USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Countdown To Puck Drop: Phantoms At Omaha

Published on March 18, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


With the final three weeks of the season at hand, the Youngstown Phantoms make their final journey to the West Division for a weekend series on the banks of the Missouri River. The two-game trip begins Friday in Omaha with the fourth and final showdown with the West-leading Lancers, who have gone 3-0 against the Phantoms - including a 6-1 win at the Omaha Civic Auditorium Feb. 14. Saturday night features the last Youngstown-Sioux City matchup of the season.

The Phantoms (17-33-3, 37 points / 7th in East) have played six consecutive games decided by two or fewer goals, collecting five out of a possible 12 points while going 2-3-1, their best stretch in weeks. Veteran forward Tom Serratore has led the way offensively during the Phantoms' recent competitive run, posting two goals and six assists in the midst of his verbal commitment to the University of Minnesota.

The Lancers (36-12-6, 78 points / 1st in West) are coming off an extended eight-game road swing that generated a 30-day gap between home games. Omaha went 6-0-2 on the trip and currently holds a 10-game unbeaten streak, but they only earned one point Wednesday in their return home, a 5-4 shootout loss to second-place Fargo. Ryan Daugherty's two goals weren't enough as the Force came back from 3-0 and 5-3 deficits to sweep the season series with Omaha.

PHANTOM PHACTS

- On the heels of an eight-game power-play drought, the Phantoms have ramped up their man advantage, converting in four of their last seven. Youngstown connected on its lone power play last Saturday, with Brett Gensler earning his team-best 16th goal of the season off an assist from Taylor Holstrom, the Phantoms third- and second-leading scorers, respectively. Gensler's 10 power-play points (3 G, 7 A) tie him for third on the club behind Jefferson Dahl and defenseman Dave Donnellan, who have earned 11 each.

- After having just one of their first 41 games decided by a shootout, the Phantoms have participated in three in their last 12, winning two. Paced by Jiri Sekac's perfect 3-for-3 performance, Youngstown has the second-best shootout scoring rate in the USHL - their.450 conversion percentage (9-for-20) ranks behind only Waterloo's.750. Goalies Jordan Tibbett and Matt Mahalak have each earned a shootout win on the season.

- The Phantoms and the Lancers squared off three times in a weeklong span (Feb. 14-20) with Omaha limiting Youngstown to just three total goals. Gensler has pocketed a goal and an assist thus far in the season series, and Dylan Margonari picked up his first USHL tally against the Lancers Feb. 19 at Covelli Centre.

NEBRASKA NEMESIS

- Omaha enters the weekend as probably the hottest team in the USHL, earning 17 out of a possible 20 points during its 7-0-3 streak. The Lancers' last loss was delivered by Chicago Feb. 13, 34 days ago. Omaha outscored opponents 17-3 in the first four games of its current run, but has been forced to a shootout in five of its last six, going 2-3. The Lancers have yet to have a game decided in four-on-four overtime, the only such team in the league.

- Matt White is still in contention for the USHL scoring title, as his 74 points (31 G, 43 A) place him second behind only Tri-City's Jaden Schwartz (78 points). (Chicago's Andrew Miller won the scoring race last season with 82.) White also has an outside chance of claiming the league goal-scoring crown; only Anders Lee of the Green Bay Gamblers (33) has lit the lamp more than White, who will skate for the University of Nebraska-Omaha after this season.

- Seth Ambroz has been a terror against the Phantoms this year, with six points (4 G, 2 A) in three contests. Tom Craig (3 G, A) and Dakota Eveland (2 G, 3 A) have also been consistent threats for the Lancers, who have received solid performances from goaltenders Jeff Teglia (2-0-0, 1.00 GAA,.961 SV%) and John Keeney (1-0-0, 1.00 GAA,.944 SV%) in the season series.

UPCOMING PHANTOMS GAMES (ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Friday, March 19 at 8:05 p.m. @ OMAHA

Saturday, March 20 at 8:00 p.m. @ SIOUX CITY

Friday, March 26 at 7:05 p.m. @ TEAM USA UNDER-17

Saturday, March 27 at 7:15 p.m. vs. TEAM USA UNDER-17 / Team Poster Giveaway - The first 2,500 fans through the Covelli Centre gates will receive a special edition team poster, presented by Comcast, Oswald Companies and Cerni Motors! Also, sign up for the Phantoms Kids Club that night and get a free ticket to the game, plus a Kids Club gift pack.

CATCH PHANTOMS PHEVER!

"Phantoms Phever" is an hour-long weekly talk show that brings you an inside look at your Youngstown Phantoms. Join Voice of the Phantoms Matt Gajtka at Jeremiah Bullfrog's Sports Bar & Grille on US Route 224 in Boardman as he chats with coaches, players and front office staff about northeast Ohio's most exciting team and the great sport of hockey. Catch the Phever Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on Youngstown's ESPN Radio 1240 AM and online at www.wbbw.com!

FOLLOW THE PHANTOMS ALL SEASON LONG

ESPN 1240 is also the exclusive radio home for the Youngstown Phantoms! Gajtka has the call from all 60 Phantoms regular season games as they roll through their first-ever campaign in the Tier I United States Hockey League. Hockey nuts outside the listening area can log onto www.wbbw.com to utilize the "Listen Live" feature! Fans may also purchase the Phantoms season pass at www.b2tv.com to watch and listen via the B2 Networks' multimedia game broadcasts.

Also, make "Youngstown Phantoms" your friend on Facebook and follow "ytownphantoms" on Twitter to stay plugged into the Phantoms 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 18, 2010


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