USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Pre-Season Clash with Chicago Steel

Published on September 10, 2010 under United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Phantoms are gearing up for the 2010-11 season and competitive play is finally underway this coming Saturday. The Chicago Steel make the trip for a 7:30 p.m. start against the Phantoms at the Ice Zone in Boardman. The game will be open and free to the public.

This first test for the Phantoms will not only be an opportunity for the fans to see what each player can bring to the squad, but for Head Coach Curtis Carr as well.

"This first game is a chance to evaluate the teams work ethic," said Carr. "It is our first opportunity to evaluate each player's fundamentals and playing habits. It is also a great opportunity to raise everyone's competitive play."

The transition to the USHL level can be a difficult one. For incoming defenseman Chris Bradley, it will be a combination of the nerves and the level of play that will take some getting use to.

"Adjusting to the speed of the game will be the most difficult," says Bradley. "Adjusting to that speed will be the area where I will improve most during this season. The nerves will also come into play, I will be thinking about this game all (Friday) night. After the first couple of shifts I will be able to settle in."

For Assistant Coach Anthony Noreen, the transition to the USHL bench can actually be an easier than college, thanks in part to the pre-season.

"The pre-season allows the coaching staff to adjust just as much as the players," says Noreen. "During my college coaching career, there was not a pre-season, you had to hit the ground running. Here, it is very different we will have the ability to adjust and analyze our entire team before the games count against our record."

For returning defenseman Dan Senkbeil, this first game allows the returning players the chance to get their legs back under them.

"We know what to expect," says Senkbeil. "With a year under our belts we are used to the speed and the level of play. It is important that we lead by example for the younger guys."

For Head Coach Carr there are no nerves heading into Saturday night.

"This is a minor step in our season," says Carr. "Our team has the chance to get the jitters out of the way and focus on their level of play. The game allows us to achieve little things with the focus being on the bigger picture."

Season, partial, and group tickets for the 2010-11 season are available now. Premium packages start as low as $264 for all 30 home games. As a season ticket holder you receive invites to Season Ticket Holder events, Playoff Ticket Priority, and many other great benefits. For more info, call 330-747-7825. For the complete schedule, please visit www.youngstownphantoms.com

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United States Hockey League Stories from September 10, 2010


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