Phantoms Name 2008-2009 Captains
October 14, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, OH (Tuesday, October 14th, 2008) - Busy preparing for this weekend's North Division series against the Alpena IceDiggers, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms named their 2008-2009 captains today.
Third year forward Johnny Meo will serve as captain with defensemen Robert Harrison and Carl Nielsen joining him as assistant captains this season.
Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mainhardt says Meo is a natural pick to be this year's captain.
"Johnny has been a big team leader for a long time now," says Mainhardt, "The fact that he'll be wearing the 'C' is a testament to that leadership."
Meo is currently second on the all-time list of games played for the Phantoms with 141 behind former three-year Phantom Brent Dexter, whose record is 178 games.
Forwards on the Mend
Phantoms forward Brad Smith underwent surgery earlier this week after suffering a lacerated foot. The surgery was successful; Smith is currently training and rehabbing with the team while attending Ursuline High School. He is expected to miss 8-12 weeks.
Mainhardt is impressed that Smith has taken the setback in stride.
"He is approaching this with a great attitude and professionalism," says Mainhardt.
Forward Nick Kenney, who has missed all six regular season games with a broken finger, is expected to return to the lineup soon.
"Nick is back skating with the team and is nearing 100%," says Mainhardt. "Right now we're listing him as day-to-day."
Phantoms Stay Focused Through Off-Week
This past weekend was the second off weekend for the Phantoms out of the last three, and one of the main goals of the team has been to maintain their focus despite all the time off.
Mainhardt acknowledges that there are positives and negatives to having so much time off.
"Having another weekend off can be tricky," he says, "but we are definitely rested. We need be prepared mentally and physically to make sure we do not come out flat in Alpena.
"This will be a big test of our maturity and leadership."
Alpena enters the weekend tied for fourth in the North Division, four points behind the second-place Phantoms. According to Mainhardt, people shouldn't be fooled by Alpena's lackluster 3-4-1 record.
"Alpena is a strong team with many top returners from last year's squad," says the Phantoms' bench boss. "Jack Fritsche will have them ready to resume the great rivalry we have developed over the past five years."
The Phantoms enter the weekend holding a 34-9-0 all-time record against the IceDiggers.
The Phantoms and the IceDiggers drop the puck on this weekend's two-game set at 7:00 P.M. on Friday night from Northern Lights Arena in Alpena, Michigan. You can follow the Phantoms on the road with B2 Networks; just click the link on the front page of MVPPhantoms.com and follow the instructions to load the visitors' feed. The pregame show begins at 6:50 P.M.
North American Hockey League Stories from October 14, 2008
- Phantoms Name 2008-2009 Captains - 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.
