USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Boehm's Last-Minute Goal Edges Youngstown

Published on January 23, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - David Boehm's rebound goal with 54 seconds to play in the third period provided the winning margin, as the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders struck the final blow Saturday night at the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena, prevailing 3-2 over the Youngstown Phantoms.

With the Phantoms pinned in their own zone as the clock ticked under a minute, Bryce Aneloski's heavy slapshot from the right point slammed off the right pad of Youngstown goalie Matt Mahalak and toward the left circle, where Boehm found himself alone for the clincher.

Mahalak made a career-high 44 saves for the Phantoms, who will return to Youngstown to begin a five-game homestand Friday night against Sioux Falls. Cody Strang, with his fourth goal in three games this week, and Brett Gensler tallied goals for the visitors, who fell for the sixth-straight time away from Covelli Centre.

The two teams entered the third tied 1-1, but Cedar Rapids' Eric Robinson nailed his second goal of the season series with Youngstown to give the home side its first lead at 5:12 of the final stanza. Robinson was assisted by blueliner Steven Hensley's feed from the right boards.

The RoughRiders had a chance to extend their lead moments later when they were awarded power play, but the Phantoms, who killed all nine Cedar Rapids man-advantages on the evening, extinguished it and promptly went back to work offensively.

Their persistent efforts paid off with 9:30 left, when Gensler struck from the doorstep. Jiri Sekac's backhand pass found Taylor Holstrom open in front, but Cedar Rapids netminder Cody Campbell made the save, kicking the puck to Gensler. The former RoughRider punched in his 12th of the campaign to draw the contest even once more, setting up the late dramatics.

The story of the first period was the perfect play of both goaltenders. Mahalak, getting his third start in the Phantoms' last five games, denied all 12 Cedar Rapids shots gunned his way, including more than a couple quality scoring chances. Campbell, whom Youngtown defeated Oct. 30 when he was a member of the Fargo Force, matched his counterpart by keeping the game scoreless despite a late offensive push by the visitors.

The momentum accrued by the Phantoms at the end of the first stanza carried over into the second, with Strang finally finding a way to beat Campbell at 3:17. Jefferson Dahl's centering pass deflected off Ryan Jasinsky and into the right corner, where Strang hopped to it and whistled a bad-angle shot off the body of Campbell and into the twine at even strength.

Youngstown soon was faced with a Cedar Rapids two-man advantage, but the Phantoms negated the 51-second five-on-three to stay on top heading into the latter half of the period. However, the RoughRiders forged a 1-1 tie after Cason Hohmann converted a second-change opportunity from the left edge of the crease with 5:11 to go before the second intermission.

Youngstown returns to Covelli Centre this Friday to begin a five-game homstand against the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:15 p.m. Celebrate the great sport of hockey with Tyler Kennedy of the Pittsburgh Penguins, who will be appearing from 5-7 p.m. Anyone wearing hockey apparel can buy a half-priced ticket to meet the Stanley Cup champion forward, then enjoy the Phantoms' showdown with Sioux Falls!

Follow the Phantoms all season long via Youngstown's ESPN 1240 (www.wbbw.com) and the B2 Networks at www.b2tv.com.

The Youngstown Phantoms are a Member Club of the United States Hockey League (USHL), America's only Tier I hockey league and premier developer of National Hockey League talent with more than 100 alumni on current NHL rosters.

Visit www.youngstownphantoms.com or call the Front Office at 330.747.PUCK(7825) for more information on the Phantoms organization. The Youngstown Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company (Phantom Fireworks), located in Youngstown, Ohio.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 23, 2010


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