Phantoms Sweep Weekly League Honors
Published on March 2, 2009 under North American Hockey League (NAHL)
Mahoning Valley Phantoms News Release
FRISCO, TX (Monday, March 2nd, 2009) - Following a sweep of Detroit's Motor City Machine last weekend, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms swept the North American Hockey League's weekly awards on Monday.
The league named David Chaney the Sherwood NAHL North Division Player of the Week while Garrett Bartus secured GDI / NAHL Goalie of the Week honors on Monday.
Chaney's award comes on the heels of his first hat trick as a Phantom on Saturday night as Mahoning Valley dumped the Machine by a final of 9-3. The Shelby Township, MI, native also registered two assists in the series, finishing with five points in two games against Motor City.
Chaney credits his offensive outburst to an improved power play attack by the Phantoms.
"[The hat trick] was thanks to a good team-wide effort," says the first-year defenseman. "Our special teams were really good last weekend and I benefitted from it."
The Phantoms finished 8-for-14 on the power play in Detroit; Chaney scored twice with the man advantage.
He becomes only the second blueliner to receive the North Division hardware this season and the first since Marquette's Ryan McGrath got the nod on October 27th.
The Phantoms have now captured eight Player of the Week honors this season, including six in 2009.
Bartus' award follows his two-win outing against the Machine. It marks his first Goalie of the Week decoration of the season after five different stints on the honorable mention list.
"It's definitely a great honor to get this week's award," says Bartus, "but the big thing is getting the wins while we're making the playoff push."
The third-year Phantom made 65 saves in the weekend series against Motor City, including 44 in Saturday's 9-3 win, and improved his record to 11-6-3 on the season.
Bartus admits that his offense posting 17 goals in front of him put him in the right frame of mind all weekend long.
"When the 'O' is out there putting up numbers like they did," says the veteran netminder, "it makes it a lot easier for me to relax and have some fun in net."
The Phantoms now enjoy a bye weekend before they resume the stretch run on Friday, March 13th, when they open a three-game series against second-place Traverse City at the Chevrolet Centre. The game is scheduled for a 7:15 PM puck drop.
The contest will be broadcast locally on ESPN Radio 1240, WBBW-AM, and worldwide at MVPPhantoms.com via B2 Networks. The pregame show will begin at 7:00 PM.
Phantoms individual game tickets are on sale at the Phantom Box Office at the Ice Zone. Call (330) 965-7500 for more information.
North American Hockey League Stories from March 2, 2009
- Gaffney Named NAHL South Division Player Of The Week - Springfield Jr. Blues
- Wenatchee celebrates first sellout with sweep - NAHL
- Phantoms Sweep Weekly League Honors - Mahoning Valley Phantoms
- Wildcats Split With Alaska - Wichita Falls Wildcats
- Brodhag One Goal Away from Franchise Record - North Iowa Outlaws
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