Phantoms' Clifford Named Player of the Week
October 20, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, TX (Monday, October 20th, 2008) - After his three goal performance in Alpena this past weekend, Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Doug Clifford has been named Sherwood NAHL North Division Player of the week for the week of October 13-19.
Clifford's biggest tally of the weekend came in the overtime period of Friday night's game, where he struck at the 2:32 mark for the game-winning goal. He also notched two power play markers against the IceDiggers, accounting for two-thirds of the Phantoms' output with the man advantage in the series.
Clifford was quick to distribute the credit for the award.
"As a rookie on such a great team, it's obviously a big honor to be named Player of the Week," said the 18-year old native of Woodhaven, MI, "but it was just as much hard work by my teammates that put me in the position to win it. Brandon Saad, John Houston and Cole Schneider all played huge parts on each of those goals."
Clifford has played in seven of the Phantoms' eight games so far this season and has worked his way into an expanded role on both the power play and penalty killing units. The rookie center entered the weekend with no goals on the season, but his effort in Alpena tied him for third on the team with three goals. He is also tied for eighth place in points with five (3-2-5).
Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mainhardt said that Clifford's efforts in Alpena are just the beginning for the gritty forward.
"Doug has worked very hard so far this season," says Mainhardt, "and it is nice to see him recognized by the league for last week's effort. He will continue to elevate his game this season and is sure to turn some heads."
Clifford was not the only Phantom honored by the league as goaltender Jordan Tibbett was named Honorable Mention for the GDI / NAHL Goalie of the Week award for the second time in three weeks after his 33 save effort in Friday night's win. Tibbett has already won the Goalie of the Week award once this season.
The Phantoms return to the Valley on Friday night as they host Team U.S.A. Under-17 at the Ice Zone in Boardman for a two-game set. Puck drop for both games will be at 7:15 P.M.
Season tickets and individual game tickets are now on sale, call (330) 965-7500 or visit MVPPhantoms.com for more information.
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North American Hockey League Stories from October 20, 2008
- Alaska relishes comforts of home - NAHL
- Brodhag Named NAHL Central Division POW - North Iowa Outlaws
- Phantoms' Clifford Named Player of the Week - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Outlaws Move into First Place Tie; On Seven-Game Unbeaten Streak - North Iowa Outlaws
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