Only Lamont solves Massa as Force stop Phantoms again
January 9, 2010 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Fargo Force goaltender Ryan Massa joined the team midseason, but the first-year player has proven himself invaluable.
Only Andrew Lamont found a way to beat Massa, who improved to 10-1-0 as the Force stymied the Youngstown Phantoms 3-2 at the Covelli Centre Saturday night for their eighth-straight win. Lamont's first career two-goal game wasn't enough to prevent Fargo (22-9-1, 45 points) from sending Youngstown to a season-high five losses in a row.
The Force took control of a 1-1 game on a pair of second-period goals scored a mere five seconds apart by Garrett Allen (13:48) and John Stampohar (13:53) that pushed Fargo ahead 3-1. Allen's came on a follow-up chance from the right post, then Stampohar sprinted down the left side after the ensuing center-ice faceoff to stun the home crowd.
Lamont grabbed the momentum back for Youngstown with a timely tally, his second of the contest, with only 41 seconds left in the middle stanza. Gathering the puck in the neutral zone, Lamont gained the blue line down the right wing, then swung into the middle for an uncontested snap shot that found twine.
Matt Mahalak's 26 saves kept the Phantoms (13-16-2, 28 points) close at the end, including a spectacular stop on Colten St. Clair with less than six minutes to play in the third. Massa committed larceny himself early in the second, stoning Brett Gensler on the doorstep with the score tied 1-1. He and the Force held off Youngstown despite two late power plays for the home side.
Not long after the opening faceoff, Lamont rifled home his sixth of the season and second in his last four games. Getting a short pass from Jefferson Dahl below the right circle, the first-year USHLer found just enough space over Ryan Massa's glove hand, high to the short side. The goal came at 1:10 of the first, the earliest Phantoms red light all season.
But just like Friday night, Fargo earned the equalizer before the first frame was complete. Force leading scorer Matt Leitner threw a bullet wrister past Mahalak's blocker with the Force on a four-minute power play. Chase Grant and Colten St. Clair picked up assists on the sharp passing play that freed Leitner for the goal.
Join the Phantoms next Saturday for Kelly Pavlik's 13th Round Night and Thunderstick Giveaway. Youngstown's own boxing champ Kelly Pavlik will drop the puck on the Phantoms and Team USA's first matchup at Covelli this season; faceoff at 7:15 p.m. Then, meet Phantoms' players and staff at a special post-game party at Kelly Pavlik's 13th Round Bar & Grille in Struthers!
If you can't make it to the game, follow the Phantoms all season long via Youngstown's ESPN 1240 (www.wbbw.com) and the B2 Networks at www.b2tv.com.
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.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 9, 2010
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- U.S. Nat'l U18 Team Falls to U. of Wisconsin, 7-1 - U.S. National Team
- U.S. Nat'l U17 Team Drops 6-1 Decision to Green Bay - U.S. National Team
- Only Lamont solves Massa as Force stop Phantoms again - Youngstown Phantoms
- Two Hawks Picked As Stars - Waterloo Black Hawks
- Countdown To Puck Drop: Phantoms Vs. Fargo - Youngstown Phantoms
- USHL Names 2010 All-Star Rosters - Des Moines Buccaneers
- Five All-Stars For Indiana Ice - Indiana Ice
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