Phantoms head to Ann Arbor
Published on September 28, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio -After a 6-4 loss to the U.S. National Under-18 Team last Friday, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms will return to Ann Arbor, Mich. this Friday to face the U.S. National Under-17 Team for two games. Both games on Friday and Saturday begin at 7 p.m. and can be heard on www.mvpphantoms.com.
The Phantoms, 1-4-0, will look to end a three-game losing streak and would escape sole possession of last place in the NAHL's North Division with a pair of wins. The U.S. team, 5-1-0, sits atop the North Division standings with 10 points, two ahead of the Alpena Ice Diggers. Friday's game will mark the first of 13 meetings between the Phantoms and the U-17s.
The U-17s split their games last weekend in Traverse City, Mich., defeating the North Stars 5-4 in an overtime shootout on Friday before losing 5-1 on Saturday. Right wing Danny Kristo had a goal and an assist to lead the red, white and blue in scoring for the two contests. Kristo, who has committed to play college hockey at North Dakota University in two years, is one of eight players from Team USA who have already signed letters of intent with NCAA programs for 2008.
PHANTOM NOTEBOOK:
-One Phantoms forward line combination has remained the same since opening day. The trio of Brent Dexter, Chad Boeckman and Nick Kulas has combined for three goals and five assists thus far. Boeckman and Kulas contributed to Adam Snead's game-winning goal in overtime against Santa Fe on September 14.
"As a rookie, it's a challenge getting adjusted to both the new rules and to a higher level of hockey. I'm learning to just keep working and playing hard," Boeckman said. "Brent and Nick are really helping me out. They tell me that it's going to take time to get some points and not to get frustrated."
-Forwards Chris Fairbanks and Matt Quigley each have two power play goals on the young season, one more than each had last season.
-Through five games, defenseman Doug Leaverton holds the distinction as the only penalty-free skater on the team.
-Last Friday's crowd at the Ice Cube in Ann Arbor included a strong showing of Phantom supporters. More of the same is expected this weekend. With eleven of the 23 Phantom players growing up within 90 minutes of the city, family members and friends could attend.
# # #
ABOUT THE PHANTOMS: 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 September 28, 2006
- Phantoms head to Ann Arbor - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Stars, Alpena renew rivalry - Traverse City North Stars
- Co-captain Craner leads by example - Alpena IceDiggers
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.
