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Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Fall to Steel in Shootout

December 11, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - The Youngstown Phantoms fell to the Chicago Steel in a shootout Thursday evening at the Fox Valley Ice Arena by a final score of 5-4. It was Youngstown's first shootout of the season.

"You always want to get that extra point, but I thought we weren't very good in overtime. It felt like they had the puck the entire seven minutes. Our style didn't shine through, and I think that is the reason they got the extra point," said Phantoms Head Coach John Wroblewski.

The Phantoms stuck first, when Cam Morrison scored his team leading 13th goal of the season behind a great effort from Alex Esposito. Esposito found Morrison right on the doorstep after forcing a turnover behind the Chicago net.

Chicago would respond, scoring just over a minute later to tie the game, then again at the end of the first period to take a 2-1 lead into the first intermission.

Youngstown came out strong in the second period, and scored twice in 23 seconds to regain the lead. Vas Kolias scored for the second straight game, followed seconds later by a Garrett Hall tally off an excellent pass from Sean Petrie.

The lead changes would continue, however, as the Steel scored a quick pair of goals to once again take a one goal lead into the dressing room.

The Phantoms carried play most of the third period, and were finally rewarded when Yushiro Hirano tied the game with less than five minutes left in regulation. Hirano's goal came off a set play on an offensive zone faceoff ran by Cam Morrison and Connor Moore.

"That wasn't exactly the way we drew it up, but it still worked out. Luckily Moore and Morrison were quick on the puck and able to find Yushiro, because he was wide open," said Youngstown Assistant Coach Brad Patterson.

The Steel and the Phantoms would head to overtime, but an additional seven minutes still wasn't enough to separate the two teams. Alex Esposito shot first and beat Chicago goaltender John Lethemon short side to give Youngstown a 1-0 advantage. However, it was all Steel after that, as Mitch Lewandowski and Johnny Walker beat Phantoms netminder Colin DeAugustine. Matt Alvaro and Yushiro Hirano both failed to score for Youngstown, giving Chicago a 2-1 advantage in the shootout.

Youngstown will be back in action again Friday and Saturday night in Sioux City, Iowa, against the Musketeers. Puck drop is set for 7p.m. Central Time.

For all the latest news, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms). A full version of the Phantoms 2015-16 season schedule, as well as season tickets and mini-plan packages, is available now by visiting www.YoungstownPhantoms.com. Ticket packages can also be purchased by calling (330) 747-PUCK.

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 11, 2015


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