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Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Turn to Moore for Weekend Set against Des Moines

January 17, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms take the ice this weekend against the Des Moines Buccaneers, but for the first time since mid-November Sean Romeo will not be starting between the pipes. The workhorse goaltender was handed an automatic two-game suspension after his second-period scrap with Lincoln's Michael Bitzer during Phantoms' 5-2 win over the Stars last Saturday.

Enter Jake Moore.

With a pair of relief appearances already under his belt, including a 14-save performance over the final 28 minutes in Lincoln, the Moore is set to make his first United States Hockey League start Friday night against the Buccaneers. Although the Arcade, N.Y., native has already tasted USHL action, starting a game is a different thing entirely.

"I think I got most of [the butterflies] out already," Moore said. "I'm looking forward to it."

Friday marks the official start of the second half of the 64-game season. The Phantoms (16-16-0, 32 points) closed out the first half on a three-game winning streak and enter the weekend trailing Cedar Rapids by a mere two points for the final Eastern Conference playoff spot - a far cry from the team's place in the standings the last time a someone not named Sean Romeo got the start in net.

Head coach Anthony Noreen has leaned on the Cary, N.C. native since Nov. 11, and the Phantoms went 11-6-0 during that 17-game stretch. Still, Noreen said he has no reservations with Moore set to take over in goal against Des Moines (18-18-1, 37 points).

"It's something that Jake's proven he's able to do and it's an opportunity he's earned since the beginning of the year," he said. "We're extremely confident with him going in."

Defenseman Dan Renouf shared the coach's sentiments about Moore. But the Pickering, Ont. native also said that if he and his teammates play to their potential, they hope to make it a very dull debut for the rookie netminder.

"Obviously we want to help him out," Renouf said. "Hopefully in his first game, he doesn't see more shots than he has to, but we all know he's going to play great."

Renouf has certainly done his part so far against the Bucs this season. The Phantoms are 2-1-0 in three previous meetings with Des Moines, and the Maine commit has racked up three goals - including a pair of game-winners - and two assists in those contests. However, the box scores, he said, have not told the whole story of the season series.

"It seems like the bounces have gone my way against [Des Moines], but the past few games we haven't come out strong," Renouf said. "We've had success against them even when we didn't play too well, but we really want to show them our best. If we bring our A-game, I think when can get four points this weekend."

For Moore, who surrendered four goals in a preseason loss to the Buccaneers, it's a chance to show just how far he, and his team, has come.

"They've gotten better since last time we played them, but we've gotten better too," he said. "I've been waiting for my opportunity. I'm ready to go."

Game Schedule

Friday, Jan. 18: Phantoms vs. Buccaneers at 7:15 p.m. EST - Sports Radio 1240/FASTHockey.com

Saturday, Jan. 19: Phantoms vs. Buccaneers at 7:15 p.m. - Sports Radio 1240/FASTHockey.com

Make sure arrive early Saturday night when the Phantoms take on the Buccaneers. Radio personality J-Dub will be spinning all the latest hits on the concourse from when the doors open at 6:15 p.m. until the puck drops an hour later. Stop by for a picture with J-Dub and the Phantoms Promo Team or to request your favorite tunes and get amped up to cheer on the Phantoms.

Phantoms Flex Packages are on sale now starting at the low price of just $75. Flex Packages include 10 undated ticket vouchers that can be redeemed at any game and in any increment throughout the rest of the season. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve a Phantoms Flex Package 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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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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