Phantom All-Stars Return from Top Prospects Tournament
January 21, 2009 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, OH (Wednesday, January 21st, 2009) - While most of their teammates enjoyed a weekend off, six Mahoning Valley Phantoms were in Ann Arbor, MI, playing for the North Division All-Star team at the NAHL's second-annual Top Prospects Tournament.
Team North went 1-2 at the three-day event, but Phantoms captain Johnny Meo, a first time Top Prospects selection, says the tournament wasn't just about wins and losses.
"It was a really cool experience," says the third-year forward. "Usually you're out there talking trash on the other guys in the North, but [at Top Prospects] we got to play with them and it was fun to get to know some of the best players in our division.
"On top of that, we got to play three games in front of a ton of scouts, and you can't beat that."
Meo finished third in scoring for the North Division team with one goal and two assists, one point behind fellow Phantom Nick Shkreli (0-4-4) and Motor City Machine forward Ryan Misiak (2-2-4).
Mahoning Valley forward Jordy Trottier finished the tournament with two assists.
In net, Phantoms goalie Jordan Tibbett played twice, including a relief role in the North's 5-2 loss to the South Division on Tuesday. Tibbett finished the event with 36 saves.
Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mainhardt-who also served as the head coach for Team North-says the tournament was a great success for both the Phantoms and the entire North Division.
"I thought our players represented the Phantoms organization very well," says Mainhardt. "It was an honor to coach the North Division team; just a really great group of guys. I have no doubt that the tournament opened a lot of doors for everyone on our division's roster."
The Phantoms return to action on Friday when they open a two-game series against the Motor City Machine. The contest is scheduled for a 7:15 PM puck drop.
The game will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW, and worldwide at MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 7:00 PM.
North American Hockey League Stories from January 21, 2009
- Avalanche announce 2009-10 tryout camps - Alaska Avalanche
- National Team Development Program Weekly Update - U.S. National Team
- Gerke joins Bobcats - Bismarck Bobcats
- Urban Cowboy Night with the Outlaws on Saturday - North Iowa Outlaws
- Phantom All-Stars Return from Top Prospects Tournament - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Outlaws Stand Out at Top Prospects - North Iowa Outlaws
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.
