USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Notebook: Week 11

Published on December 6, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms faced their first bit of adversity this season with a tough shootout loss to the Sioux Falls Stampede last Thursday followed by a loss to the Muskegon Lumberjacks the next night. But on Saturday, the Phantoms (13-6-1) bounced back to salvage the weekend with an impressive win over the same Lumberjacks (8-10-0). The Phantoms have only one game this week when they host the Chicago Steel on Saturday, December 10. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. EST in the Covelli Centre.

The Week In Review

Game 18: Phantoms' Streak Snapped By Stampede

The Phantoms saw their four-game winning streak - along with their string of three straight wins on home ice - end on Thursday, falling 2-1 to Sioux Falls (8-8-1) in a shootout. Left wing Stephen Collins tallied his first goal of the season in the first period to give Youngstown the lead, but the Stampede went on to knot it up in the final minutes of regulation and secure the comeback win in the shootout. It was the first time the Phantoms have fallen in overtime this season.

Game 19: Phantoms Can't Solve Keeney, Fall 5-0 To 'Jacks

Despite outshooting their rivals 44 to 25, the Phantoms fell to the Muskegon Lumberjacks 5-0 Friday night in the L.C. Walker Arena. Muskegon goaltender John Keeney stood on his head to seal the win in game one of the back-to-back series. The game marked the first time the Phantoms have lost consecutively this season along with their first loss when outshooting their opponents.

Game 20: Phantoms Break Their Skid With 4-2 Win In Muskegon

The Phantoms bounced back in a big way Saturday night and four different players scored en route to a 4-2 victory in their grudge match with Muskegon. The Phantoms, who were playing their third game in as many nights, got goals from Todd Koritzinsky, JT Stenglein, Chris Bradley and Eric Sweetman, while goaltender Sean Romeo turned away 17 of 19 shots to record his third win of the season. It was the Phantoms first victory over Muskegon this season. The heated rivals will face off four more times this year.

Loose Pucks

-- Despite falling 5-0 to the Lumberjacks the night before, Head Coach Anthony Noreen was incredibly confident that his team would bounce back Saturday in L.C. Walker Arena. So much so in fact that he guaranteed a win to Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan before the game. After the win, Noreen said it was the proudest he has ever been in his five years of coaching.

-- Left wing Todd Koritzinsky and defenseman Ryan Lowney were late additions to the lineup Saturday night after injuries kept out Austin Cangelosi and Kevin Liss. Koritzinsky, on a line with Dylan Margonari and Alex Gacek, scored a goal and generated a plethora of quality chances while Lowney played with tremendous poise, joining the offensive rush with regularity.

-- Defenseman Eric Sweetman's goal was the first of his United States Hockey League career, but the Woodbine, Md. native had to wait a bit longer to enjoy it Saturday night. Referees originally thought the first-year player's blast from the point was tipped by Margonari before beating Keeney five-hole. The goal was corrected and credited to Sweetman when off-ice officials were able to review it after the game.

-- Goaltender Sean Romeo got his first win since netting a pair in Nebraska during the final weekend of October. The win was even sweeter for the calm and composed 17-year-old since he struggled in his last outing against Muskegon, surrendering three goals in the first 11 minutes during a 4-1 loss on Nov. 4. All three of Romeo's wins have come with the Phantoms on the road.

The Week Ahead

Game 21: Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7:15 p.m. EST - Phantoms vs. Chicago

The Phantoms will be looking for win No. 3 of the season against the Chicago Steel (7-13-1) on Saturday. In a pair of games so far this season, both in Bensenville, Ill., the Phantoms have outscored the Steel 7-1. Matthew O'Connor started in net both nights and went on capture the USHL's Goaltender of the Week honors for his performance on each occasion. Center Austin Cangelosi has tallied three goals and added an assist in those two contests as well.

They Said It

"There's a reason I'm so proud to be part of this organization and you just saw it. To be playing our third game in three days, as banged up as can possibly be - we had guys, who probably wouldn't have been playing but we were so short-handed - and to come out and have the effort that we did tonight. I told the guys after the game - and I was dead serious - this is the proudest I've been of a team in my five-year coaching career."

-- Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen after his team's 4-2 victory over Muskegon Saturday night.

Phantoms Alumni Watch

-- Forward Quinn Smith (2010-2011) recorded a pair of assists as Boston College beat rival Boston University 6-1 on Saturday.

-- Forward Brett Gensler (2009-2010) assisted on both Bentley goals as it tied Niagara 2-2 on Saturday.

-- Forward and former Phantoms captain Adam Berkle (2009-2011) assisted on Bowling Green's lone goal as the Falcons fell 4-1 to Michigan State on Saturday.

Events and Promotions

Saturday, Dec. 10: "Teddy Bear Toss" with Santa Visit: The Phantoms are hosting their third annual "Teddy Bear Toss" on Saturday when they play the Chicago Steel. All fans who bring a stuffed animal to throw on the ice after the first Phantoms' goal will receive a $4 discount on purple level tickets at the box office. All bears collected will be donated to Akron Children's Hospital of Mahoning Valley.

Santa Claus will also be in attendance Saturday night and available for pictures with children on the concourse. Additionally following the game, Phantoms players will be available to sign autographs for fans.

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 December 6, 2011


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