USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Empty Net Goal Denies Phantoms' Comeback, Fall 6-4

Published on January 29, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


Muskegon, Mich. - The Youngstown Phantoms (13-19-4,30pts) dropped their second game in a row to the Muskegon Lumberjacks (16-14-7,39pts) 6-4. Four Phantoms players recorded multi-point games in the losing effort.

Just like the night before, the Phantoms were able to strike first against the Lumberjacks. Phantoms defenseman Nilan Nagy moved his way into the Jacks' zone and put a wrist shot past Joel Vienneau on the blocker side right along the ice at the back post. The Phantoms extended their lead to two with just 5:57 minutes to play in the first period. Phantoms blueliner Chris Bradley took a slap shot from the point that was redirected into the net by Stephen Collins. A late penalty against Ben Paulides sent the Phantoms on the penalty kill and with :15 seconds left in the period, Ryan Misiak beat Greg Lewis to pull the Jacks within one heading into the intermission.

Just over a minute into the second period, the Lumberjacks drew even on a shorthanded goal by Casey Thrush. The Lumberjacks continued to gain momentum as Brendan Woods scored on a one timer off a feed from Thrush at 10:18. Toward the end of the second period, Phantoms forward Andrew Sinelli was issued a five minute major for charging. The Phantoms were able kill off 2:44 of that major but there was still 2:22 left to kill off at the start of the third period.

Just two minutes into the third period, Chris Lochner scored on the power play to give the Lumberjacks a 4-2 lead. The Jacks extended their lead to three less than five minutes later as Matt Berry scored Muskegon's third power play goal of the night. On the Phantoms' first power play of the third period, Ty Loney was able to cut the Lumberjacks lead to just two goals. Jiri Sekac and Bradley were credited with the assists on the goal. The Phantoms continued their comeback climb as Stu Higgins scored on the Phantoms next power play of the period. The Phantoms trailed the Lumberjacks by one goal with seven minutes to play in the game. The Phantoms pressured late but with Lewis on the bench, Lochner scored his second goal of the game with just :21 left in the contest. Again, the Phantoms outshot the Lumberjacks, 38-27, but three power play goals and one shorthanded goal by Muskegon was the difference tonight.

The Phantoms return home next weekend on Friday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m. against the Tri-City Storm. The Phantoms and Storm have only played once this season and that meeting came back on October 9 in Tri-City. Friday night will also be $1 beer and $1 hot dog night.

Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more people! Priority seating, video board and public address recognition and other specials are just some of the benefits! 10 Phantoms Ticket Vouchers are available for just $90! Buy 10 tickets and use them for any remaining home game this season! Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its ninth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2010-11. With over 200 players this season already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 15 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 29, 2011


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