Phantoms host Traverse City
Published on January 18, 2007 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are in pursuit of another team record when they host the Traverse City North Stars at the Ice Zone on January 19-20.
On Friday, the Phantoms will honor Coach Jon Heacock and the YSU football team. Heacock will drop the ceremonial first puck prior to the opening face-off. The YSU Cheerleaders will also be a part of the game night activities.
The Phantoms, 29-10-1, are a perfect 14-0-0 at home this season, tying their unbeaten mark set last season when they began 12-0-2 at the Ice Zone. The Phantoms remain the only undefeated team at home in the North American Hockey League. Their current 14-game home winning streak is also the longest in the NAHL since 2003.
"We're very fortunate to have 15 home games left on our schedule," Head Coach Bob Mainhardt said. "We have a lot of opportunities to make good on some of our goals. To be given those chances with our fans behind us will make for a great atmosphere."
Defensemen Adam Snead and Eric Ringel remain questionable for this weekend, after both suffered concussions in a 5-4 loss to Alpena on Jan. 13.
To offset their injury situation, the Phantoms acquired forward Kenny Brandt of Plymouth, Mich. and defenseman Mike Sturdevant from Portage, Mich. Sturdevant played eight games for Traverse City earlier this season. Brandt and Sturdevant played in Monday's 7-4 win against the U.S. National Team in Ann Arbor.
"Kenny is a seasoned veteran and will provide experience up front," Mainhardt said. "Mike is a very steady defenseman. Most of our guys have either played with or against him in the past, so he should fit in well."
The Phantoms were last in Traverse City on Dec. 19-20, where Mahoning Valley won by scores of 5-1 and 7-1. This season, the Phantoms are 7-1-1 against Traverse City, and 10-0-0 versus the North Stars at the Ice Zone since last season.
Referring to the Ice Zone, North Stars Coach Scott Gardiner said in Wednesday's Traverse City Record-Eagle, "No one really likes to go there."
Traverse City, 13-21-5, has the worst road record in the NAHL at 4-11-3. The numbers favor the Phantoms, but Mainhardt is cautious in letting the statistics speak for themselves.
"Traverse City always presents a challenge to us," Mainhardt said. "That, our record at home and the fact that they are fighting for a playoff spot, will make for a very competitive weekend."
The North Stars are tied with Marquette for third place in the North Division, just two points ahead of the U.S. National Team for the final playoff spot.
"They (Traverse City) have as many reasons to win this weekend as we do," center Derek Graham said. "We have to be at the top of our game."
Graham is coming off a 10-point performance in the Phantoms' last three games. He recorded five goals and five assists, launching him into a tie for 13th place with teammate Nathan Longpre in NAHL scoring with 41 points.
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 January 18, 2007
- Phantoms host Traverse City - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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.
