Phantom Offense Explodes for 12-0 Win Over Team USA

September 30, 2023 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release

YOUNGSTOWN, OH - The Youngstown Phantoms (1-2-0-0, 2pts) were angry about their performance at the USHL Fall Classic in Cranberry last week. After being outscored 7-2 over the course of those two games, Youngstown vented their frustration on Team USA's U17 squad, tying the club record for most goals scored in a game along the way to a 12-0 whitewashing Saturday night at the Covelli Centre.

"The energy that our guys had throughout the game was awesome," said Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward. "We defended hard. I thought Owen (Bartoszkiewicz) played hard in net. It was nice to see some guys feel comfortable and get on the scoresheet."

A three-goal first period staked Youngstown to an early lead. Zach Morin put the Phantoms ahead just 3:36 into regulation, burying a feed from Brandon Svoboda for Morin's first goal in the USHL. It remained 1-0 until Mikey Burchill and Ryan Botterill scored goals 1:09 apart at 14:16 and 15:29 respectively. It was Burchill's first as a Phantoms and Botterill's first in the USHL. Bartoszkiewicz was tested the most in the first period, making 11 of his 25 saves in the opening stanza en route to recording his second career shutout.

The floodgates opened for the Phantoms in the second period, as they put six pucks behind USA goaltenders. Hunter Ramos tapped home a beautiful cross-ice pass from Sam Ranallo at 3:55 for the first goal in his USHL career. Botterill tallied his second of the night at 8:29. Burchill potted the lone special-teams tally of the evening when his power play wrister from the inside of the right circle found its way behind Harrison Boettiger (17 saves) at 11:50, ending the USA starter's night after facing 23 shots in 31:50 of game time. Joey Slavick (12 saves) came on in relief, but the Phantoms greeted him rudely, as the second shot he faced was redirected behind him by Sam Ranallo, his first goal in the USHL. Not to be out done, Tory Pitner got a seeing-eye wrister from center point through traffic and into the twine 34 seconds later for his first goal in the USHL. Miles Gunty capped off the scoring for the middle frame at 17:05.

Youngstown's offense wasn't done though, as they put three more behind Slavick in the third. Adam Pietila was responsible for all three, recording the first Youngstown hat trick since William Whitelaw's three-goal performance on January 28 against Chicago. Pietila redirected home the point shot of Sascha Boumedienne at 8:44. Pietila took advantage of a friendly bounce at 9:41 for his second goal when his shot was blocked, but it popped into the air and went over Slavick's head into the net. Pietila completed the hat trick with another redirect, this one off a Botterill shot at 18:22.

The Phantoms began the night raising the championship banner celebrating last season's Clark Cup title. Fans in-house were treated to a special video presentation as well before the ceremony. "It was a first-class presentation that our organization put on," said Ward. "Last year was a special year, and to be able to pay homage to the group that was here was great. I thought it was outstanding to be able to relive that one more time."

Youngstown continues their three-game homestand next weekend with a Friday game against the Chicago Steel before a Saturday matchup with the Des Moines Buccaneers.

By the Numbers

Shots - 41

Saves - 25

Power Play - 1/6

Penalty Kill - 6/6

Goals - Botterill (2), Burchill (2), Gunty, Morin, Pietila (3), Pitner, Ramos, Ranallo

Assists - Botterill, Boumedienne (3), Burchill, Cerrato (2), Machu (2), Morin, Randllo, Pitner (2), Smith, Strathmann, Svoboda (2), Willson, Young

Youngstown Phantoms celebrate win (Anthony Moreton)

United States Hockey League Stories from September 30, 2023

• Phantom Offense Explodes for 12-0 Win Over Team USA - Youngstown Phantoms
• Lancers Fall in Fargo - Omaha Lancers
• The Aftermath: Storm Comeback Falls Short in Loss - Tri-City Storm
• Stampede Sinks Buccaneers in Overtime - Sioux Falls Stampede
• Storm Set to Host Musketeers at Viaero Center - Tri-City Storm
• Friday Rewind: Hat Tricks and a Shootout Highlight USHL Action - USHL
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