Welcome to Youngstown seemed to be a theme for area sports teams on Saturday.  Youngstown State’s football team gave one away to Missouri State.  USHL newcomer, the Youngstown Phantoms, also played the role of cordial host after coughing up a 2-0 lead and losing 6-2 to the Indiana Ice.  It was the first game of the new franchise’s inaugural season.

Brett Gensler and Joseph Zarbo scored first period goals to give the Phantoms a 2-0 lead going into the first intermission.  Indiana then ripped off six unanswered goals over the next two periods.

The Phantoms really struggled on a couple of power play opportunities in the third period.  In fact, the puck was in their own zone more than their opponents in the last two PP chances. 

Coach Bob Mainhardt was dejected and vowed to never see this type of contagious play again.  “We know it is a long season and we have to stick to the gameplan and come together as a team.  Overall, we played an undisciplined game.  Undisciplined penalties, undisciplined in our systems, and undisciplined in our work ethic.  We won’t be embarrassed like this at home again.”

The Phantoms head West to face the Des Moines Buccaneers on Friday and then head back East a bit for a next night game at Chicago.  Both games can be heard on AM-1240 with Matt Gajtka calling the action.