Phantoms Return With Lofty Goals for 08-09
September 4, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, OH (Thursday, September 4th, 2008) - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are back in Youngstown, and they're getting ready for the 2008-2009 season with big goals in mind.
"I expect nothing less than to get back in the National Championship this season," says second-year Phantom forward Kyle Verbeek.
Last season, the Phantoms took second place in the North American Hockey League's Robertson Cup finals to then divisional rival St. Louis Bandits, 5-2. It was the Phantoms second consecutive trip to the league national finals and their second runner-up finish. The team is using last year's second place results as motivation this year.
"For the guys that tasted it, it just makes you want the championship cup that much more. I think the younger guys are going to feed off that," explains Robert Harrison, who is entering his third season as a Phantoms defenseman.
Third-year forward Johnny Meo agrees, adding, "We're definitely using our second place finish as motivation. We make it pretty clear [to the new players] that we want to be the top dogs this year."
While the future is on the minds of all the Phantoms, the players are feeling good about the present-namely the first couple weeks of practice for the new season. The team reported to Boardman's Ice Zone in late August and spent the weekend of the 23rd at Camp Stambaugh in Canfield for a series of team building exercises.
"It feels great to get right back into the swing of things and meet all the new guys," says second-year Phantom forward Stefan Salituro.
Goalie Garrett Bartus, entering his third season as a Phantom, likes what he sees so far. "It looks like a lot of good talent is coming in with this new group of players. I'm really excited to see what can happen," says Bartus.
For some players, the Youngstown homecoming is becoming old hat.
"For guys like me, Bartus and Meo, this is our third year here in the Mahoning Valley. It's my home. It's nice to be out there," says Harrison, who hails from Lakeville, Michigan.
The Phantoms will play a preseason exhibition game at the home ice of the Motor City Machine in Brownstown, Michigan, on Saturday before opening the season against the Owatonna (MN) Express at the NAHL Showcase September 17th in Blaine, Minnesota.
North American Hockey League Stories from September 4, 2008
- Phantoms Return With Lofty Goals for 08-09 - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Bobcats get ready for the '08-'09 season - Bismarck Bobcats
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