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Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Prepare to Face Jacks Following Loney Announcement

March 13, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - It's an exciting time to be a Youngstown Phantom.

Fresh off of a dramatic road victory over the Anderson Cup-contending Omaha Lancers, the team ushered in a new era with the announcement of Troy Loney and his wife Aafke as ownership and operational partners today.

At his introductory press conference, the former Penguins winger stressed his commitment to Youngstown.

"The goal is that we want the Youngstown community to understand what a great product we have in hockey," said Loney. "There really is an entertainment value in the community. We want them to come down to this world-class facility that is the Covelli Centre. We think there's an excellent way to grow our fanbase and get people into the arena that will make it fun for the fans, players, and the team. I think that breeds the atmosphere that everyone looks to accomplish."

While the Loney era is just beginning, the Phantoms are entering the home stretch of their 2013-14 campaign, which continues this weekend with a two-game set in Muskegon.

Set to play the Lumberjacks for the eighth and ninth times this season, Phantoms coach Anthony Noreen understandably grouped Muskegon in the set of teams Youngstown is most familiar with.

"We're extremely familiar with each other, and I think when we play each other, there's something that one staff or the other has tinkered with a little bit," said Noreen. "For the most part, the better team has won the game. It's a big rivalry game for both and we've had some heated battles with them. That's the way it should be in a rivalry-type game. It's the kind of game where we should be ready to come out and play."

While the two sides have had a spirited series this season, the last time Youngstown visited the L.C. Walker Arena, the Jacks jumped out to a 4-0 first period lead before going on to win 5-2. That result is sure to remain in the Phantoms' minds as they look to avenge that defeat.

"I think the biggest thing with that game was that we shot ourselves in the foot and took too many penalties early on," said Noreen. "They scored two five-on-three goals, we had a five-minute major, and they scored on that as well. Against any team in this league, at this level of hockey, it's tough to come back.

"I thought we did a good job of pushing when we came out in the second and third, but we just put ourselves in too much of a hole. It was very similar to our game this past Friday night. We have to stay disciplined, stay out of the box, and when we get our chances, we have to take advantage of them."

The Phantoms will be looking to ride the wave of momentum they created with their strong performance against Omaha on Saturday.

"I think that's one of things we love about this group, is that they're so passionate," continued Noreen. "You walk into the rink for a Wednesday practice yesterday, with a team where they're located in the standings, and you think things can get complacent-but the energy is awesome."

As always, Noreen continues to stress that his goal as a coach is to make sure his team gets better with each passing day.

"I think we've been so much better at handling different pressure points of games," said Noreen. "The passion has been a constant, and that's something we take a lot of pride in. Personally, I take a lot of pride in players that play the game hard and the right way. We've been seeing a lot of that lately, and it excites me about the future of this team."

Single game tickets are on sale now for all Phantoms' home games at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms 10-Game Flex Plans are also available starting at the low price of just $89. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats 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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