Phantoms Drop Road Game 5-3 to Team USA
Published on February 1, 2024 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
Plymouth, MI - The Youngstown Phantoms (20-11-4-1, 45pts) could not find the net in the final frame, leading to a 5-3 defeat at the hands of Team USA. The game Thursday night in Plymouth, Michigan featured a slow start from both teams, but six total goals in the second period.
The first period in Plymouth was a quick one. The U18s logged seven shots on goal while the Phantoms sent five at the net, but neither team dented the scoreboard in the opening stanza.
The first intermission did wonders for both teams. The U18s scored two quick, with Teddy Stiga converting a 2-on-0 at 1:53 and James Hagens cashing in on the power play at 4:50. Brandon Svoboda connected on a ripper from the slot at 5:13 to cut the deficit in half. The U18s responded back when Max Plante scored a shorthanded goal at 8:08 to extend the lead back to two. The Phantoms answered right back when Adam Pietila scored his team leading 17th goal after flashing beautiful stick work with a man advantage. Charlie Cerrato sent a laser past Nick Kempf at 14:19 for another Youngstown power play goal. The scoring outburst from both teams led to a 3-3 score at the end of the second period.
USA struck early in the third period to regain their lead. Stiga found his second goal of the night at 1:18, thanks to some nice forecheck work by his unit. The Phantoms ultimately could not close the deficit in the third period and only managed four shots in the final frame. The Phantoms pulled Colin Winn with 1:28 remaining leading to an empty net goal from Kamil Bednarik with 14.8 seconds left in regulation, making up the final margin.
Winn stopped 24 of the 28 shots sent his way on the night for Youngstown, but Nick Kempf came away with the win for the U18s tonight, stopping 19 of the Phantoms 22 shots.
The Phantoms return home tomorrow night to take on the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders for the first of a back-to-back at home. Puck drop is 7:05 at Covelli Centre.
By the Numbers
Shots - 22
Saves - 19
Power Play - 2/3
Penalty Kill - 2/3
Goals - Cerrato, Pietila, Svoboda
Assists - Botterill, Cerrato, Pitner (2)
Box Score - https://ushl.com/ht/#/game-summary/11102
United States Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2024
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