Phantoms return to action
February 1, 2007 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - The nine days of rest have done a lot of good for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
Enjoying its longest break of the season, the Phantoms return to North American Hockey League action on Feb. 2-3 when they travel to Traverse City, Mich. to face the North Stars at Centre I.C.E. Arena. Face-off both nights is at 7 p.m. and will be webcast on www.mvpphantoms.com.
"There are always pros and cons when you have time off," Phantoms Coach Bob Mainhardt said. "This will be a good challenge for our team, considering we haven't had this long of a break between games all season."
The first-place Phantoms, 32-10-1 for 65 points, are on a four-game winning streak heading into Traverse City. They have won their last nine match-ups against the North Stars.
Not only did the Phantoms recharge their batteries with the time off, but it gave them time to further mend injuries.
Defenseman Trent Bonnett, left wing Mike Fillinger and defenseman Eric Ringel have all been cleared to play. Mainhardt said he will decide prior to both games if any or all will be inserted into the line up.
On Tuesday, Bonnett, who has missed the last 11 games, had wires removed from his jaw, which was broken in two places on Dec. 20. Fillinger has missed eight games since partially tearing his left trapezius muscle on Dec. 28. Ringel suffered a concussion on Jan. 13 and has missed the last five contests.
Traverse City, 15-24-5 for 35 points, sits in fourth place in the North Division, one point behind Marquette for third place and three points ahead the U.S. National Team for the final playoff spot in the division.
Mainhardt said he expects the North Stars to play hard, especially given their position in the standings.
"We've been in Traverse City's position before when it comes to fighting for a playoff spot," Mainhardt said. "The nice thing about our division is that it always comes down to the wire and everyone is at the top of their game."
The Phantoms bolstered their net minding with the addition of goaltender Jon Morrow to their roster. Morrow, a native of Romeo, Mich., is no stranger to the Phantoms. Last season, he played for Alpena.
"Actually, I've watched Jon play for quite a few years, going back to Midget Hockey," Mainhardt said. "He's a good veteran goalie, and we're happy to have him."
The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company- Phantom Fireworks, which is headquartered in Youngstown, Ohio.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 1, 2007
- Rangers on the Road in the Right Direction - Marquette Rangers
- U.S. Nat'l Under-17 team Shuts Out Alpena, 3-0 - U.S. National Team
- Phantoms return to action - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- IceDiggers host three more this weekend - Alpena IceDiggers
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