USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Cut Down by Lumberjacks

Published on November 5, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


MUSKEGON, Mich. - The Youngstown Phantoms saw their two-game winning streak snapped Friday night, falling 4-1 to the Muskegon Lumberjacks. The Lumberjacks (4-5-0) jumped out to a three-goal lead in the first and added another in the second to stretch their own winning streak to three games.

The Phantoms (6-3-0) were without leading scorer Austin Cangelosi and defenseman Chris Bradley, who are playing with Team USA at the World Junior A Challenge, but nevertheless dominated play in the third period. Unfortunately, they were unable to make up the early deficit.

"There's no doubt we miss [Bradley and Cangelosi]. They're both a big part of what we do - not only on the ice, but off it," Head Coach Anthony Noreen said. "But we're not going to make excuses. If anything, it's a chance for guys to step up and kind of have the spotlight a little more. We just didn't do that tonight."

The Lumberjacks went up 1-0 when Jordan Masters stuffed a rebound past starting goaltender Sean Romeo for a power-play tally at the 5:15 mark in the first. Travis Belohrad notched Muskegon's second of the night with 9:53 left in the period when he knocked another rebound past Romeo. Just 15 seconds later, Matt DeBlouw put the 'Jacks up 3-0 off a defensive zone turnover. Matthew O'Connor came on in relief of Romeo after the third Lumberjacks goal.

"Pulling Sean wasn't because of his play. It was more to shake things up a bit and get a spark," Noreen said. "And to Matt's credit - coming off the bench cold - he did a tremendous job."

The Phantoms surrendered their second goal on the power play with 9:16 remaining in the second period. Defenseman Ryan Bollock beat O'Connor, who was screened, with a one-timer from the point and the Lumberjacks led 4-0 heading into the third.

Alex Gacek got the Phantoms on the board with 7:39 remaining in the third. Todd Koritzinsky came streaking down the right-wing side and dropped the puck for Jordan Young who hit Gacek in the slot and the Miami University commit sniped it, beating Muskegon goaltender Paul Berrafato on the glove-side.

"We know Gacek can do that and we expect it out of him," Noreen said. "He's a guy that can score goals and we need him to, so hopefully that can continue."

The Phantoms mounted several other impressive offensive rushes in the waning minutes, but were not able to convert and the Lumberjacks held on to come away with the win.

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United States Hockey League Stories from November 5, 2011


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