
Phantoms entertain Traverse City
Published on November 15, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms look to extend their team record seven-game winning streak this weekend when they host the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars at the Ice Zone on Nov. 17-18. Both games will start at 7 p.m.
The Phantoms, 13-7-1 for 27 points, are just two points behind the first-place Alpena (Mich.) Ice Diggers in the North American Hockey League's North Division. Teams receive two points for a win and one point for an overtime/shootout loss.
Traverse City, 7-11-3 for 17 points, is tied for fourth place with the U.S. National Team. The North Stars are winless in their last nine contests (0-7-2). Their last victory was on Oct. 14 at home against the Phantoms, winning 3-2 in an overtime shootout.
"They (Traverse City) made some roster changes just before we faced them two weeks ago. I'm sure they'll be more prepared for us this weekend," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt.
The Phantoms swept Traverse City by scores of 7-2 and 3-2 on Nov. 3-4. "As long as we're on the same page, good things will happen. We still have a lot to accomplish," Mainhardt said.
Friday will be Sharon Speedway Night. The first 500 fans will receive an 8 inch by 10 inch photo of NASCAR driver and Hartford native Dave Blaney. In addition, Blaney's sprint car will be on display at the Ice Zone and fans can win autographed Dave Blaney merchandise.
Saturday, the Phantoms will celebrate National Adoption Day with Northeast Ohio Adoption Services. Waiting children and adoptive families will be included in the game night activities.
Goaltender Ryan Zapolski comes off his second North Division Player of the Week award in the last three weeks. Zapolski ranks second among NAHL goaltenders in wins (12), tied for second in shutouts (two) and eighth in goals against average (2.95).
Teammate and center Nathan Longpre won the award two weeks ago. During the Phantoms current winning streak, he has recorded 14 points on six goals and eight assists.
Longpre has also registered an assist in all seven games, tying the league high this season and a Phantoms' team record shared with Anthony Canzoneri. Canzoneri is now a sophomore center playing at Bentley College in Waltham, Mass.
During their seven-game run, the Phantoms have outscored opponents 37-13. "We're working harder in practice and it's paying off for us," defenseman Trent Bonnett said.
Last season, the Phantoms started 12-0-2 at home. This fall, they are off to a 5-0 start and would like to top last year's mark.
Zapolski said, "Last season, we got off to such a good start at home that we took offense to anyone who thought they could beat us in our building. It's no different this season. Banks (Captain Chris Fairbanks) has been preaching the message and he's doing a good job."
The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company- Phantom Fireworks, which is headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 15, 2006
- U.S. National Under-17 Team Returns to NAHL Action - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms entertain Traverse City - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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