USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Gensler Shows Early Knack For Clutch Play

Published on October 15, 2009 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (October 15, 2009) - It happened at the preseason Fall Classic, but Brett Gensler may have already delivered the Youngstown Phantoms' goal of the year.

With already one shorthanded goal in his back pocket against the Omaha Lancers Sept. 24 in Youngstown's Classic opener, the second-year USHL forward broke into the offensive zone while the Phantoms tried to kill off a 5-on-4 Omaha power play.

Upon confronting Lancers defenseman Joe Lavin, Gensler turned his unwary victim inside-out, smoothly moving the puck through Lavin's legs twice before gaining a step and stunningly walking in alone on goalie Jeff Teglia.

"I waited until I saw know just how hard you have to work to win."

Sweat equity does not appear to be an issue for the fleet-footed Gensler, who brings more than his share of energy to the rink for both practices and games.

"I like to use my speed to hopefully help create some good things out there," he said. "You know, just get in there and forecheck hard, hit some guys and get to the loose pucks."

It was his tenacious nature that allowed him to gain a foothold with Cedar Rapids and ultimately get selected by the Phantoms in May's USHL Expansion Draft. His rise from role player with the RoughRiders to what Head Coach/General Manager Bob Mainhardt calls "a slick forward who can be trusted in all situations" is an experience Gensler hopes he can relate to his less-seasoned teammates.

"Just like our guys are learning right now, you start off on the third or fourth line and you've got to work your way up," he said. "Just battle every day, and once you get your chance, you've got to work even harder to stay there."

Much like Gensler's favorite St. Louis Blues, who rallied to make the NHL playoffs last season and now face the challenge of continuing to improve in the always-perilous Central Division, the Phantoms must press forward in order to build upon their promising 2-0 start on the road."We're getting in the groove here and guys are bonding well," said Gensler. "It's been a good experience and we just have to keep learning and working."

Sounds like good advice, even if he might have to work for a long time to top his spectacular effort at the Fall Classic.

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 October 15, 2009


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