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Youngstown Phantoms

Pair's Return Boosts Phantoms Heading into the Weekend

November 17, 2011 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms have the chance to create some separation in the gridlocked United States Hockey League Eastern Conference standings with a pair of games this weekend. The Phantoms (8-5-0) travel to Bensenville, Ill., on Friday to take on the Chicago Steel before returning home Saturday to host the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. The puck drops Saturday in the Covelli Centre at 7:15 p.m. EST.

The Phantoms were buoyed by the return of a pair of their top players earlier this week, and it could not have come at a better time. Defenseman Chris Bradley and center Austin Cangelosi rejoined the team on Wednesday after missing the past five games while representing Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge in Langley, British Columbia.

"I think it was the most excitement we've had at practice in a long time," Head Coach Anthony Noreen said. "You could tell the other guys we definitely glad to have them back."

The Phantoms went 2-3-0 in their absence, including a pair of narrow one-goal defeats this weekend, which bookended an impressive 5-2 victory over defending Clark Cup champion Dubuque on Saturday. Despite the losses, the Phantoms are still firmly entrenched near the top of the USHL standings, trailing only Green Bay and Dubuque in the Eastern Conference.

But unfortunately Cedar Rapids (7-3-2) and Indiana also occupy that third place slot with them, providing the Phantoms with the chance to create a little breathing room if they can get the job done this weekend, starting with Chicago (5-9-0) on Friday.

It will be the Phantoms' second visit to the Edge Ice Arena this season, and they will be eager for a repeat performance this go-round. When the teams first met in Bensenville back on Oct. 7, the Phantoms dominated play in all three zones and came away with a 3-0 win. Cangelosi tallied a pair of goals and netminder Matthew O'Connor captured the USHL's Reebok Goaltender of the Week award for his 22-save shutout performance.

The Steel have been struggling as of late, losing five of their last six games, and goals have been hard to come by. Chicago recorded more than two goals on just one occasion over those six games, while being outscored 24-7 during that stretch. Meanwhile at the other end of the ice, goaltender Mathias Dahlstrom has faced a league-high 365 shots.

"[Dahlstrom] has been really good every time I've watched him on video," Noreen said. "He seems to do what a goalie is supposed to do and that's give his team a chance to win. He's made some big, timely saves for them and he doesn't give up many rebounds. It's going to be tough."

It gets no easier Saturday when the Phantoms host Cedar Rapids. The defending Anderson Cup champions have traditionally given the Phantoms fits. Earlier this season, however, the Phantoms took a big step toward reversing that trend, getting the franchise's first win over the RoughRiders in a thrilling overtime 4-3 game on Oct. 20. Right wing Alex Gacek scored the game-winner in the extra frame to send the Phantoms fans home happy.

But the Phantoms will not be the only ones boosted by the return of a key player this weekend. Earlier this week the RoughRiders welcomed back forward Riley Bourbonnais, who joined Bradley and Cangelosi on Team USA. The dynamic 18-year-old adds another element to a RoughRiders forward corps already flush with offensive weapons.

"They're a very balanced team scoring-wise," Noreen said. "It almost seems like they come in waves. There's really not a big drop off from their first line to their fourth line.

"Cedar Rapids is a team that you can be playing even with, but if you make a couple mistakes, they'll put three pucks in the back of the net in no time."

Events and Promotions

Saturday, Nov. 19: Star Wars Night and T-Shirt Giveaway: The Force will be strong in the Covelli Centre Saturday night as Darth Vader and all your favorite characters from a galaxy far, far away will be in attendance for the Phantoms' Star Wars Night. On top of that, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a free Phantoms T-Shirt sponsored by PMF Rentals and Eagle Wear. The doors open at 6:15 p.m. EST.

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com .

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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