USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Countdown To Puck Drop: Phantoms Vs. Sioux Falls

Published on January 28, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


Returning to northeast Ohio after a brief road trip, the Youngstown Phantoms are set to begin their third and final five-game homestand of the year, starting with a two-game weekend series against the West Division's Sioux Falls Stampede. On Nov. 20 in Sioux Falls, S.D., the Phantoms were handed their first shutout loss of the season, as Stampede G Clay Witt denied all 30 Youngstown shots.

With just one win in the month of January, the Phantoms (14-19-2, 30 points / 6th in East) get two cracks at the Stampede before the calendar turns. Goals by F Brett Gensler and reigning USHL Offensive Player of the Week Cody Strang put the Phantoms in position to win in Cedar Rapids last Saturday, but a last-minute RoughRiders goal dropped Youngstown to its sixth-straight road loss after starting 6-4-1 away from Covelli Centre.

The Stampede (19-8-8, 46 points / 3rd in West) have lingered near the top of the West for the entire season, boosted by a 10-1-4 start that featured nine consecutive games at Sioux Falls Arena. Following a Friday night 10-1 trainwreck loss in Cedar Rapids, the Stampede toughed out a 1-0 OT decision in Lincoln on D Dan Furlong's power-play goal with under a minute to play in sudden death. Witt earned his league-leading fourth shutout of the campaign, making 32 saves.

PHANTOM PHACTS

- Four Phantoms carry multiple-game point-scoring streaks into this weekend. F Jiri Sekac, F Ryan Jasinsky and Gensler have each inscribed their names on the shoresheet in three straight contests, starting with the 7-3 win over Team USA Jan. 18. F Jefferson Dahl's run extends twice as long, dating to the Jan. 8 tilt against Fargo; he has nine points (G, 8 A) in those six games for a total of 27, one fewer than F Taylor Holstrom for the team lead.

- After a strong start in tight contests, Youngstown has seen the ugly side of one-goal games in recent weeks. Since a 7-6 overtime win Nov. 14 over Chicago that improved the Phantoms to 5-1-1 in games decided by the slimmest of margins, the Purple and Orange have dropped seven of their last nine to even their one-goal record at 7-7-2.

- Tuesday's USHL All-Star Game turned out well for the East Division, as it defeated the West 5-4 in sudden death from Indianapolis' Pepsi Coliseum, but it also bore fruit for the Phantoms. F Tom Serratore scored the East's first goal of the game early on, and then Holstrom assisted on a tally by Indiana's Max Cook later in the opening frame. Serratore replaced injured Youngstown F Nick Czinder, who sat out both games last weekend, on the All-Star roster.

STAMPEDING IN THE SIOUX EMPIRE

- Although they lost their first eight games that were decided beyond regulation, the Stampede have gone 3-1 in overtime and shootouts during the past two weeks, including the 1-0 decision over Lincoln Saturday. After playing extra time in four of their last six, Sioux Falls continues to lead the USHL in total OT/SO games (11) and losses beyond regulation (8).

- Forwards Michael Voran and Matt Lindblad are Sioux Falls' primary offensive weapons. Team leading scorer Voran, a rookie from Livonia, Mich., is tied for seventh in the league with 41 points (16 G, 25 A), while Illinois' own Lindblad has outpaced his totals from his first USHL season, accumulating 11 goals and 36 points in 32 games played.

- Three different Sioux Falls players netted goals and Lindblad added a pair of assists as the Stampede ran over Youngstown by a 3-0 count in southeast South Dakota Nov. 20. F Matt Farris delivered the game winner late in the first period and F Matt Zarbo, brother of former Phantom Joe, added cushion for Sioux Falls in the middle stanza as Youngstown failed to score for the first time in 15 USHL games.

UPCOMING PHANTOMS GAMES (ALL TIMES EASTERN)

Friday at 7:15 p.m. vs. SIOUX FALLS - Hockey Across America Night / 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!

Sunday at 3 p.m. vs. SIOUX FALLS - Family Day / The Phantoms offer four tickets for just $20 for this special early start time. Meet SpongeBob SquarePants during the game, and then jump onto the Covelli Centre ice after the contest for a post-game skate with Phantoms players!

Wednesday, February 3 at 10 a.m. vs. INDIANA - Hockey for Health School Day

Friday, February 5 at 7:15 p.m. vs. WATERLOO - College/Military ID Night & Bargain Beer Night / Bring your college or military ID to Covelli Centre and receive a $4 ticket to the evening's game! Enjoy $1 brews all night long as the Phantoms host divisional rival Waterloo.

Saturday, February 6 at 7:15 p.m. vs. WATERLOO - Star Wars Night & Scout Night / Meet and take pictures with your favorite Star Wars characters, including Darth Vader and C-3PO!

CATCH PHANTOMS PHEVER!

Phantoms Phever, presented by House of Speed, 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 Phantoms 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.

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2010


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