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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Return Home to Face Steel, Team USA

December 5, 2013 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - After an extended Thanksgiving break, the Youngstown Phantoms will resume league play at the Covelli Centre on Friday and Saturday, facing a pair of Eastern Conference foes whose seasons have taken far different turns.

First on the docket is the Chicago Steel, who sit last in the Conference with a record of 7-15-0. Traditional rivals, the Phantoms (7-11-3, 17 points) have faced the Steel just once thus far in 2013-14, shutting out Chicago 3-0 in Colin DeAugustine's first career USHL start. Despite the Steel's poor start, coach Anthony Noreen anticipates a close, well-fought contest.

"All of our divisional games, but especially the teams that we see the most-teams like Chicago, who we've played a ton over the last few years in some pretty heated games - no matter what, they're going to be hard-contested games," said Noreen. "No matter what, they're going to be fast, they're going to be physical. I think we've got to stay disciplined. At the same time, we have to win the special teams battle."

Following the contest against Chicago, the Phantoms will then turn around 24 hours later to play Team USA, a squad that is 3-0 against Youngstown in 2013-14, but has yet to make the trip to Mahoning Valley, with all previous meetings coming at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.

"It's going to be one of those games where you have to find a way to win," said Noreen on the high-profile matchup. "They are what they are. I think everyone knows what they've done in our league, what they've been able to do against Division I competition. They've kind of had their way with the majority of teams in our league this year. If you want to put yourself on the map, or if you want to open up the eyes of scouts as an individual player or to the rest of the league as a team, there's no better team to come out and beat [Team USA]."

Youngstown's depth will be tested this weekend, with injuries continuing to plague the squad. DeAugustine will start both games with goaltender Sean Romeo still shelved, and beyond that, Josh Melnick and Tommy Parran will join Alfred Larsson on the sidelines. While the Phantoms will certainly miss their contributions, Noreen is looking forward to see how his team will respond to the opportunities that their absences create.

"[Parran] has been a solid top-two defenseman for us for the past few months here; him coming out of the lineup is not only going to allow for someone to come in, but for some guys who have been in to get more minutes. You're going to see some of that," said Noreen. "Obviously Josh Melnick has a pretty big role, special teams-wise and five-on-five-wise. Some guys are going to get a chance to see some increased roles, and some guys who haven't been in the lineup are going to have a chance to be in there. It's exciting to see what they're going to do with it."

One player who will be looking to seize an opportunity is newly-acquired Alex Rauter, who is expected to make his team debut after being acquired earlier in the week.

"Alex is a guy who has scored at every level before he's gotten to junior hockey," said Noreen. "Our hope is that we can get him to do that again. Our goal for Alex is to turn him into a Phantom-teach him how to compete, night in and night out, the way we want. We feel like if he can do that, then there's no doubt that he'll score and produce on the scoresheet."

Another player with perhaps something extra to prove this weekend is Josh Nenadal, who will wear the captain's 'C' for the first time in Alfred Larsson's absence.

"It's an honor," said the Phantoms' forward. "Knowing Coach's stance on how a captain's role should affect the team, he really looks highly towards guys who wear the 'C.' It's a time for a lot of guys to step up, including myself."

Game Schedule (All games EST)

Friday, Dec. 6: Phantoms vs. Steel at 7:05 p.m. - Sports Radio 1240/FASTHockey.com

Saturday, Dec. 7: Phantoms vs. Gamblers at 7:05 p.m. - Sports Radio 1240/FASTHockey.com

The fur will fly this weekend at the Covelli Centre during the Phantoms' first ever "Teddy Bear Toss Weekend" to benefit Marine Corps Toys for Tots. Fans who bring a teddy bear or other stuffed animal to the Covelli Centre box office either night can purchase Purple zone tickets at a discounted rate of just $6 and teddy bears will also be available for purchase for just $5 in the arena. Then once the Phantoms score their first goal, fans are asked to celebrate for throwing their teddy bears on the ice and all stuffed animals will be gathered and donated to Toys for Tots. For more information call 330.747.PUCK.

Single game tickets are on sale now for all Phantoms' home games at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms 10-Game Flex Plans are also available starting at the low price of just $89. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. 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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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.

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