Phantoms blank Alpena
Published on November 4, 2005 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
Alpena, Michigan - Ryan Zapolski made 38 saves and the Mahoning Valley Phantoms played sound defense en route to a 3-0 win over the Alpena Ice Diggers in North American Hockey League (NAHL) action.
"This is a reward for Ryan. Both he and Bryce (Merriam) have worked hard this season. I hope Bryce can come in on Saturday and do the same," said Phantoms Head Coach Bob Mainhardt.
The Phantoms, like they did in Thursday's 5-4 overtime loss to the U.S. National Under-17 Team, got on the scoreboard first with a power play goal. Dennis Urban fanned on his initial shot, then recovered and blistered a wrist shot from the left wing faceoff circle past Alpena goaltender Johnny Morrow for a 1-0 lead at 12:09 of the opening period.
In the second period, the Phantoms, 8-6-1, used some forechecking deep in the Alpena zone to extend their lead. Chris Fairbanks intercepted the Ice Diggers breakout pass in front of the left wing goal line. He quickly found Brent Dexter charging in and fed him the puck through the slot for a one-timer past Morrow for a 2-0 advantage. Alpena had little time to adjust before Mahoning Valley struck again, just 26 seconds later.
Off another turnover at the Alpena blue line, Drew Fortney found Drew Satterley alone in front, as Satterley redirected the puck between the legs of Morrow for a 3-0 lead with 9:35 left in the period. Later in the period, Zapolski made his biggest save, stopping Drew Pierson on a breakaway to preserve the shutout.
The Ice Diggers, 4-11-2, had three power play opportunities in the third period, but failed to convert one. Overall, the Phantoms killed each of Alpena's eight power play chances for the game, while going one for five on their own man advantages.
"We gave Ryan a chance to make saves. The defense boxed out well and kept most of their shots on the perimeter," added Mainhardt.
The Phantoms and the Ice Diggers conclude their weekend series Saturday night; faceoff is at 7:00pm.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 4, 2005
- Phantoms blank Alpena - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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