages are on sale now starting at the low price of just $75. Flex Packages include 10 undated ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at any game and in any increment throughout the rest of the season. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve a Phantoms Flex Package today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter ( @YtownPhantoms ) and "˜like' them on Facebook ( www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms ).

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 13, 2013


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