Phantoms Sweep Weekend Series against Dubuque
Published on January 16, 2016 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The Youngstown Phantoms kicked off a crucial stretch of January games with a weekend sweep of the conference leading Dubuque Fighting Saints. Youngstown topped the Fighting Saints 5-2 Saturday night, behind a pair of goals from Alex Esposito and Cam Morrison.
"We feel like we're rolling now with three straight wins. We're a confident group right now and we just need to keep this momentum going," Esposito said.
The Phantoms struck first, taking advantage of a Dubuque defensive zone turnover. Connor Moore got the puck in the high slot and his initial shot was saved by Jaxon Castor, but Moore gathered his own rebound and beat Castor to get Youngstown on the board.
Dubuque would equalize late in the first frame, behind Petter Makitalo's eighth tally of the season. Cam Morrison would give Youngstown the lead back just 15 seconds later, a lead they would never relinquish.
Alex Esposito came out flying in the second period, scoring a pair of goals to give the Phantoms a 4-1 advantage. Cam Morrison would add his second of the game and 19th of the year, powering Youngstown to a 5-1 advantage after 40 minutes.
"We played our game this weekend and really showed what kind of team we are. If we keep playing like that, the wins will keep coming," said Morrison.
Spencer Young would record the only goal of the final frame, his second of the season. Phantoms goaltender Ryan Bednard turned aside 31 of 33 Fighting Saints shot attempts.
The Phantoms will be back in action in just two days, traveling to Michigan on Monday for a matinee matchup against Team USA. Puck drop is set for 2 p.m.
United States Hockey League Stories from January 16, 2016
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- Late Explosion Catapults Storm, 6-3, over Bucs - Tri-City Storm
- Special Teams Key in Lancers' 5-3 Win over Stampede - Omaha Lancers
- Stars Drop Close Game to Fargo, 1-0 - Lincoln Stars
- Gamblers Rebound in Madison - Green Bay Gamblers
- Phantoms Sweep Weekend Series against Dubuque - Youngstown Phantoms
- Quick Strikes Overpower Fighting Saints - Dubuque Fighting Saints
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- Thunder Roll to Third Straight - Bloomington Thunder
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