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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Phantoms Return to Dubuque for First Time Since Playoff Series

January 30, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


DUBUQUE, Iowa - While the stakes are the same as any regular season game-two points-the Phantoms assuredly will generate some extra motivation for this weekend's two-game set.

That is because Youngstown is in Dubuque to face the Fighting Saints for the first time since the Phantoms' heartbreaking defeat in the 2013 Eastern Conference Finals.

Seven players who skated in last year's decisive Game Five remain on this year's team, as does coach Anthony Noreen, who has not forgotten the dramatic series that ended Youngstown's 2012-13 season.

"I'll be honest, I got off of the bus and walked in here this morning, and it felt like yesterday that we were here, playing in the most meaningful games of this franchise's history-definitely in my coaching, and probably even hockey career," said Noreen. "Obviously, some good memories, and some tough memories as well."

Over the course of last season's Eastern Conference Finals, Dubuque took the first two games, both at the Mystique Ice Center. Youngstown defended Covelli Centre ice to tie the series at two apiece, but the Fighting Saints won Game Five at home by a 4-0 score to advance to the Clark Cup Finals, which they eventually won over Fargo.

One of the returnees, current captain Alfred Larsson, remembered just how intense that final game was.

"It was a sold out house, and it was probably one of the loudest buildings I've ever played in," said Larsson. "Unfortunately, we lost, so I think that's going to be good fuel for us tomorrow night."

Like Noreen, Larsson had memories flow freely upon returning to the Mystique Ice Center.

"It's a lot of emotions coming back here," he said. "It was a great series that we played against Dubuque. I think we built up a pretty good battle between us throughout these one-and-a-half years, but of course, mixed emotions walking back in here today."

For another member of the Phantoms, this game marks an emotional return, but for a far different reason. Tyler Spezia skated in 23 games for Dubuque last season, while also spending some time with the Port Huron Fighting Falcons (NAHL).

"Excited would be a word to use," said Spezia on his return. "My time here was not the way I wanted, but at the same time, I learned a lot, and I met some people here that I still talk with to this day. I'm excited to come back and play in front of some friends, and hopefully come out of it with some wins."

Spezia was not a member of the playoff roster that faced Youngstown, but he is well aware of what happened between these two teams.

"It's a rivalry. You saw that last year in the playoff series. I have a lot of friends on that team, but when the puck drops, there are no friends out there. I'm excited to be a part of this rivalry because I wasn't able to participate in the playoffs last year, so that makes this a great opportunity for me."

Despite the unavoidable connection between last season's series and this weekend's games, Noreen emphasized that his team would have been plenty motivated regardless.

"There's always motivation to play a Dubuque team, the defending Clark Cup champions," said the Phantoms' coach. "No matter what sport you're in, the defending champion is always going to have a little target on its back. You know you're going to have to be your best to beat them, and they're the defending champs for a reason. We have our work cut out for us, and we're going to have to be as good as we can possibly be to have a chance here."

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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