USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Host Pair from Hawkeye State

Published on January 25, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms wrap up a crowded January schedule with a pair of games this week against a pair of adversaries from Iowa. The Phantoms (19-12-3, fourth East) take on the Waterloo Black Hawks on Thursday and the Dubuque Fighting Saints on Friday at the Covelli Centre. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. EST each night.

After a torrid start to the season, the Phantoms have been caught in neutral in the new year going 3-4-1 in the month of January, including a 1-1-1 western road trip last weekend. Head Coach Anthony Noreen said that, despite a mere three-day turnaround after playing three straight on the road, his team is eager to get right back in to the mix of things after a disappointing 3-1 loss to Chicago on Suday.

"I'm excited for us just to get back out there and play," Noreen said. "I think that was the sentiment after Sunday's game. The guys were glad to be back at the rink and get back after it, especially knowing it's a home weekend coming up."

On Thursday the Black Hawks (17-10-4, fourth West), who played in the United States Hockey League's Eastern Conference last year, make their first and only visit to Northeast Ohio of the season. Although Noreen said he has not had the chance to watch the Waterloo play live since the preseason Fall Classic, he was able to watch five of the Black Hawks' most notable players - including leading-scorer Taylor Cammarata and workhorse defenseman Ian McCoshen - Tuesday night at the USHL/NHL Top Prospects Game in Muskegon, Mich.

"I though both were very good - probably some of the best players on the ice," Noreen said. "And both being '95 [birth years], I thought they were very impressive.

"Usually the first thing you hear when you talk about Waterloo is how good they are up front, but I think they've got a good back end and a really good goaltender (Jay Williams) as well."

On Friday the Fighting Saints (20-10-3, third East) make their third and final trip to the Covelli Centre this season. The Phantoms split a back-to-back with the defending Clark Cup champions in mid-November, winning 5-2 in the first night before falling 4-3 the following afternoon.

But the Fighting Saints may be without a big part of their attack as center Zemgus Girgensons, the USHL's top-rated forward prospect, and mobile defenseman Mike Matheson, are nursing injuries. Nonetheless, Noreen said, the Fighting Saints are still very, very formidable even with the pair possibly out of the lineup.

"They're so deep. It's a testament to the job that the coaching staff has done there in the short history of that franchise," Noreen said. "Their depth is what won them the championship last year. And don't forget, last time we played them, Zemgus played the first night and didn't play the second night, and they looked pretty good without him.

"That's the sign of a good team. When someone goes out, someone steps up, and they're a perfect example of that."

Thursday is a "Double Dollar Deal Day" when the Phantoms host Waterloo. Fans can get a 16-oz. beer, 16-oz. soda, hotdog or popcorn for the low price of just $2 each!

Friday is the Phantoms' Youngstown State University Night and Thunder Stick Giveaway. Members from YSU Greek Life will be honored, and YSU President Dr. Cynthia Anderson will drop the ceremonial first puck Friday night at the Covelli Centre.

The first 3,000 fans through the door will receive Thunder Sticks courtesy of the Ohio Lottery and college students with a valid student I.D. can get a 50 percent discount at the box office. And make sure to come down early to see a live penguin from the Pittsburgh Aviary, which will be on the concourse from 6:15 p.m. until puck drop.

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 January 25, 2012


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