Graham Named To All-North Division Team
April 18, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, Texas - The North American Hockey League announced on Thursday evening that Mahoning Valley Phantoms veteran forward Derek Graham was named to the 2007-2008 All-North Division Team.
"To be recognized as a divisional award winner is an outstanding achievement," said NAHL commissioner Mark Frankenfeld. "The entire league congratulates all the recipients for a terrific season."
Graham led the Phantoms in scoring this year, tallying 30 goals and 41 assists in 57 games. His 71 points was tied for seventh among league scorers. When combined with the 58 points he scored last season, the 19-year-old is the all-time scoring leader in team history, and led the organization to its best two campaigns in its five year existence.
"Graham is a kid that came in last year without a whole lot of people knowing about him and had a great season for us. He came back this year highly touted and definitely delivered," says Phantoms head coach Bob Mainhardt. "He's the guy that gets a lot of attention from all of our opponents, and he is very much responsible for where we are at right now as a team - battling for a National Championship."
The Schoolcraft, Mich. native also leads the Phantoms in scoring so far in the NAHL playoffs. Graham has collected two goals and two assists in a three games to none sweep of the Alpena Ice Diggers in the first round.
Joining Graham on the All-North Division Team are forwards Erik Peterson (Alpena) and Ben Warda (St. Louis), defensemen Derek Grogan (Marquette) and Wes Love (St. Louis), and goaltender Cal Heeter (St. Louis).
The NAHL All-Rookie Team, Rookie of the Year, Academic Achievement Award, Community Service Award, Coach of the Year, General Manager of the Year, and Organization of the Year will be announced in the next week.
The All-NAHL Team, Goaltender of the Year, Defenseman of the Year, Forward of the Year and Most Valuable Player will be announced at the Robertson Cup Championship banquet on April 29.
Catch Graham and the Phantoms as they host the St. Louis Bandits at the Ice Zone in Boardman for Games 3, and 4, if necessary, of the North Division Finals, next Wednesday and Friday night. Join the Mahoning Valley Thunder cheerleaders, and Spatz from 93.3 - The Wolf - and enjoy dollar drafts from 5-7 p.m. before Wednesday's game.
All Phantoms hockey action can be seen live on the web at www.mvpphantoms.com. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.
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North American Hockey League Stories from April 18, 2008
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