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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Earn Share of Anderson Cup in Shootout Loss

April 8, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


Youngstown Phantoms
Youngstown Phantoms
(Youngstown Phantoms)

BENSENVILLE, IL- The Youngstown Phantoms (38-14-6) dropped a 5-4 shootout decision to the Chicago Steel on Wednesday morning. Forwards Matt Alvaro, Max Letunov, Ryan Lomberg, and Kiefer Sherwood scored the goals for the Phantoms, who clinch at least a share of the Anderson Cup, presented to the team with the best regular season record.

The Phantoms got off to a slow start, falling behind, 3-0, after the opening period, on goals from Chicago's Brendon Kearney, Tanner Laczynski, and Fredrik Olofsson.

The Phantoms wasted little time getting on the board in the second period, as just 2:16 in, forward Josh Nenadal took a shot that ricocheted off of Steel goaltender Lassi Yrjola right to Alvaro who slammed home the rebound, cutting the Phantoms' deficit to 3-1.

The Steel extended their lead back to three goals later in the period, when forward Mason Bergh scored on the power play, putting Chicago up, 4-1, after 40 minutes.

In the third period, the Phantoms' offense came to life. With Youngstown on the power play, forward Kyle Connor sent a pass through the slot to Letunov who blasted a one-timer past Yrjola, cutting the Steel lead in half at 4-2, 4:03 into the third.

Roughly 13 minutes later, the Phantoms pulled to within one when defenseman Connor McDonald launched a shot from the point that was tipped into the net by Lomberg, cutting the Phantoms' deficit to 4-3, 17:37 into the frame.

"We knew if we kept to our systems and stayed composed and confident, the chances would come," said Lomberg. "We all trusted each other and trusted the coaches and their game plan, and it ultimately paid off for us."

The Phantoms continued to get a plethora of quality scoring chances, and with just 5.8 seconds left and the goalie pulled, Sherwood took possession of the puck at the blue line and ripped a slapshot past Yrjola, tying the game, 4-4, forcing overtime.

"I thought we did a good job in the second and third period of trying to claw back at their lead," said Sherwood. "We just wanted to stick to our game and keep things simple, and we took that same mindset into overtime, as well."

After a scoreless overtime period, the two sides headed to the shootout, and in the skills competition, Chicago's Zach Osburn scored the lone goal, sending the Steel to the win.

"It wasn't the start or overall effort that we wanted, but i'm proud of the guys for their push at the end," said Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen. "That really says a lot about our group that they were able to battle back and put us in a position to earn a share of the Anderson Cup. Two goals in the last two minutes definitely isn't easy to do, especially against a talented team like that, but credit our guys for continuing to push, and that really says a lot about our character."

The Phantoms outshot the Steel, 45-41, while the power play converted on one of five opportunities. Despite the loss, the Phantoms earn one point in the standings, and clinch a share of the Anderson Cup.

"It's a testament to just how consistent we've been and how hard we have worked all year," said Lomberg. "That said, our goal is the Clark Cup. It's been the goal since day one, and we're excited to go out and try and accomplish that."

"While the Anderson Cup may not be the end goal for this team, it's still another piece of this team's legacy that will live on forever," said Noreen.

The Phantoms wrap up their short two-game road trip on Friday night in Ann Arbor against Team USA's Under-17 program. Faceoff is slated for 7:00pm.

The Phantoms are marching towards their first Clark Cup Championship in team history, and you are invited along for the ride. Tickets are on sale now for home games one, two, and three of the first round of the 2015 Clark Cup Playoffs. Home games one and two will be Friday and Saturday, April 17 th and 18 th, while home game number three (if necessary) will be Wednesday, April 22 nd. Prices remain unchanged from the regular season, and start at the low price of $10.75. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).

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