USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Jacked for Home-And-Home with 'Jacks

Published on February 9, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - With the trade deadline now behind them, the Youngstown Phantoms are focused on securing the franchise's first Clark Cup Playoff berth. Last season, the Phantoms missed the postseason by a mere two points, and one of teams responsible was the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Over the course of that season - Muskegon's first in the USHL - the teams met eight times and cultivated a rivalry that has carried over into 2011-2012. It comes to a head this weekend when the Phantoms (23-13-3, T-third East) and Lumberjacks (11-19-4, eighth East) meet for a home-and-home series. The two-game set kicks off Friday night in Muskegon, Mich., at 7:15 p.m. EST in L.C. Walker Arena and wraps up Sunday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. EST at the Covelli Centre.

After dropping their first three games against Muskegon this season, the Phantoms have won the last three to knot the series up. Although the games may not have playoff implications for the last-place Lumberjacks, Head Coach Anthony Noreen said home-and-home will have a playoff atmosphere, and for the Phantoms, there's more at stake than just four points.

"We're talking about the series with the team that's probably our biggest rival. It's extremely important to us," he said. "Even when we were down 3-0, it was still something we talked about, something that we made a goal of ours. Now this weekend we have a chance - both teams have a chance - to win this season series."

After a pair of pivotal road wins over Dubuque and Cedar Rapids last weekend, Noreen said he believed his team had turned a corner after a stagnant start to the 2012. He credited the return of veteran defenseman Kevin Liss, who had missed the team's previous 14 games with a lower body injury, in large part for the change in fortune. The Phantoms went 5-7-2 in his absence and Noreen said the team welcomed back his presence on the ice and in the locker room.

"We're playing probably our best hockey since the first half of the season and it's no coincidence that Kevin's back in the lineup," he said. "His leadership abilities carry so much weight on our bench - I can't even explain. It's great to have him back."

This week, the Phantoms also welcomed a pair of new additions in wingers Jonathan Liau and Zach Evancho. Noreen said that there would be no better introduction for Liau, a second-year player who was acquired from the Omaha Lancers for a 2013 USHL Entry Draft pick, and Evancho, a 16-year-old who only days ago was playing AAA hockey for the Buffalo Jr. Sabres, than a Phantoms-Lumberjacks game.

"They're going to find out very quickly what playing Youngstown Phantoms hockey is all about," Noreen said.

Sunday is a "Double Dollar Deal Day" where fans can get a 16-oz. beer, 16-oz. soda, hotdog or popcorn for the low price of just $2 each! Stick around afterwards for a postgame skate with the Phantoms players on the Covelli Centre ice. The Phantoms will provide a limited amount of skates in select sizes for no charge, but fans are encouraged to bring their own.

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 .

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United States Hockey League Stories from February 9, 2012


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