Phantoms Fight Back, Top League Leading Rough Riders
Published on February 19, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH - The Youngstown Phantoms downed the USHL leading Cedar Rapids Rough Riders by a final score of 6-3 Friday night in Youngstown. After twice falling behind, Youngstown scored four unanswered goals to top Cedar Rapids. Forward Jason Cotton scored the Phantoms first two goals, his third and fourth of the campaign.
"It's always fun to knock off the league's top team. I think we really capitalized on our opportunities tonight, and hopefully we follow up on Sunday with a similar effort," said Cotton.
Cotton opened up the game's scoring just over three minutes into the contest, when his off-angle shot deflected past Rough Riders netminder Ben Blacker. Phantoms Captain Matt Alvaro tallied the lone assist, his first point in 10 games.
Cedar Rapids would score the game's next two goals, including a power play blast from Ben Foley that beat Colin DeAugustine.
Cotton would answer for Youngstown, streaking down the left wing and blowing a wrist shot past Blacker. Rough Riders forward Zac Robbins would add his second of the game just over two minutes later however, to give Cedar Rapids a 3-2 advantage.
The Phantoms would answer back on the power play to tie the contest just before the second intermission. Youngstown defenseman Ryan Shea scored his first ever USHL goal with a wrist shot from the left wing circle. The teams would head to the third period tied at three.
Youngstown would dominate the third period, beginning with a Cam Morrison goal just about five minutes into the final frame. It was Morrison's team leading 26th tally of the season, assisted by Ryan Shea and Vas Kolias. Yushiroh Hirano would pot his 17th of the year to give Youngstown a 5-3 lead behind a great individual effort from Lukas Craggs to set up the goal. Phantoms defenseman Matt Miller would add an empty-netter to stick a fork in the Rough Riders.
"If you would have told me we would be in this position at the beginning of the season, I would have asked where do I sign. We've got a four game stretch against teams above us in the standings, all at home, and we control our own destiny. I'm happy with the performance tonight and hope we get the same on Sunday" said Phantoms Head Coach John Wroblewski.
The two teams will meet again in Youngstown on Sunday, with puck drop set for 3 p.m. It will be the Phantoms final Sunday Family Funday game of the year, featuring a post-game bounce party with Austintown Bounce.
United States Hockey League Stories from February 19, 2016
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