Phantoms Split Weekend With Stars
February 18, 2008 - North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
BOARDMAN, Ohio (Monday, February 18, 2008) - Coming off of successive upset victories and two weeks of rest, the Traverse City North Stars looked to be the fresher team this weekend at the Ice Zone, earning three of a possible four points from the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
The Phantoms started the weekend off strong, jumping out to a 4-1 lead through the first 45 minutes of Friday's game. Two quick tallies, however, by the Stars' Kyle Bonis and the game-tying goal off the stick of Kory Kaunisto with just 25 seconds left, forced the game into extra time.
Grant Blakey, Brent Dexter and Chad Boeckman each slotted shootout goals, as the Phantoms finally prevailed 5-4 to earn two points in the North Division standings.
"We just had about three really bad defensive breakdowns," said Phantoms assistant coach Curtis Carr about Friday's game. "Unfortunately, when we had those breakdowns, Traverse City found a way score the goals. As a whole though, we were pretty happy, and we played a pretty good game."
Carl Nielsen, in his first game back from a two week injury, collected a pair of helpers in Friday's win - his first points since coming to the Phantoms in January.
"Part of the reason we went after Carl Nielsen is because he has the ability to put up some numbers," says Carr. "Most of it is generated from his shot from the point, he's very good at getting it through, he generates a lot of rebounds, and creates offensive opportunities in front of the net."
Two of the Phantoms' most recent contributors, Nick Kenney (goal, assist) and Kyle Bailey (two assists), also had multi-point nights.
"Nick Kenney is probably one of the hardest working guys we have in our locker room," said Carr. "Kyle Bailey is just a smart hockey player and he's been working hard. Those two guys have been doing a lot for us and it is finally paying off."
Goaltender Garrett Bartus stopped 32 shots for his 18th win of the season.
The Stars started Saturday's game the same way they ended the third period Friday, jumping out to a 4-0 lead through two periods, en route to a 4-2 win. Nathan Urbaniak led the way, scoring two goals to go along with two assists for Traverse City.
Mahoning Valley did not get the engine running until the third period when Kyle Verbeek put home his sixth of the year, and Kenney his fifth, but the comeback stalled there. Boeckman was the team's leading scorer, notching two assists.
"Traverse City came in here as a team that was fighting for their playoff life and they played playoff type hockey," said Carr after Saturday's game. "Give them all the credit in the world - they outworked us, outperformed us, out-executed us - they were just a better team."
Phantoms' defenseman Denny Kramarz saw his first action since suffering a high ankle sprain in November. With Robert Harrison and Adam Snead out with injuries, and Eric Ringel receiving a game misconduct, Kramarz was one of only four defensemen the Phantoms had available late in Saturday's game.
By going 2 for 16 with the man-advantage this weekend, the Phantoms have now scored a powerplay goal in five straight games. Traverse City went a combined 4 for 14 on the powerplay, and has gone 7 for 25 over their last four games - helping them to a 3-0-1 record in that span.
Immediately after the weekend was finished, Bartus, Boeckman, Ringel, Derek Graham, Miles Winter, and head coach Bob Mainhardt headed to Ann Arbor, Mich. to play three exhibition all-star games at the NAHL Top Prospects Tournament that began Sunday.
When those six return after the conclusion of the tournament on Tuesday, the second place Phantoms (27-14-4, 58 points) will begin gearing up for a pair of showdowns this coming weekend against the first place St. Louis Bandits (37-8-2, 76 points).
In the only other games this weekend involving NAHL North Division teams, the third place Alpena Ice Diggers (26-15-4, 56 points) and the Bandits each earned an overtime win against each other.
Game time in St. Louis is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Catch the Phantoms live webcasts on www.mvpphantoms.com. The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are owned by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.
North American Hockey League Stories from February 18, 2008
- U.S. National Under-18 Team Rolls to 8-2 Win Over NAHL South All Stars - U.S. National Team
- McCusker named Player of the Week - Alpena IceDiggers
- NAHL announces top prospects jersey auction - NAHL
- Phantoms Split Weekend With Stars - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Jets weekly - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
- Jets name players of the week - Fargo-Moorhead Jets
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