After the unpredictability of the 2009-10 season filled with coaching changes, losing streaks, and the valid excuse of being a new team, Coach Curtis Carr is demanding stability.  Defending Champion Green Bay came into town to play the role of bad guy in front of a crowded Covelli Centre audience.

The Phantoms jumped out to a 1-0 lead when Ryan Belonger connected unassisted at the 3:57 mark of the first period.  For Belonger, it was the second goal on the very young season.

The Phantoms added to their lead when Ty Loney (pictured) connected for his third goal of the season jumping the Youngstown lead to 2-0.  Jiri Sekac picked up an assist on the goal that came just 1:01 into the second period.

Green Bay cut the lead in half  when Robert Francis snuck one past Phantoms Goaltender, Matt O’Connor (below).  Francis beat O’Connor at the 8:16 mark of the second period and received an assist from Jean-Paul LaFontaine.

The Phantoms hoisted their lead to 3-1  with 13:49 left in the game.  Quinn Smith tallied his first-ever USHL goal for the Phantoms.

Green Bay made a late push and cut the lead to 3-2 late in the final period.  William Kessel found twine after taking a feed from Austin Czarnik with 4:32 left in the game.

With the win, the Phantoms improved to 4-1 on the still new season, the Gamblers dropped to 2-2-1.  These two teams will hook it up again on Sunday with a rare 5 p.m. start.

After the game Curtis Carr talked about the advantage of having back guys with some experience to start a season.  “There is no doubt, it is very beneficial to not only have guys back with experience, but also guys who have good character and have played together.  The only thing I saw that we need to work on is to come out looser.  We came out sluggish and tight because of the jitters and pressure of playing Green Bay, last year’s champion.”