USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Host Des Moines for Opening Weekend Double-Header

Published on October 13, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - After beginning their third season in the United States Hockey League on the road, the Phantoms return to the Mahoning Valley for their home opener this weekend. The Phantoms (1-1-0) will host the Des Moines Buccaneers (1-1-1) this Friday, October 14 and Saturday, October 15 at the Covelli Centre. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. EST for both games.

The Phantoms hope to carry the momentum from a 3-0 victory over the Chicago Steel last Friday night in Bensenville, Ill. into the two-game homestand. Friday's victory was the Phantoms' first of the young season and the first career win for rookie Head Coach Anthony Noreen.

The Phantoms got a pair of goals from 17-year-old center Austin Cangelosi, including his league-leading second short-handed tally, and Richard Zehnal notched an empty-netter to clinch the win. Matthew O'Connor earned USHL Reebok Goaltender of the Week honors for his 22-save shutout performance, but the Head Coach Anthony Noreen said that is no more than a footnote heading into Friday's game.

"The goal is to get the award again and prove he was the Goaltender of the Week for a reason," he said. "We want him to keep that momentum going."

Last season the Phantoms went 1-2-1 against Des Moines, playing spoiler in the Buccaneers home opener with a 3-2 overtime victory. Defenseman Jordan Young notched a pair of assists in three games against the Buccaneers last season, the most of any returning Phantoms players.

But both teams have new looks for the 2011-2012 season. The Phantoms are still establishing their identity in Noreen's first year behind the bench and the Buccaneers are getting acclimated with 16 new faces on their roster.

"[The Buccaneers] are very similar to the team we're trying to build here," Noreen said. "They make you pay if you take undisciplined penalties and they bring it every night. They're going to be physical and they're going to play the game the right way."

Noreen said it would be pivotal for his team to win the special teams battle with the Buccaneers. Des Moines enters Friday's game having killed just 50 percent of their 12 penalties against - the worst mark in the league.

On the surface it looks just like what the doctor ordered for a Phantoms power play unit that has yet to capitalize on eight attempts, but Noreen said it would not be so easy.

"There aren't a lot of holes in Des Moines' penalty kill," he said. "They've had some bad bounces and bad luck but they're actually the best penalty kill I've seen on film so far this year.

"In this league, the teams that have success on special teams are the teams that have success in the standings. So, we definitely want to get our power play going this week."

The Phantoms will hold a pre-game tailgate from 5-7 p.m. in the Covelli Centre parking lot prior to puck drop on both games and the first 2,000 fans in the doors Friday night will receive a 2011-2012 magnet schedule provided by Wedgewood Pizza.

Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



United States Hockey League Stories from October 13, 2011


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.

OurSports Central