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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Looking to Storm into Break

December 12, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


KEARNEY, Nebraska - Before the Phantoms embark for home to spend holiday break with their families, the team has a small bit of business to take care of-1,037 miles away from the Covelli Centre.

On what will be the longest road trip of the season (by distance), Youngstown (7-12-4, 18 points) will take on the Tri-City Storm on both Friday and Saturday at the Viaero Events Center in Kearney, Nebraska.

The Storm (6-16-2, 14 points) have played a busy schedule of late, including a midweek game at Omaha that saw them fall to the Lancers by a 3-1 final. Prior to that, Tri-City broke out in a big way against Cedar Rapids on Saturday, winning by a 6-3 score on the road in a game that was highlighted by a four-goal performance by Joel L'Esperance, as well as a four-assist effort from Garrett Gamez.

Despite the Storm's slow start to the season, their weekend explosion is indicative of their ability, particularly under new coach Jim Hulton, who was appointed to the position on November 19, replacing Josh Hauge after a 4-9-2 start.

"I think they're a team that's pretty hungry right now," said Phantoms' coach Anthony Noreen, on Tri-City. "They've had a coaching change in the last few weeks, and they have a coach who's had a ton of experience at the NHL level, at the junior level, who I'm sure is going to change the culture there and try to turn things around to get their season going in the right direction."

Noreen notes that the dynamic under a new coach is such that the Storm are sure to play with plenty of motivation.

"It's probably a situation where there are a lot of guys fighting for roles, trying to impress the new coach and work their way up the depth chart," said Noreen. "I expect them to be a hungry team. Obviously, it's a long road trip for us. It's a hostile environment to go into and play two games on the road. I think it should be two games that should be a great test before the break here for us."

Youngstown enters the weekend series in central Nebraska after taking one of a four possible points the weekend before. Over those two games, the Phantoms lost yet another player to injury in Tyler Spezia, who did not make the trip. Despite the loss, Noreen is not concerned that his team, which has had to fill multiple open spots in the lineup of late, will suffer in the chemistry department.

"I don't think it's hard to maintain chemistry. You get a new guy in-for instance, this weekend, we have Joe Drabin coming on the trip with us. [Players like him] are so excited to be a part of it, so excited to be here, and to be playing in the USHL, at this level with the guys. It's something that other guys from draw from. A guy like Joe, or just like Grant Meyer the last couple of weekends, they go out, they have a big shift, they finish a hit-if they do something positive, it's something that the guys on the bench can really rally around. Obviously, they're pulling for those guys who are playing in their first game, or first couple of games, whatever it might be."

Spezia's absence will naturally dictate some additional line changes, as the Phantoms look to find secondary scoring behind the red-hot Kyle Connor and JJ Piccinich.

"I think, line-wise, there are going to be some different line combinations just like there have been the past few weeks-and different D combinations as well, because of guys going down, so that's a matter of time of just getting those guys some reps together," said Noreen. "Hopefully, they can get some chemistry going sooner rather than later.

"The biggest thing is that it provides an opportunity. Tyler [Spezia] was playing the middle on arguably our first line, our first penalty kill, he's been playing some big-minute situations. Just like Tommy Parran going down the week before, that opens up some huge minutes for guys to come in and step up. Maybe a guy who thinks he deserves more, or wants more, or wants better out of his role on the team-it's a big chance for them to step up and prove that they deserve it."

Above all, the trip represents an opportunity for Youngstown to head into the winter break on a good note, as well as to continually bond thanks to the long distance.

"It's good bonding time, definitely for the boys in the back," said Noreen. "They get to spend some time with each other. One of the things I always say: people think that we have the biggest disadvantage with how much we travel, but I always say it's one of the biggest advantages we have because of how much time our guys get to spend together on the road, in hotels, and on the bus together. That's the reason why we've had such tight- knit teams over the last few years here, because of how much time we spend together."

Game Schedule (all times ET)

Friday, Dec. 12: Phantoms at Tri-City Storm, 8:30 pm, Sports Radio 1240/FASTHockey.com

Saturday, Dec. 13: Phantoms at Tri-City Storm, 4:05 pm, Sports Radio 1240/FASHockey.com

Single game tickets are on sale now for all Phantoms' home games at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms 10-Game Flex Plans are also available starting at the low price of just $89. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).

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