Phantoms' Piccinich Nets Offensive Player of the Week Accolades
October 7, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - JJ Piccinich continued the red-hot start to his sophomore season over the weekend, scoring three goals in a pair of road games in Iowa. The USHL took notice Monday, naming the Youngstown Phantoms forward its CCM Offensive Player.
This is the first time that Piccinich, who is currently ranked second in the USHL with six goals in as many games, has captured the league's weekly honor.
"This is a tremendous testament to our league and a tremendous testament to JJ and the time he's put into developing and becoming a better, more complete hockey player," head coach Anthony Noreen said. "We've always known the goal-scoring was there, but his overall game has really developed and I think that's why we're seeing the early scoring output."
Piccinich, 17, racked up three goals and added an assist as the Phantoms went winless over a short two-game road trip, dropping a 4-3 contest to the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders Friday and falling to the Waterloo Black Hawks 6-3 Saturday. The Paramus, N.J. native tallied a pair of goals Friday, including his league-leading fourth on the power play in the loss to the rival RoughRiders. The following night, Piccinich picked up the Phantoms' first tally Saturday and grabbed a helper on rookie Maxim Letunov's third goal of the season later in the game.
The 6-foot, 185-pound winger is currently tied with Letunov for second in the USHL in points with 6-3-9 through six games. A Boston University recruit, Piccinich put up 3-12-15 over 63 games last season as a 16-year-old in the league.
The Phantoms return to action this Friday when the host the Chicago Steel at the Covelli Centre. Puck drops at 7:05 p.m. EST and tickets are still available, including special $5 tickets for Youngstown State University students. Call the Phantoms Office at 330.747.PUCK [7825] for more information.
Season tickets for the 2013-14 season are on sale now starting at the low price of just $8 a game. Benefits include invitations to exclusive season ticket holder events, discounts at the Phantoms Team Shop and much more. 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 October 7, 2013
- Lancers Off To Record-Setting Start In 2013-14 - Omaha Lancers
- Johansson Named USHL Goaltender of the Week - Tri-City Storm
- Phantoms' Piccinich Nets Offensive Player of the Week Accolades - Youngstown Phantoms
- Friedman Is Top Defenseman - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Piccinich, Friedman, and Johansson Earn USHL Weekly Honors - USHL
- Ice Fieldhouse Home Opener this Saturday - Indiana Ice
- Defense, Goaltending Shine for Buccaneers - Des Moines Buccaneers
- USAH out in Front on Safety - U.S. National Team
- Waterloo Black Hawks Name Players of the Week - Waterloo Black Hawks
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