Connor and Sherwood Each Net Two as Phantoms Take Down Team USA
December 6, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Phantoms (12-6-4) earned a 6-2 win over Team USA's Under-18 program on Friday night. Forwards Kyle Connor and Kiefer Sherwood each had a pair of goals for the Phantoms, who beat Team USA's Under 18 program for the first time since 2012.
Much like Friday night, the Phantoms struck quickly in the opening period, as a shot from defenseman Matt Miller careened off of the end boards and came right to Connor who stuffed it in from the bottom of the near circle, giving the Phantoms a 1-0 lead, 1:03 into the contest.
Team USA evened the game up a few minutes later, as forward Christian Fischer came streaking down the wing and beat Phantoms goaltender Chris Birdsall, tying the game, 1-1 after 20 minutes.
A checking from behind major on Team USA's Brendan Warren late in first put the Phantoms on a five-minute power play, however it was Team USA who took first advantage while shorthanded, when defenseman Nicholas Boka scored 1:40 into the second, putting Team USA up, 2-1.
The Phantoms were not deterred, as with five seconds remaining on the major penalty, Sherwood launched a shot from the blueline through heavy traffic, beating Team USA netminder Michael Lackey to tie the game, 2-2.
The USHL's second-best power play struck again 10:19 into the frame, when Connor sent a cross-ice feed to Sherwood who one-timed it past Lackey, regaining the lead for the Phantoms, 3-2, on Sherwood's second of the game.
"My linemates did a great job tonight on the power play. I just try to get open and keep it simple and shoot the puck," said Sherwood. "I'm a firm believer of the only thing that follows hard work is results, and I try to put in the hard work and work on it every day in practice and I'm happy it's paying off."
Riding a wave of momentum, the Phantoms found the back of the net again roughly five minutes later, when Connor came in on a 3-on-0 breakaway and tossed a backhander over the shoulder of Lackey, pushing the Phantoms' lead to 4-2 after two periods.
Youngstown continued their forward motion in the third period, when forward James Winkler came streaking down the near wing and fired a wrist shot that beat Lackey, extending the Phantoms' lead to 5-2, 3:40 into the third period. Youngstown tacked on one more late in the period when forward Ryan Lomberg notched an empty-netter, sealing the 6-2 win.
"This was one of the best 60-minute efforts from a Phantoms team that I have been a part of," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen. "The bottom line is that we weren't happy with the way we played last night's game, and we still felt that sting and we challenged them to be better, and we were very hard to play against."
Birdsall was stellar in net, stopping 28 of the 30 shots he faced in the win. The power play was a difference maker tonight, converting on two of their five opportunities.
"We've had some battles with these guys this year, and we wanted this one real bad," said Connor. "We came into it with a must-win mentality and it paid off."
The Phantoms hit the road next week, when they take on the Tri-City Storm on Friday at 8:30 pm ET.
Tickets are on sale for all Phantoms home games at the Covelli Centre starting at the low price of $10.75 for single game tickets. The Phantoms also offer group ticket packages, and a special McDonald's Family and Friends deal, where you will receive four tickets, four hats, and four medium extra value meals for the low price of $39.99. 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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United States Hockey League Stories from December 6, 2014
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- Dillon Stops 42 as Storm Beat Depleted Saints 2-1 - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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- Tommy Marchin's Hat Trick Carries Lumberjacks to Weekend Sweep - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- Win Streak on the Line in Cedar Rapids - Bloomington Thunder
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