Phantoms Drop 2-1 Decision to Sioux City

September 19, 2024 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release

CRANBERRY TWP., PA - Despite plenty of opportunities throughout the game, the Youngstown Phantoms (1-1-0-0, 2pts) fell to the Sioux City Musketeers 2-1 Thursday afternoon at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex.

"I loved our first period," said Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward. "Our third period, I thought our pressure was great. It's one of those early season games that can get a little sloppy at times. Overall, happy with our effort this weekend, lots to build on."

After a scoreless first, a slew of penalties in the middle of the second helped get Sioux City on the board. The Musketeers' Justin Stupka cashed in after a few whacks at a loose puck near the right post, just getting in behind Owen Lepak (18 saves). The Stupka goal was part of a sequence where the Phantoms were on the penalty kill for 7:25 straight. Just as the Phantoms got to their first man advantage of the game, a bad bounce sprung Tate Pritchard on a breakaway, and he snapped a wrister from the hashmarks past Lepak at 18:32 to double the Sioux City lead.

Youngstown got on the board just after the halfway point of the third. Jakub Hes, playing in his USHL debut, slipped a backhander through the five-hole of Samuel Urban (23 saves) at 11:03, trimming the Musketeers' lead to 2-1. Youngstown pushed hard for a tying goal, but the Phantoms could not find a tying marker, dropping their first contest of the season.

The Phantoms will take to the road for a four-game swing through Madison, Chicago, and Cedar Rapids before returning to Covelli for their home opener on October 18 against the Lincoln Stars.

By The Numbers

Shots - 24

Saves - 18

Power Play - 0/3

Penalty Kill - 4/5

Goals - Hes

Assists - Rucinski, Young

• Discuss this story on the United States Hockey League message board...

United States Hockey League Stories from September 19, 2024

• Saints Come back to Earn Shootout Win - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Phantoms Drop 2-1 Decision to Sioux City - Youngstown Phantoms
• Power Play Propels Madison to 7-3 Victory over Omaha - Madison Capitols
• Lancers Fall in Season Opener - Omaha Lancers
• Fighting Five: Saints Wrap up Fall Classic against Tri-City - Dubuque Fighting Saints
• Voronin's Overtime Winner Lifts Phantoms to Game One Victory - Youngstown Phantoms

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Youngstown Phantoms Stories

• Phantoms Earn Weekend Sweep with 5-3 Win
• Phantoms Thump Fargo 6-1
• Madison Blanks Phantoms 1-0
• Phantoms Down Madison 4-1
• Phantoms Dominate in 5-2 Win over Madison