USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Return Home for Two-Game Tilt with Team USA

Published on December 20, 2012 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - After five straight games on the road and nearly a month away from home ice, the Youngstown Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre for a three-game homestand to close out 2012. It starts this weekend when the Phantoms (11-14-0, 22 points) take on Team USA Friday and Saturday night.

Through 25 tumultuous games, the Youngstown has shown glimpses of a team that can compete with the United States Hockey League's best, but injuries and have made stretches of the season a struggle. As they prepare for Team USA (5-16-3, 13 points), Alexander Dahl said he believes the Phantoms are ready to play to their potential.

"We've gotten guys back from injury and made some moves. This is the team we want," he said. "Everyone's gelling and we're moving in the right direction. We've got to keep chugging along."

Team USA, on the other hand, is in the midst of a 10-game winless streak and enters the weekend at the bottom of the USHL standings with just one road victory to its credit. But defenseman Eric Sweetman said that if the Phantoms are going to play their way back into the playoff picture, they cannot afford to look past any opponent, especially this weekend's.

"We want to be to be at the top of the standings," he said. "It's going to take time, but we can't overlook any team or any series. We've got to take it just one game at a time and make sure we keep the intensity high. Without the intensity, we're no good."

The Phantoms were dominant when the two teams met in late November at the Covelli Centre. Youngstown got stellar play in net from Sean Romeo, who posted back-to-back shutouts. The top line of Austin Cangelosi, Kyle Connor and John Padulo torched Team USA for a combined 10 points as the Phantoms outscored the Nationals by a 9-0 margin.

But that success came against the Team USA Under-17 team, not their opponent this weekend, the older and more experienced Under-18 team.

"These guys have been together for a year and a half already," Dahl said. "[The U.S. National Team Development Program] is built to develop players, and they've all developed very well. They're all strong, fast and really good hockey players. It's going to be tough."

Game Schedule (All Times EST)

Friday, Dec. 21: Phantoms vs. Team USA at 7:15 p.m. - Sports Radio 1240 AM/FASTHockey.com

Saturday, Dec. 22: Phantoms vs. Team USA at 7:15 p.m. - Sports Radio 1240 AM/FASTHockey.com

Get in the Holiday Spirit this weekend with the Phantoms at the Covelli Centre. Santa Claus will be in the house both games, posing for pictures with fans and helping cheer on the Phantoms. Additionally, the Phantoms Team Shop will be holding a special Holiday Sale both nights, with all merchandise marked down 20 percent! Plus, students can purchase tickets for just $5 by showing their student I.D. at the Covelli Centre box office!

Phantoms Holiday Four-Pack ticket packages are on sale now, but only for a limited time. Packages include four undated ticket vouchers plus a Phantoms T-shirt, a combined $60 value, all for just $29. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve a Holiday Four-Pack. 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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United States Hockey League Stories from December 20, 2012


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