USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Denied in Shootout, Pick Up a Point

Published on January 28, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms (13-18-4,30pts) fell in a shootout 4-3 against the Muskegon Lumberjacks (15-14-7,37pts). A goal with 34 second left in the third period sent the Phantoms into overtime but it was not enough as the Phantoms could only pick up one point.

The Phantoms got on the board first during their first power play of the evening. Adam Berkle found the back of the net just 2:28 into the game as he beat Muskegon netminder Joel Vienneau over his blocker shoulder for the 1-0 lead. The power play goal was Berkle's fifth of the season and Ty Loney and Cody Strang were credited with the assists on the play. Unfortunately for the Phantoms they had to kill off 23 second of carry over penalty time going into the second period.

The Phantoms killed off their carry over penalty but the Lumberjacks were able to score just 38 seconds into the second period after Matt Berry tipped in a Mark Yanis slap shot to tie the game up at one. In that second period the Phantoms peppered Vienneau with 13 shots but they could not find the back of the net in the second period. Both teams went into the intermission tied at one.

"I feel like we out chanced them," said head coach Curtis Carr. "We had our opportunities and on some of them we just could not get the puck to bounce our way."

The Lumberjacks started the third period like they did in the second period as they scored a goal just two minutes into the period. Isaac Kohls beat Greg Lewis on a one timed shot after the puck was put out in front from behind the Youngstown net. The Phantoms would answer with 10:40 left in the period on a shorthanded goal. Mike Ambrosia made a pass into the slot and Andrew Sinelli buried the opportunity past the stick side of Vienneau to tie the game at two. Three minutes later, Mike Conderman beat Lewis over the right shoulder to give Muskegon the 3-2 lead. With 34 seconds left in the period, Jiri Sekac put a shot toward the Muskegon goal, and as Vienneau kicked it aside Scott Mayfield was there to direct the puck back toward the net. As the puck slide past Vienneau, Ty Loney was there to bring the Phantoms back even at three. Loney's goal was his 13 of the year and Sekac was credited with the assist on the play.

"We just kept battling," said Loney. "Jiri put it toward the net and Scotty was there to keep the pressure on them. I found the puck in the crease and I was able to put it home."

The Phantoms and Lumberjacks would go to the overtime frame but neither team could score the game winning goal. The Phantoms were headed to their third (1-1) shootout of the season while the Lumberjacks were going to their eleventh (6-4). In the shootout both goaltenders denied the first shooters but three consecutive goals by the Jacks handed the Phantoms the 4-3 loss.

"I thought we played really well tonight," said Carr. "There is not much that needs to be changed going into tomorrow. We need to keep throwing pucks at the net and generating our chances. If we play like we did tonight and get a few bounces, we can get the win."

The Phantoms return home next weekend on Friday, February 4, at 7:30 p.m. against the Tri-City Storm. The Phantoms and Storm have only played once this season and that meeting came back on October 9 in Tri-City. Friday night will also be $1 beer and $1 hot dog night.

Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more people! Priority seating, video board and public address recognition and other specials are just some of the benefits! 10 Phantoms Ticket Vouchers are available for just $90! Buy 10 tickets and use them for any remaining home game this season! 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.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its ninth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2010-11. With over 200 players this season already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 15 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.

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United States Hockey League Stories from January 28, 2011


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