The Youngstown Phantoms have reached an agreement to remain at the Covelli Centre for a fifth season, team owner Bruce J. Zoldan announced today. The agreement ensures the Phantoms will continue play and practice at the downtown Youngstown arena through the 2013-14 United States Hockey League season, and lays the groundwork for extending the franchise’s lease at the facility through future seasons.

“We are very excited to reach a resolution and continue moving forward with this season and beyond,” Zoldan said. “I would like to personally thank [Covelli Centre executive director] Eric Ryan and [Youngstown Mayor] Charles Sammarone for their commitment to our franchise, and we are eager to continue working with them as we look to begin negotiations on a new arena lease.

“I would also like to sincerely thank our fans for their unbridled passion and support for hockey in the Mahoning Valley and at the Covelli Centre. Our franchise made tremendous strides this past season and we look forward to taking the next step and bringing the Clark Cup to the city of Youngstown and this top-class facility.”

Last season under second-year head coach Anthony Noreen, the Phantoms set franchise records for wins (37) and home wins (19), and went undefeated at the Covelli Centre during the 2013 playoffs. They came within a game of advancing to the Clark Cup Finals, falling 3-2 to the eventual champion Dubuque Fighting Saints in the Eastern Conference Finals.

The Phantoms are currently holding their 2013 Selection Camp to determine their roster for the 2013-14 season at the Ice Zone in Boardman. Intrasquad games will be held Saturday, June 8 through Monday, June 10 and are free and open to the public. Visit YoungstownPhanotms.com for a full game schedule and additional information.