Three-Goal First Not Enough as Team USA Edges Phantoms
March 23, 2014 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - The Phantoms put a scare into Team USA with a three-goal opening frame, but eventually fell on Sunday afternoon at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube by a 5-3 final.
Youngstown's strong start came as a result of hard work against a strong opponent, according to head coach Anthony Noreen. Team USA fielded their U18 side for the Sunday matinee, but bolstered it with select additions from their U17 squad. Although the Phantoms led 3-1 in the first, Team USA got one back before the first intermission, and took the lead in the second period before adding an empty netter to win by two.
"Essentially, you're now playing an all-star team of their two teams combined together, with their best guys pulled up," explained Noreen. "They don't give you much. If you give them an inch, they're going to make something happen, and you saw that. They were very opportunistic. I thought we were too. I thought we did a very good job. It was a good hockey game, one that could have gone either way, and unfortunately we found ourselves on the wrong side of it."
Although Louis Belpedio opened the scoring for Team USA, the Phantoms ran off three straight goals to go ahead by two in the first period. Alfred Larsson tallied on the power play to tie the game, Luke Stork scored on a centering pass after strong board work from Trey Bradley, and Kyle Connor extended his franchise record for points in a season by getting point number 68 on goal number 27, giving the Phantoms a 3-1 lead.
Still, Team USA, loaded with talent, got one back before the first intermission, and slowly edged out the Phantoms over the final 40 minutes, scoring twice in the second to take a 4-3 lead that they would not relinquish.
The Phantoms were playing their third game in three days, with Team USA's U18 squad only having played last night. Noreen thought that fatigue might have played a part in the home team's ability to come back and seal the game down the stretch, but cautioned that his team put forth an incredible effort.
"We were tired, there's no doubt about it, but I don't think we slowed down," said Noreen. "I don't think it affected our compete level. I don't think it affected our skating. It's one of those things where you mentally fight through it, and I thought we did a good job of that."
Youngstown valiantly tried to find an equalizer in the third, but came up just inches short against Team USA and goaltender Edwin Minney.
"[Generating chances] is not easy to do against that team," continued Noreen. "They're deep, they're big, and they're strong. We had a couple of chances down the stretch, they got some saves, and again, I don't think it was a lack of effort or even a lack of execution. It was just the result of playing a really good hockey team."
The Phantoms' impressive effort on the back end of the three-in-three came in front of an enormous crowd of scouts, most of whom were on hand for the National Team Development Program tryout camp, which is occurring this weekend at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
"Pretty much every NHL team and every college team is in the building. That's reality for these guys," said Noreen. "You never know who's going to be in the stands. I thought it was a good display from most of our guys individually, and as a team, we showed what we're made of."
The scouts were treated to another example of the Phantoms' progression. While they came up a goal shy on Sunday, they gave the U18 team another strong game, on the heels of doing the same to Eastern Conference-leading Indiana the night before.
"We're getting better, and the challenge is to keep getting better," said Noreen. "That's what this level is about, to keep progressing, and to keep moving forward no matter what the result says. As a team, we got better. Last night, we got better as a team, and we got better today. We have to go get better tomorrow, and keep working."
Next on the Slate
Youngstown will return to the Covelli Centre for a traditional Friday/Saturday doubleheader against the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders. Both games are scheduled to start at 7:05 pm.
Single game tickets are on sale now for all Phantoms' home games at the Covelli Centre. Phantoms 10-Game Flex Plans are also available starting at the low price of just $89. Call 330.747.PUCK (7825) for more information or to reserve seats today. For all the latest news, visit www.YoungstownPhantoms.com, follow the Phantoms on Twitter (@YtownPhantoms) and "Ëlike' them on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/YoungstownPhantoms).
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United States Hockey League Stories from March 23, 2014
- Stampede Blank Stars for Fifth Straight Win - Sioux Falls Stampede
- McHugh's Tally Helps Saints Clinch Playoff Spot Sunday - Dubuque Fighting Saints
- Three-Goal First Not Enough as Team USA Edges Phantoms - Youngstown Phantoms
- Ice Speeds past Muskegon, into Anderson Cup Lead - Indiana Ice
- Early Start from Indiana Trips Muskegon in Special Teams Duel - Muskegon Lumberjacks
- 18 Former Stampede Players to Skate in NCAA Tournament - Sioux Falls Stampede
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