Phantoms host U.S. National team
Published on November 30, 2006 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms on a 12-game winning streak return to the Ice Zone this weekend to host the U.S. National Team on Dec. 1 and 2.
Friday's game is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday's contest has been rescheduled for 2 p.m. to accommodate Youngstown State University's football game. The Penguins host Illinois State at 6 p.m. in their NCAA Division 1-AA quarterfinal playoff at Stambaugh Stadium.
The first 300 fans buying a ticket and attending Saturday's 2 p.m. game between the Phantoms and the U.S. National Team will receive a reserved seat ticket to YSU's 6 p.m. play-off game at the end of the second intermission of the Phantoms game.
"We have many fans, myself included, who share a tremendous interest and support for both the Phantoms and Penguins," Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan said. "Given the recent success of both teams, we want to give fans an opportunity to cheer on both teams and show our support for YSU and the Penguins."
Saturday's game is also 'Coats for Kids' day, sponsored by Cintas. Fans who bring in a new or gently worn children's coat will receive a free Ice Zone Open Skating Pass and a free Chuck-A-Puck for a chance to win prizes during the first intermission.
At 18-7-1, Mahoning Valley is tied for first place in the North Division with the Alpena (Mich.) Ice Diggers at 37 points. Last season, the Phantoms were 15-9-2 after 26 games.
"I felt that when we reached the 25-game mark in the season, our players should have a full understanding of what we expect from them," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. "We passed that point last weekend, and the guys have responded well."
Team USA and the Phantoms have met on three prior occasions, all of them in Ann Arbor, Mich. Mahoning Valley swept the U.S. on Sept. 29-30 by scores of 5-4 and 8-6. On Oct. 20, the Phantoms won 4-3 in an overtime shootout.
Mainhardt is confident he will see a different Team USA this weekend.
"When we faced the U.S. last December, we hadn't played them for six weeks. They improved significantly as a team over that period, which is indicative of their program," he said. "Friday will mark another six weeks since we met. We can't afford to let up."
Center Derek Graham has a nine-game point scoring streak entering this weekend, recording 14 points over that span. He has also registered an assist in seven straight games, totaling 11 helpers during that period.
"Derek involves himself on every shift," Mainhardt said. "He continues to improve his game in all three zones."
The Phantoms currently have nine players in the NAHL's top 45 in scoring, led by Nathan Longpre who is ninth. No other team has more than five in the same category.
Defenseman Bill Stemzynski will be out of the Phantoms lineup for a minimum of 8-10 weeks after breaking his collarbone, the result of a collision with a Marquette player in last Friday's game.
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 November 30, 2006
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- Phantoms host U.S. National team - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
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