USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Can Punch Playoff Ticket with Road Win Over Ice, Team USA

Published on March 8, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - After exploding for 18 goals over three straight wins at the Covelli Centre, the Youngstown Phantoms look to remain red-hot when they hit the road this weekend for a pair of games. The Phantoms (29-14-5, second East) face off against the Indiana Ice Friday at Pepsi Coliseum then head north to wrap up their season series with Team USA Saturday at the Ice Cube.

The puck drops at 7:05 p.m. on Friday in Indianapolis and at 7:00 p.m. EST on Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich. The Phantoms can clinch their first ever Clark Cup Playoffs berth with a win, or a Muskegon regulation loss, this weekend, but looking ahead to the postseason is the last thing on Head Coach Anthony Noreen's mind.

"Honestly, I didn't even know that," Noreen said of the possibility punching the franchise's first ticket to the postseason. "It's not really weighing on our minds. It's a great step for our program and something we wanted to do this year, but our thoughts are in the moment - just taking it game-by-game no matter what's at stake."

That doesn't change the fact that much will be at stake Friday when the Phantoms take on the Ice (28-13-6, third East). The meeting comes less than 48 hours after the Phantoms trounced the Ice 6-3 in the Covelli Centre, vaulting past them into second place in the United States Hockey League's Eastern Conference standings. The game will be remembered for a raucous second period featuring a combined seven goals scored, four fights and 90 penalty minutes.

Noreen said that while the Wednesday night win was certainly a welcome one, he anticipates his team will see an especially hungry Indiana team because of it.

"I expect them to come out flying," he said. "I know [Ice Head Coach Kyle] Wallack and I know he's going to have his guys ready. They're going to come out loaded for bear on Friday night. It's up to our guys to make sure we not only match, but exceed our intensity level from Wednesday."

The Phantoms can earn a season split with a win over Team USA (20-20-4, sixth East) on Saturday, but it won't come easy. After winning their last three games against the Under-17 team, the Phantoms will face the Under-18 team for the first time this season. The U-18 team is made up of the top American-born players under the age of 18, many of whom will be selected in the early rounds of this summer's NHL Entry Draft.

The two teams did meet in the preseason, a 7-2 loss for the Phantoms, and Noreen admitted that "the score might have made it look closer than the game actually was". But the first-year head coach also said his team has grown immensely since the preseason, and he is eager for the challenge ahead.

"It's just like some of our other matchups this year. It gives us a measuring stick to see how far we've come since then," Noreen said. "Because I'm sure they've gotten better."

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com .

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United States Hockey League Stories from March 8, 2012


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