Phantoms Search for Franchise Firsts in the Cornhusker State
Published on October 27, 2011 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Youngstown Phantoms travel to Nebraska this weekend for a pair of games against two United States Hockey League Western Conference foes. The Phantoms (4-2-0) face off against the Tri-City Storm (3-3-0) in Kearney on Friday before wrapping up their two-game set in the Cornhusker State Saturday against the Omaha Lancers (3-2-1). The puck drops at 8:05 p.m. EST for both games.
The Phantoms saw their four-game winning streak come to an end last weekend - falling 5-4 to Team USA Saturday - two days after they recorded the franchise's first ever victory over Cedar Rapids. The Phantoms will be eager to continue that trend of franchise firsts versus the Storm and Lancers, two teams they are winless against in a combined 12 appearances over their first two seasons in the USHL.
Head Coach Anthony Noreen said that this year's Phantoms team has a whole new identity, and he relishes the opportunity to put it on display this weekend.
"For some teams, to go in and beat certain teams it's no big deal, but for us it is," he said. "We want to create our own legacy for this organization... We need to prove that we can go out west and get some wins on the road in two very hostile environments."
Tri-City enters Friday's game on the heels of its biggest offensive output of the young season, a 7-3 victory over Sioux City last Saturday. The Storm were led by a three-goal, four-point performance from forward Nick Lappin, while fellow forward Brad Schierhorn also tallied a pair in the dominant win.
Noreen said the Storm should provide a difficult test for the Phantoms defense and goaltender Matthew O'Connor, who is currently tied for the USHL lead with four wins this season.
"Going against a team like Tri-City, who we only see two times a year, is a big challenge," Noreen said. "... We're unfamiliar with them and they're unfamiliar with us. We've really got to focus on what we do well."
The Lancers made news earlier this week when they traded for Cedar Rapids defenseman Nolan Zajac, who will likely be included in the lineup against the Phantoms on Saturday. Zajac, the younger brother of New Jersey Devils center Travis Zajac, adds an offensive element to an already staunch Omaha defensive corps. Through six games, the Lancers are surrendering an average of just 1.83 goals a night.
Noreen said finding holes in the Lancers' defensive zone will be no easy task for the Phantoms high-powered offense, which is headed by the USHL's leading scorer, center Austin Cangelosi (8G-3A-11PTS).
"Against a team that gives up so little defensively there are two focuses: you've got to make sure you're not giving up anything defensively and you need to capitalize on the few offensive opportunities you do get," Noreen said. "That's what we've been working on all week in practice.
"They're getting some great goaltending, they've got a very solid back end and they've got some forwards who are responsible defensively, but can also make you pay offensively. It's going to be a really good test for us."
Single game tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Season ticket and flex plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.
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- Phantoms Search for Franchise Firsts in the Cornhusker State - Youngstown Phantoms
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