USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Countdown To Puck Drop: Phantoms Vs. Tri-City

Published on October 22, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


The Youngstown Phantoms return to the friendly atmosphere of the Covelli Centre for the first time in 20 days as they host a West Division club for the first time - Kearney, Nebraska's Tri-City Storm. These two teams squared off in the final game of September's USHL Fall Classic with the Phantoms prevailing 3-2 on a late Joe Zarbo goal against his former mates.

Following the conclusion of four consecutive road contests, the Phantoms (2-2-15 pts; T-4th in East) come back to northeast Ohio eager to atone for a 6-2 loss to Indiana in the home opener Oct. 3. Since then Youngstown has channeled that disappointment into much improved play, collecting at least one point in the standings in three of its last four games. An explosive offense has been the difference, led by second-year USHL forward Taylor Holstrom, who has eight points (3 goals, 5 assists).

The Storm (3-1-17 pts; 2nd in West) eschewed the 18-hour drive that separates Kearney from Youngstown in favor of a much-shorter flight, hoping the less grueling travel will translate into its first win of the season as the visitor. Key returners Anthony DeCenzo (team-leading 7 points) and Radoslav Illo (4 goals) have been as advertised, joining Jaden Schwartz (4 goals, 2 assists) to anchor Tri-City's attack. Carsen Chubak has played every minute of the young season in goal.

PHANTOM PHACTS

- In addition to Taylor Holstrom's outstanding early output, the story on offense has been the contributions of the Phantoms' first-year players. No fewer than seven USHL newbies scored their first league goals on the recent road trip - Stuart Higgins, Andrew Lamont, Scott Mayfield, Ryan Jasinsky, Adam Berkle, Nick Czinder and Jean-Laurence Beauchemin.

- Last Saturday's 5-3 loss at Des Moines marked the first time on the season that the Phantoms surrendered the opening goal of a game. Still, Youngstown was undaunted, scoring three times in the opening 3:49 of the second period to quickly rally for a 3-3 tie.

- When Gensler and Czinder tallied 29 seconds apart Saturday, it was the second time Youngstown had bunched a pair of goals in under a minute (Brian Dowd netted two in :30 at Lincoln last Friday). The lightning-quick strikes were also part of the Phantoms' fourth three-goal period of the campaign, accounting for 12 of their 21 total goals so far.

- While the Phantoms are averaging an impressive 4.2 goals per game, they are only 7th in the USHL in average shots on goal with 27.8. Youngstown is giving up 30.6 shots against per contest and has been outshot in every game but one - Oct. 10's 5-4 win at Des Moines.

STORM CHASING

- Attempting to bounce back from a league-low total of 11 wins last season, the Storm brought new head coach/general manager Drew Schoneck onboard in the summer. The Saskatchewan-native Schoneck was the man in charge for the Western Hockey League's Prince George Cougars the last two seasons.

- Schoneck imported two fellow sons of Saskatchewan to fill out his roster this season, and both figure to be major contributors. Forward Jaden Schwartz has committed to Colorado College and has gotten attention as a possible member of the Canadian entry at the upcoming World Junior Championships; goalie Carsen Chubak has a 2.77 goals-against average and a .903 save percentage.

- Tri-City probably has its prodgious shot total to thank for its hot start and the sixth-best offense in the USHL (3.8 goals per game). The Storm has fired 171 salvos against opposing netminders through five games, good for a 34.2 average.

- The Storm is celebrating its 10th year in central Nebraska. Prior to that, the franchise competed out of St. Paul, Minnesota as the Twin Cities Vulcans, winning two Gold Cup national junior titles and one USHL Clark Cup (1983-84). The Storm claimed the Anderson Cup for best regular-season record following the 2003-04 season.

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.

This week's guests will be Head Coach/GM Bob Mainhardt, goalie Matt Mahalak and Steve Halloran from House of Speed. Catch Phantoms Phever Tuesdays at 6 p.m. on Youngstown's ESPN Radio 1240 AM!

FOLLOW THE PHANTOMS ALL SEASON LONG

ESPN 1240 is also the exclusive radio home for the Youngstown Phantoms! Matt 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 October 22, 2009


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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