USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Push Back Force

Published on December 1, 2018 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH- A festive night in downtown Youngstown finished with a bang as the Youngstown Phantoms (8-9-0-2) were able to win 3-2 in overtime against the Fargo Force Friday night at the Covelli Centre.

Hank Crone capitalized on a miscued change by the Phantoms as Ben Meyers broke out on a two-on-one shorthanded and slid the puck to Crone who tapped the puck past Phantoms netminder Vinnie Purpura (19 saves) to put the Force up one just over eight minutes into the game.

Brett Murray netted his first of the night on the powerplay, as Liam Dennison carried the puck along the boards and centered to Murray at the top of the crease who tapped the puck past a sliding Ryan Bischel to tie the game at one.

The Phantoms would get one more at the buzzer as Craig Needham blocked a shot and picked up the puck at his own blue line and turned on the jets and fired a dart over the left shoulder of Bischel just before the buzzer sounded.

Another backdoor goal for Fargo tied the game at two, as a Phantoms defenseman tangled up with a Fargo player at the red line that led to a slow developing two-on-one and Tyler Gratton found Michael Mancinelli on the backdoor to tie the game.

The physicality would ramp up in the third period but would lead to no scoring and the game would head to the extra frame.

The game almost ended 50 seconds into the overtime period as A.J. Drobot received a nice stretch pass that caught the Phantoms off guard while they were changing but Purpura came up with a big save to keep the game rolling.

The game would end with 28 seconds remaining in the overtime period as Joey Abate picked up a pass from Murray, fired a nice pass off the pads of Bischel and Murray put the rebound in the back of the net for the game winning goal.

These same two teams meet again tomorrow for Harry Potter night. Puck drop is scheduled for 7:05 PM and broadcasts are available on HockeyTV and Western Reserve Radio.

Tickets are still available. Call the Phantoms office at 330-747-PUCK (7825) to reserve your tickets.

By the Numbers

Shots - 22

Saves - 19

Power Play - 1/5

Penalty Kill - 7/7

Goals - Murray (2, PP), Needham

Assists - Dennison (2), Barnaby, Murray, Messina, Abate

For all the latest news, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and 'Like' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms). A full version of the Phantoms 2018-19 season schedule, as well as season tickets and mini-plan packages, is available now by visiting www.YoungstownPhantoms.com. Ticket packages can also be purchased by calling (330) 747-PUCK.

To express interest in becoming a Phantoms corporate partner, e-mail info@youngstownphantoms.com, or visit http://www.youngstownphantoms.com/sponsors/ for more information.

Check out the Youngstown Phantoms Statistics

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United States Hockey League Stories from December 1, 2018


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