Phantoms return to league action against Alpena
Published on January 4, 2007 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio - After splitting a pair of international exhibition games over the holiday season, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms return to North American Hockey League action this weekend when they host the Alpena (Mich.) Ice Diggers on Jan. 5-6 at the Ice Zone in Boardman. Face-off both nights is at 7 p.m.
The Phantoms look to continue a new winning streak on Friday. They saw their 19-game winning streak snapped in Marquette (Mich.) against the Rangers by a score of 3-2 on Dec. 22. Mahoning Valley bounced back for a 5-1 win the following night.
"It won't take much to fire up either team this weekend," Coach Bob Mainhardt said. "Considering where we both are in the standings, it will certainly be a playoff atmosphere."
The Ice Diggers are coming off a home-and-home series with the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars on Dec. 30-31, where both teams won on home ice by identical scores.
Traverse City won 5-4 in an overtime shootout on Saturday at Centre I.C.E. Arena, while Alpena gained a split of the series the next day with a 5-4 regulation win at Northern Lights Arena.
By winning 20 of their last 21 games, the Phantoms, 26-8-1 for 53 points, have jumped into first place in the North Division, building a five-point lead over Alpena, 23-8-2 for 48 points.
"For us, Alpena has become our biggest rival," left wing Brent Dexter said. "We still play them twelve more times this year, but we're very familiar with each other and that will only make us work harder."
In four previous meetings, Mahoning Valley has outscored Alpena 20-9 in winning each match-up.
Following this weekend's series, the Phantoms and Ice Diggers will square off in Alpena next weekend, Jan. 13-14. The outcome of these next four games could impact the standings in the North Division.
"We recognize the importance of these next two weekends," Mainhardt said. "The team that wants it more will likely gain the upper hand."
Though their 19-game winning streak is behind them, the Phantoms are a perfect 12-0 at the Ice Zone this season. Friday's contest marks the first of 17 remaining home games through Mar. 31.
Center Dustin Cloutier is the most productive scorer in the NAHL over his last 10 games. Over that span, he has 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points. Only Ryan Fuller of the Texas Tornado has more goals (11) than Cloutier over that period. Fuller is second in points to Cloutier with 17 in his last 10 games.
"Dustin has been a model of consistency since he's arrived," Mainhardt said. "He wins face-offs, kills penalties and can be counted on in any situation. Our goal is to see Dustin play at the collegiate level next season and he's making good strides towards that."
Tickets for both games are available at the Ice Zone ticket booth, located at 360 McClurg Rd. in Boardman, or by calling (330) 965-1423. Prices range from $6.00-$9.00 dollars.
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 January 4, 2007
- Phantoms return to league action against Alpena - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Rangers ready for second half of season - Marquette Rangers
- Alpena in Toledo for exhibition - Alpena IceDiggers
- Rudasill heads to Ohio State - Alpena IceDiggers
- Bobcats play tonight - Bismarck Bobcats
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