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Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Battle to 3-2 Win over NTDP

October 28, 2016 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH - Powered by a three-goal second period, the Youngstown Phantoms (6-4-0, 12 points) came from behind twice to defeat the USNTDP U18 squad 3-2 Friday night at the Covelli Centre.

"I like the way we got better each period," said Phantoms head coach Brad Patterson. "I didn't think we had a terrific start, probably the first ten minutes, after that I felt we gradually got better."

During that first ten minutes is when the NTDP jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Tyler Inamoto fired home a rebound from the high slot at 2:32 of the first period. "I think that first goal against was the direct result of not being hard on a puck," said Patterson. "Progressively we got better and the results changed during the game."

Alex Esposito tied the game with a power play goal at 2:39 of the second period. Esposito took a cross ice pass from Brandon Estes and waited for NTDP netminder Dylan St. Cyr (29 saves) to go down before firing the puck home. The goal was Esposito's eighth of the year, which leads the USHL.

Team USA would retake the lead when Sean Dhooghe tapped home an easy goal off a beautiful pass by Phil Kemp at 4:38, but the lead would not last long as Evan Wisocky tied the game again at 8:27. Wisocky pounced on Austin Pooley's rebound and poked it past St. Cyr for his third goal of the season. "It's hard areas that are going to win games and I thought the guys did a great job of that tonight," said Patterson.

The goal from a hard area that won the game came off the stick of Nicolas Werbik at 12:47. Werbik took a pass from Brett Murray and quickly shuffled one through the five hole of St. Cyr to give the Phantoms a 3-2 lead.

Youngstown goalie Ivan Kulbakov was able to make that lead stand up, stopping the last 10 shots he saw and making 20 saves on the night. "I'm at a loss for words really," Patterson said of his netminder. "He gives us the confidence to be able to push forward."

Youngstown will push forward Sunday afternoon against the undefeated Chicago Steel. Puck drop is scheduled for 5:00 pm. The game can be viewed on HockeyTV or listened to on YPHR.

By the Numbers

Shots - 32

Saves - 20

Power Play - 1/6

Penalty Kill -2/2

Goals - A. Esposito (8), Wisocky (3), Werbik (3)

Assists - Estes (2), Joseph, Murray, Pooley

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 2016-17 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.

To express interest in becoming a Phantoms corporate partner, e-mail info@youngstownphantoms.com, or visit http://www.youngstownphantoms.com/sponsors/ for more information.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its 15th season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2015-16. 30 players were chosen in the 2016 NHL Draft and more than 402 players on team rosters this season committed to NCAA Division I schools, further establishing the USHL as the world's foremost producer of junior hockey talent.

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United States Hockey League Stories from October 28, 2016


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