Phantoms Expect Full House for Tuesday Morning Tilt
Published on February 23, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH (Monday, February 23rd, 2009) - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are looking forward to a packed arena on Tuesday when they host the US National Team for a rare 10:00 AM North Division matchup at the Chevrolet Centre.
Over 5,000 seats are already sold for the Phantoms' "Hockey for Health" game on Tuesday. The contest is the headlining event of the Phantoms' Hockey for Health program, which brings Mahoning Valley players and coaches to area schools to teach students the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle.
Only a few hundred seats remain for the game.
In eight previous matchups-six of which were in Ann Arbor, MI-the Phantoms are 4-4-0 against the Nationals.
In Team USA's only prior trip to the Chevrolet Centre, Jordan Tibbett turned away all 30 shots the Nationals sent his way as the Phantoms whitewashed Team USA 3-0. Doug Clifford, Nick Shkreli and Cole Schneider all scored in the contest for Mahoning Valley.
The two teams also split a two-game series at the Ice Zone in Boardman in October, with the National Team winning 4-2 before the Phantoms earned the chop with a 3-2 victory the following night.
Jordy Trottier and Doug Clifford have had the most success for Mahoning Valley against Team USA, scoring five points each in eight contests; Tibbett is 3-2-0 in five starts against the Nationals.
Overall, Brandon Saad leads the Phantom attack with 25 goals and 15 assists; Tibbett and fellow Phantom netminder Garrett Bartus have combined on the year for a 2.89 goals against average and a .901 save percentage.
Emerson Etem has been the National who has cause the Phantoms the most trouble, scoring four goals in six games against Mahoning Valley; goalie Will Yanakeff is 1-1-1 against the Phantoms with a 2.62 GAA and a .907 SV%.
Matthew Nieto is Team USA's leading scorer on the season with 11 goals and 17 assists.
Tuesday's game will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW-AM, and worldwide at MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 9:45 AM.
For more information on Hockey for Health, or to schedule a program for your school, contact Phantoms assistant coach Curtis Carr at (330) 965-1423.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 23, 2009
- NAHL Weekly - NAHL
- Phantoms Expect Full House for Tuesday Morning Tilt - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats Split On the Road - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Cody Keefer Central Player of the week - Bismarck Bobcats
- Harcharik on Door Step of Record - North Iowa Outlaws
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.
