Phantoms Open Chevrolet Centre with Championship Rematch
Published on November 11, 2008 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH (Tuesday, November 11th, 2008) - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are set to raise the curtain at the Chevrolet Centre, their new home for the 2008-2009 season, and will be doing so amid a playoff atmosphere on Friday.
The Phantoms welcome the two-time defending Robertson Cup champion St. Louis Bandits, the team they have faced in the last two NAHL championship games. With such history between the two teams, Phantoms assistant captain Robert Harrison thinks the games will have a highly emotional tone.
"This is what we trained all summer for: beating the team that beat us" says the third year defenseman, who has played in both Robertson Cup finals against the Bandits. "We tell the rookies, âthis is what hockey is all about.' The excitement and the nerves of games like this, everything. This is why we play."
If the Phantoms (9-4-2) want to get that measure of revenge, they'll have to go through one of the hottest teams in the NAHL. St. Louis enters the two-game weekend set having won 16 of their last 17 games and sporting the league's best record at 16-2-1. The Bandits recently had a 16-game winning streak snapped by local rival Springfield.
While the team is excited to be opening their new arena this weekend, Phantoms Head Coach and General Manager Bob Mainhardt says that one of the best parts of the weekend is being back in the Valley.
"We've been on the road for awhile now," says Mainhardt, "and just the fact that we're able to come home and play in front of our home town crowd is just great for the guys. The fact that our home crowd will be in the Chevrolet Centre makes it even better."
Friday's game will be the first of 21 that the Phantoms will play in the three-year-old, 5,500-seat arena in downtown Youngstown. Puck drop for both Friday and Saturday nights will be at 7:15 p.m. Both games will be broadcast live at MVPPhantoms.com via the B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 7:05 p.m.
North American Hockey League Stories from November 11, 2008
- Gallagher Headed East - Marquette Rangers
- Phantoms Open Chevrolet Centre with Championship Rematch - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Bosner Commits to Air Force - Bismarck Bobcats
- Don't miss this weekend - Wichita Falls Wildcats
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.
