Archive for the ‘Phantoms’ Category

The Youngstown Phantoms returned to action following a ten-day layoff, a mandatory break that the USHL takes each year for the Christmas Holiday.  The Phanoms unwrapped a 4-3 win over the visiting Waterloo Black Hawks before a good crowd at the Covelli Centre as Jordan Tibbett made 41 saves and Jefferson Dahl was a kneepad shy of a hat trick.

The return to the ice was without Coach Bob Mainhardt who drew a one-game suspension from league headquarters for his outburst in a 9-3 loss against Team USA.  Associate Coach and Director of Player Personnel, Curt Carr, played top banana for an evening, a role he is quite capable of.

Mainhardt spoke of his brief vacation.  “I got three days off, seemed like an eternity.  It was very nice to get some time in with the family, but it’s a little bit painful to watch the game and not have much input as to what is going on.  It reinforces some thoughts and brings up other things I may not have seen before. I’ll be back on the bench for the next game.”

The Phantoms struck first as Jefferson Dahl collected a shorthanded goal at the 8:40 mark of the first period. The goal was Dahl’s tenth of the season and eighth time the Phantoms connected with the other team holding a numbers advantage on the season.  Dahl stayed hot as this goal marked the fifth game in a row he has hit the back of the opponents netting.

Dahl’s shorthanded score would stand as the lone goal of the first period. The Phantoms were outshot 13-9 in the opening period thanks in part to Waterloo drawing four penalties against the Phantoms. Despite the penalties, Youngstown, behind Jordan Tibbett, was able to keep the Black Hawks off of the scoreboard.

The Phantoms would tally again at the 10:41 mark of the second period courtesy of Tom Serratore. Serratore’s goal was assisted by Dahl and David Donnellan and was a successful powerplay conversion. Serratore beat Waterloo goaltender CJ Motte with a short-range blast for his eighth goal of the season.

At the 16:30 mark of the second period, Dahl collected his second goal of the evening. Dahl was assisted by Stuart Higgins and Richard Young on the even-strength score, which put Youngstown up 3-0.

Waterloo managed to score at the 18:39 mark of the second period on their own powerplay goal to cut the lead to 3-1. Brock Monpetit capitalized for Waterloo with assistes from Nick Sorkin and Soren Jonzzon.

Scott Mayfield connected on another powerplay goal for the Phantoms at the 9:01 mark of the third period to regain the three goal lead. Goalee Jordan Tibbett picked up the rare offensive assist on Mayfield’s fifth of the year.

Jonzzon cut the lead to 4-2 at the 10:12 mark of the third with an even-strength goal. The assists went to Nick Ebert and Jamie Hill as the Black Hawks showed no signs of throwing in the towel.

The Black Hawks again scored to cut the fast-evaporating lead to 4-3. Ebert connected from 10 feet as Tibbett had already stopped over 40 shots in the game but could not stop the rocket fired by Ebert.

The Phantoms held on to improve to 13-11-2 on the season. Waterloo dipped to 9-15-1. Tibbett stopped 44 shots in garnering the win between the pipes. Goodness, nothing is easy.

Jefferson Dahl, who will play hockey for Wisconsin next season, is on a roll.  “Before Christmas break, we kind of went into a slump, so it felt real good to win the first game back after the break.  I am on a great line and have had good chances.  It just felt great to help get a win.”

Richard Young Tilt-O-Meter:

Coming Into 12/29 Game: 118 Penalty Minutes (Leads USHL)

Following 12/29 Game: 120 Penalty Minutes

Young was a jovial host during warmups as he chatted it up with members of the visiting Waterloo Black Hawks.  He was almost surely filled with some leftover Christmas spirit.

The peaceful and festive Richard Young that we are unaccustomed to was gone by the time the third period began as Young picked up a two-minute minor at the 5:02 mark.  However, that would be it.  Merry Christmas, Waterloo.

The first conversation I ever had with Luke Eibler took place in the elevator at The Covelli Centre before a Youngstown Phantoms game.  Granted, there are not many things you can talk about with someone you do not know when descending one floor in an elevator.  However, one floor on that elevator is like ten floors on a normal one, it has to be one of the world’s slowest.  I had seen this guy the night before wearing a suit and filming the game.  I assumed he was a paid member of the Phantoms video team.  The next night, as I struck up some matter-of-a-fact conversation, the young man informed me that he couldn’t wait to get back on the ice.  The guy I met that night has always smiled and said hello since, drawn praise from his coaches and fellow Phantoms, and is probably the most humble athlete (with amazing upside) I have ever spoken with.  That young man is Luke Eibler, and here are the highlights of our recent talk.

Paneech:  Talk about how you first got into playing hockey.

Eibler:  My father was never really big, so when I was about two years old he put me on the ice figuring I didn’t have to be huge to skate or play hockey.  I have been playing hockey since, and I really love the sport.

Paneech:  Talk about your future at Northeastern University and beyond.

Eibler:  I’m excited about Northeastern.  They have great coaching and there are alot of guys who can really play the game attending that school.  Three years ago they only won three games and last year they won 25.  If by some chance I got drafted, I would want to go to college for a couple of years.  As an NHL defenseman, I would need to bulk up a bit, I’m just not big enough yet.

Paneech:  How did you end up in a Phantoms uniform?

Eibler:  Last year I played for Victory Honda.  I played in a few tournaments and did well.  In the Futures Draft, Indiana picked me and I got traded to Youngstown six days before training camp.  Me and [Scott] Mayfield got traded to the Phantoms for Nick Madsen. 

Paneech:  Tell me how you injured your shoulder and how you are dealing with returning.

Eibler:  I have hurt it twice.  The first time, Nick Czinder hit me over the bench at practice.  I broke a bone and was out for three weeks.  I came back, played a few games, and my AC joint in the same shoulder got messed up and I missed a couple more weeks.  It really hurt a couple of weeks ago, but it feels 100% now.  I am hitting with my left shoulder more.  I feel like I get more power when I skate off of my right foot and deliver a blow with my left shoulder.

Paneech:  What is a harder skill, checking or digging the puck out of a crowd?

Eibler:  Coming up to a guy, you always want to lead with your stick to poke the puck out and then follow through with your body afterwards. 

Paneech:  Describe the living situation.  Do you guys all stay with a host family?

Eibler:  We all live with host families.  You either live with another player or by yourself.  Some people live with two other guys.  They [host families] have rooms for us.  I live by myself in Poland.  It is a very different experience because I have never lived with another family before.  I am already graduated, so I will go work out and be on the ice until at least 3:30 pretty much every single day.

Paneech:  Coach Mainhardt talks about “sticking to the gameplan” and is awfully frustrated after you guys lose usually saying someone did not follow instructions.  How do these people get sidetracked?

Eibler:  Sometimes guys can get off of the gameplan.  Most of the time we try to stick to what the coaches are telling us.  You have to forecheck and backcheck.  If you stick to the system, you win more than you lose.  When guys do their own thing like skating out of lines or throwing the puck around, it creates turnovers , 2-on-1, and 3-on-2 situations.

 

Paneech:  What are your statistical goals for the year?

Eibler:  If I could put up 20 points I would be happy.  As a defenseman, you are looking to pass more than shoot and my stats are pretty uneven right now.  I have three powerplay goals, but I do not look for shots too often.  All of these guys have pretty good skills, but the forwards are much more skilled than the defenseman are.  If we can hit them with a breakout pass or catch them wide, it lets them do their work.  Sometimes defenseman shoot and the forwards crash the net.

Paneech:  Explain all of the stuff I see going on behind the curtain and before a game.  I have seen people sprinting, throwing Nerf balls around, soccer balls flying,  and playing hackey-sack.  Are these things to keep your mind free or loosen you up before a game?

Eibler:  They are just warmup activities to keep the guys loose.  You have to go into the game loose.  You have to be focused, but you also have to be loose.  You never want to go into a game uptight.

One Word Answers

Favorite Meal Of The Day:  Dinner.

Favorite TV Show:  Family Guy.

Favorite NHL Player:  Joe Sakic.

Biggest Phobia:  Feet.

Worst Habit:  Taking a game too seriously.

Favorite Toy As A Child:  My bow and arrow.

Favorite Musician:  Kenny Chesney.

Favorite Holiday:  Christmas.

Favorite Soft Drink:  Arizona Iced Tea (Tropical).

Other Sport You Watch Besides Hockey:  College Football.

A Couple Of Words That Describe Coach Mainhardt:  Good Guy.

*** A note of interest.  Eibler grew up near Ann Arbor, Michigan.  When I asked the one-word answer about a sport besides hockey to which he responded ‘college football’, I was forced to ask, and yes Youngstown, I am sorry to inform you that he is a Michigan fan. 

It was a rematch of opening night and the first meeting since for the two competing squads.  The Youngstown Phantoms were leading that game 2-0 before the Indiana Ice overpowered the expansion hosts, who ended up losing 6-2.  Thursday, there had to be revenge on the minds of the Phantoms.

Revenge would have to wait as Indiana shut out Youngstown, 3-0.  Goaltender Cab Morris was on his game and held the Phantoms scoreless to earn his third shutout of the season.  The Phantoms actually outshot the Ice, but Jordan Tibbett came out on the short end of the stick despite one of his best efforts of the year for the Phantoms. 

Each team had a couple of powerplay chances in the first period, but no one managed to score a goal.  It marked only the third time that Youngstown played a scoreless first period this season. 

At the 7:43 mark of the second period, Bryon Paulazzo scored his sixth of the season to put the Ice up 1-0.  Picking up assists on the goal were Nic Dowd and Max Cook.  The Paulazzo goal would end up being the lone score of the game after two periods. 

Paulazzo connected again in the third period, this time on the powerplay.  Paulazzo was assisted by Cook in scoring his second goal of the game at the 6:45 mark of the third period.

For the Ice, Cab Morris was trying for his third shutout of the season between the pipes.  At the 17:22 mark, John Parker  took a pass from Alexander Kuqali to put the Ice ahead 3-0.   All that was left to determine at this point in the game was whether or not Morris could blank the Phantoms.

Morris turned away 22 Phantoms shots to earn his third shutout of the season.  Tibbett faced 20 Ice shots and stopped 17.

With the victory, the Ice climbed to 13-8-1 and the Phantoms fell to 10-9-2.  The Phantoms take to the road and head to Michigan to play Team USA on Friday and Saturday.  All of the action from both games can be heard on AM-1240 with Matt Gajtka calling ’em like he sees ’em.

This was not the way Coach Bob Mainhardt wanted to start the three-day stretch of games.  “We lost too many one-on-one battles tonight and they [Indiana] just wanted it more.  It’s obviously not how we wanted to start this stretch, but we will have to bounce back and show some maturity.  We know we will have to play better if we are going to het a couple of wins against Team USA”.

 

Richard Young Tilt-O-Meter:

Coming into 12/10 game vs Indiana:  114 Penalty Minutes (USHL Leader).

After 12/10 game vs Indiana:  116 Minutes.

In the first period, Young actually drew a penalty against the visiting Ice and almost blew his stack, but was restrained before the gloves could fly.  Indiana had the second lowest penalty minute total in the league coming into Youngstown.  Young picked up a two minute minor in the third period for roughing, but no takers on scrapping.

The Youngstown Phantoms stretched their regular season record to 4-0 against the Chicago Steel.  Matt Mahalak gave up one late goal which spoiled his shutout bid, but the offense had enough to get him the win in taking down the Steel 3-1 in a game marred by a mele for the ages in the third period. Tom Serratore (pictured), the #1 Star of The Game had a goal and an assist.

The Phantoms got on the scoreboard first at the 16:35 mark of the first period as Taylor Holstrom connected just to Chicago Goaltender Nick Pisellini’s stick side.  Holstrom’s sixth on the season was assisted by Brett Gensler and Ben Paulides.  The goal would be the only score by either team in the first period and the Phantoms would take a 1-0 lead to the locker room for intermission.  The 16 shots on goal that the Phantoms took in the first period tied their season-high, an accomplishment met twice earlier this season.

There was no scoring in the second period.  Chicago had two powerplay chances and Youngstown had one, but nobody could find the nets.  The Steel outshot the Phantoms 11-5 in the period as Matt Mahalak was stellar between the pipes for Youngstown.

At exactly the 10 minute mark, Adam Berkle got his second goal in as many nights.  The goal by Berkle, which extended the Phantoms lead to 2-0, was assisted by Tom Serratore and Brian Dowd. 

All hell broke loose when Stuart Higgins and Alex Simonson were set to draw at the right faceoff circle in the Phantoms zone and  Simonson opted to sucker punch Higgins instead of trying to win the draw which prompted a pier six brawl with 9:01 left in the game.  Ryan Jasinsky was sent off for a ten-minute major minute fighting penalty.    Richard Young picked up another five for fighting penalty, an automatic ejection because it was his second fight on the evening.  Newcomer Jiri Sekac even got tossed but surely gained the respect of his new Phantoms mates.

At the 15:24 mark of the third, Mark Anthione broke up the Mahalak shutout bid with a goal.  Jake Chelios and Andrei Kuchin picked up assists on the goal that cut the Phantoms lead to just a 2-1 margin.

With 3:26 left in the game, the Phantoms Tom Serratore answered off of a nice pass from Nick Czinder.  For Serratore, it was his fifth on the year and Czinder picked up his fifth assist of the season to reclaim a two goal lead for the Youngstown Phantoms which is how this one would end.

Coach Bob Mainhardt was very satisfied.  “These last two nights were probably the best 120 minutes of hockey we played.  Give credit to Matt Mahalak, the kid will be an NHL goaltender someday.  I was happy with the complete effort we got tonight.”

Mahalak praised his defense.  “They were diving and blocking shots, I was able to see everything that I stopped and that is a credit to the team.  We are really starting to pick it up.  We knew who their shooters were with Anthione and Wolfe, and what our defense wasn’t blocking I was able to stop for the most part.” 

    

Richard Young Tilt-O-Meter:

Coming into 12/5 Chicago game:  94 Penalty Minutes (USHL Leader)

After the 12/5 Chicago game:  104 Penalty Minutes

A trend with Richard Young has been developing over the past few games.  Behave for the first two periods and go nuts in the third.  Tonight was no exception as Young and Charlie Thauwald dropped the gloves for a second consecutive night.  There were no cheap WWE takedowns in this one as Young and Thauwald traded punches with Young landing the big blow in the end.  The result was five more minutes in the box for the USHL leader in penalty minutes.  Young was ejected for a second fight giving him ten minutes on the evening.  Young spoke after the game saying, “Gotta give the people what they want.  They want to see a fight, they like the hitting, and we delivered tonight with both.”

For some reason, the Chicago Steel (10-8-3)are ahead of the Youngstown Phantoms (9-8-2) in the standings but can never seem to get by them on the ice. The Phantoms used timely third period heroics to take the verdict, 6-4. Luke Eibler (pictured) hit a game winner and Jefferson Dahl put it away with an empty netter.

The Steel did not take long, 1:30 into the first period to be exact, to put a goal on the board. Mark Anthione beat Jordan Tibbett with a wrist shot. Anthione was assisted by Sahir Gill and Patrick Raley on the quick goal.

The first period ended with Chicago ahead 1-0. Both teams had three powerplay chances each but neither could capitalize. Chicago outshot Youngstown 11-7 and both goalies, Tibbett for Youngstown and Nick Pisellini for Chicago, made a couple of nice saves to keep the scoring down.

Adam Berkle took less than a minute to score the tying goal on a nice feed from Tom Serratore. The goal, scored at the 19:02 mark of the second period was Berkle’s fifth of the year.

David Donnellan gave the Phantoms a short-lived 2-1 lead at 2:55 into the second period. Donnellan was assisted by Dan Senkbeil on the go-ahead score.

Jake Chelios, son of future NHL Hall of Famer  Chris Chelios, scored from about 50 feet away as the puck was curving and bouncing and somehow got past Tibbett to tie the game at two apiece at the 16:33 mark of the second period. Zack Rall picked up the cheap assist for the Steel.

Gill put the Steel back in front, 3-2, as he beat Tibbett on a nice pass from Patrick Raley. The goal was a powerplay at the 15:32 mark of the second period, Chicago’s first successful conversion after five previous advantages that failed.

The Phantoms tied the game with a powerplay goal of their own with less than a second left in the second period. Ryan Jasinsky connected off of a shot that hit the crossbar of the Chicago goal and slid out of the crease where Jasinsky was able to knock it home.

Just 1:24 into the third period, and five seconds into a powerplay, Gill scored again for the Steel. The goal gave Chicago a 4-3 lead. Gill’s second goal of the game was assisted by Andrei Kuchin.

Scott Mayfield, who earlier in the week drew praise from Bob Mainhardt for his efforts, tied the game at 4-4 on a shorthanded goal. Mayfield was assisted by Donnellan at the 14:19 mark of the final period. It was Mayfield’s fifth goal of the year.

With 3:05 left in the game, the Phantoms took a 5-4 lead when Luke Eibler made a beautiful move after receiving a pass from Taylor Holstrom. For Eibler, it was his sixth goal of the year. Eibler skated from the right faceoff circle toward the left side of the crease to beat Pisellini.

Jefferson Dahl put the icing on the cake with an empty net goal giving the Phantoms a 6-4 lead with just 46 seconds remaining in the game. Mayfield picked up the assist on the free chance.

Richard Young Tilt-O-Meter:

Penalty Minutes Entering 12/4 game: 89

Penalty Minutes After 12/4 game: 94

Young was on his best behavior until the very beginning of the third period. Chicago Forward Charlie Thauwald dropped the gloves to fight with Young and just landed on top of him. Young went to his second home, the penalty box, feeling cheated as he was taken down with a cheap WWE move.

Coach Mainhardt was happy with his team.  “That was the best 60 minutes of hockey we have played so far this year.  Chicago is a great team and near the top of the standings for a reason.  They will show up ready tomorrow.”

Luke Eibler was elated he got to help the team make a difference, as just a couple of weeks ago he was a medical scratch with a bad shoulder.  “Coach told me not to pinch because they would run and gun if we collapsed in the zone.  Holstrom made a great pass between the defenders legs and I was in position to make a good shot.  It felt great to be on the ice.  Seems like we are clicking on all cylinders and Cody [Strang] and I are happy to be out there with the guys helping to get a win.”

These Chicago – Youngstown games have been very entertaining and Saturday will mark the regular season finale in Youngstown.  The two teams do play again in Chicago on March 31, but treat yourself to guaranteed good hockey Saturday night, December 5, at the Covelli Centre.

The Youngstown Phantoms have shown bursts of greatness and breakdowns of unthinkable proportion, sometimes in the same game.  Bob Mainhardt, the Phantoms GM and Coach, never holds back after a game when giving quotes to the media, win or lose.  Alex Zoldan, the Phantoms President has opinions too, but in a much quieter demeanor.  I recently caught up with both of them to assess the team after one third of the season has been played.

Mainhardt gives his team the letter grade of a ‘C’ to this point.  He feels that many of the individuals on the team are striving toward becoming better hockey players.  However, sometimes the team loses focus and leaves the coach scratching his head.  “These guys know that every day they must show up and earn their spot.”

We discussed the progress of some Phantoms players.  Fan-favorite Richard Young was first to be discussed.  Mainhardt said that Young is maturing and getting better at picking the opportunities where a fight may lift the team a notch.  “He is maturing and starting to understand his role, Rich is a very good hockey player.  He is not a guy that we are just looking to tade off for five minutes at a time.  He is doing a real good job so far.”

In the first third of the season, Mainhardt cited Taylor Holstrom as the biggest surprise.  “Holstrom has exceeded my expectations and has shown that he belongs night in and night out.  It’s no fluke, he is one of the few ‘A’s’ I would give out so far.”

Jordan Tibbett, coming off of a hand injury, and Matt Mahalak have both done good work between the pipes for the Phantoms.  “We set it up where these two guys would push one another.  We are definitely nearing a point where we are going to hand the reigns over to one of the two guys and let them steer us the rest of the way home.  They are still battling it out, and I couldn’t be happier than having these two guys playing well.”

The return of Luke Eibler was something Mainhardt was quick to praise.  “Luke is good for about four or five big hits a game.  If a guy gets one big hit a game, he is considered a big hitter.  Luke brings a physical presence and a competitive spirit, he hates to lose.  He is completely in a routine and wants to do whatever he has to so that we win.”

Ryan Jasinsky is not putting up the numbers yet, but Mainhardt commented on his recent play.  “Ryan has been productive enough, would we like him to be more productive? Yeah.  We are comitted to developing these guys into what they can be and he has really taken some big strides to get going.”

Brett Gensler was lighting it up but has been quiet on the scoring end lately.  Mainhardt feels Gensler will get it going again soon.  “He [Gensler] is a guy that needs to be in the right combination.  He has been getting opportunities but has been coming up a little unlucky.  He had good luck with a couple of his goals early on, but lately he has been snakebitten.”

Andrej Sustr (SHOE’ stir), the Czech Republic Defenseman who recently garnered USHL honors as Defenseman of The Week is doing what he should.  “He [Sustr] is right where he should be.  Big guys like that get worn down with this sort of training regimin, but he is holding up real well and will coninue to improve as he gets bigger and stronger.  He is an NHL Defenseman for sure if he makes the right decisions from here on out.”

On who may be in danger of losing a spot, Mainhardt had this to say, “Nobody is really in jeopardy of being sent away.  It is all baby steps and maximizing what you can get, and we knew that going in.  A guy can score 50 goals on a losing team, or a guy can score 20 goals on a winning team, and the one who succeeds around here will be the guy whose team wins and I am trying to get that across to them and they understand it.”

I asked Mainhardt if I were an NHL Scout and approached him before the game and asked ‘Which three guys should I keep an eye on tonight?’ who he would offer.  “I’ll give you five.  [Matt] Mahalak, [Scott] Mayfield, [Andrej] Sustr, [Luke] Eibler, and [Nick] Czinder.  If you asked me tomorrow that list could change.  It’s all about who is making the right decisions combined with the raw talent.”

On the business and promotional end of things, Mainhardt and Zoldan know that there are more steps to take to increase the interest locally.  Mainhardt commented on attendance and seeing repeat customers.  “The shock and awe of having a hockey team in this building have already been used up by previous teams.  What we have is the chore of educating the fans.  What we are seeing is that the people who come, are coming back.  We are promoting as much as we can by being a part of the community.  Mr. Zoldan is comitted to building something that is going to last, and that is why he brought this franchise here.”

Alex Zoldan discussed the business end of things.  “Eric Ryan and The Covelli Centre have worked with us a great deal to promote the team.  I have already seen an increase in attendance, and I understand that alot of the early crowds were in direct conflict with high school football. You hope to have 5,000 or 3,500 at every game, but realistically I envisioned what we are drawing and expect increases, it is a process.  By getting the people involved and getting their hearts behind us, the city can claim ownership of the team.  Being a sports fan, when you follow a team and that team leaves, it is real hard to jump back in.  The people that have given it a chance notice that it is better hockey.  The fans that are coming are into the game.  People are waving towels and t-shirts and screaming their support.”

The ride has been a fun one so far.  I think Zoldan and Mainhardt have a winner.  It is nice to have Eric Ryan in your corner, but believe me, this hockey will sell itself sooner than later.  To this point, the games have been fun to watch, easy to write about, and very well played.  I agree 100% with Zoldan that this process will steadily improve over time.  If you have not been to a Phantoms game yet, they play on Friday and Saturday this week against one of the better USHL teams, Chicago. 

Give this product a shot.  It is cheaper than going to the movies and the fact that you are watching players who will definitely be in the NHL in a few years adds to the exciting atmosphere.  I even enjoy listening to the road games.  Matt Gajtka is phenomenal on the air and could probably do play-by-play in the NHL if he had to.  Look for this team to break out this month.  Wins are going to happen more often than not.

Neither the Youngstown Phantoms or Lincoln Stars won or lost a game via the shootout this season.  Something had to give as the two teams were deadlocked at four goals apiece at the end of overtime.  John McCarron scored Lincoln’s second goal of the shootout and the Phantoms could only muster one goal in their five chances.  The result was a 5-4 shootout loss for Youngstown in a game that saw Lincoln tie things up with just 12 seconds left in regulation.

The Stars hit the scoreboard at the 5:55 mark of the first quarter when Brodie Reid scored shorthanded. For the Stars, it was their second shorthanded goal of the year. Reid connected from just inside the face off circle to the right of goaltender Matt Mahalak.

The first period came to an end with the Stars holding a 1-0 lead. The Phantoms played what may have been their sloppiest period of the season marred with turnovers and lackluster passing. They were hitting, and that is great, but hitting doesn’t register digits on the scoreboard.

That would all change as the Phantoms took just 37 seconds of the second period to find the net. Luke Eibler (pictured) connected on an even-strength shot that deflected in off the post to beat Stars net minder Jared Coreau. The tally tied the game at a goal apiece.

Nick Czinder got in on the act at the 4:31 mark, assisted by Stuart Higgins. Czinder’s goal, his seventh on the season, put the Phantoms ahead 2-1. Coach Bob Mainhardt should be given assists on the two Phantoms goals as he surely lit a fire under his team at the intermission. The Czinder goal also saw the Stars replace Coreau with new goalkeeper Matt Green.

Youngstown kept scoring as they registered a powerplay goal at the 10:38 mark. David Dowd connected from 20 feet to capitalize on a two-man advantage. Dowd was assisted by Andrej Sustr and David Donnellan. The powerplay score marked the sixth time in the last seven games the Phantoms have cashed in with a man advantage.

Lincloln cut into the Phantom lead at the 18:52 mark of the second period. Stars Defenseman Cory Hibbeler scored his first of the year, assisted by David Gerths and Reid. The second period would end with the Phantoms ahead 3-2.

The Phantoms took a two-goal lead with 3:56 left in the game when Eibler connected for a second time in the game. Stuart Higgins and Andrew Lamont picked up assists on some pretty passing at close range.

The Stars showed some resiliency in scoring a goal with 2:38 left in the game to cut the Phantom lead to 4-3.  Brodie Reid connected on a power play chance with assists from Matt Bruneteau and Ben Lynch. The goal was Reid’s seventh on the season.

With twelve seconds remaining in the game and the Stars on the power play, Lynch tied the game, 4-4, on a nice feed from Kyle Gibbons and the two goal lead had now evaporated and overtime was needed to decide the outcome.

No one was able to score in overtime setting the stage for the first-ever Phantoms shootout. The Stars also were untested in shootouts.

Gibbons shot first for Lincoln and missed. Brett Gensler went first for Youngstown and also missed. Brodie Reid was next for Lincoln and he hit the post and missed.  The Phantoms sent Andrej Sustr who connected and put the Phantoms ahead 1-0. Dominic Shine tied it up for Lincoln. The Phantoms sent Stuart Higgins who was stoned attempting the five-hole shot. All tied up 1-1. Tucker Brockett was stopped for Lincoln, and Joe Zarbo was denied for the Phantoms. Tied at 1-1, John McCarron scored to put Lincoln ahead 2-1. David Dowd was given the chance to tie it up but was stopped by Stars goaltender Matt Green preserving the shootout victory for Lincoln.

The Phantoms were outshot 33-21 but still managed to stay in the game thanks to some great stops by Mahalak. With the loss the Phantoms fell to 8-7-2 and the Stars improved to 7-12-0. The two teams will meet again Saturday night.

Coach Mainhardt was not pleased with the effort put forth by the Phantoms.  “We have guys that have never won before, and they refuse to learn how to win.  We continuously give up games because guys won’t stick to the gameplan.  I’m getting to the end of the line with some of these guys and Youngstown could have some new guys to cheer for if things don’t change real soon.  We have got a selfish group.  They think that when you go up two goals that it is time to put up stats and that is how they will get to the next level.  I am very frustrated because I have never had a group that refuses to stick to the gameplan like this group.”

Richard Young Tilt-O-Meter.

Entering This Game: 82 Penalty Minutes

vs Lincoln 11/27: 7 minutes

New Total: 89 minutes

Young was on his best behavior in the first two periods, almost eerily. That would all change in the third period as Young got whistled for elbowing and immediately fought with Stars D Cory Hibbeler to pick up a five minute fighting penalty.

Brett Gensler scored his 9th goal of the season Friday night.  Gensler really seems to be developing a knack for scoring when the Phantoms are in need of a goal.  The Missouri native is a good dude.  He was the #2 Star of The Game Friday, In a reflection of his true character, when Gensler was announced, he skated out waived his stick to the fans that stuck around to applaud him, turned to go back to the locker room, stopped in mid-stride, and helped a young overloaded Phantoms waterboy with equipment and a helmet.  How many hockey players would give up their moment in the sun to help a struggling lad with someone’s smelly helmet and equipment?  I know one now — Brett Gensler.

Paneech:  With 8 goals and 10 points, you sit amongst the league leaders.  Did you see it that way coming into this year?

Gensler:  I hoped for it.  Being a second-year player, coming into this year I knew if I worked hard I could be a leading point guy. 

Paneech:  What strides have you made to improve your game since you got here ?

Gensler:  I really focused on being more of an all-around player, not just offense, but also defense, killing penalties, power plays, whatever the coach asks me to do.  I just have to work hard everyday, and hopefully things will keep improving.

Paneech:  Being a Missouri native, I am guessing you are a Blues fan.  How closely do you follow the NHL?

Gensler:  I follow  the Blues pretty much every night.  I follow the boxscores on STLBlues.com to keep up, they are struggling right now, but I think they are going to be good.

Paneech:  Walk me through a practice day from the time you wake up in the morning until the time you go to sleep at night.

Gensler:  On Mondays and Wednesdays we have workouts.  I work out at 11:30, so I will wake up at about 9, make some eggs, toast, and bacon if I get up early enough.  Then me and David Donnellan, he is my roommate, will drive to the rink to pick up our workout clothes, and then we head to the House of Speed downtown.  We get there and stretch and then work out for about an hour-and-a-half.  Then we usually head to Subway on campus.  After we eat, we head to the rink and hang out with the guys, tape my stick.  Then we get ready, we stretch, and get ready for practice.  We are on the ice for about an hour, hour-and-a-half each day.  Then I shower up and go home to eat.  I’ll call home and then hang out with some of the guys.

Paneech:  How have you adapted to Youngstown so far?

Gensler:  It’s been pretty easy.  I played at Cedar Rapids, Iowa last year and in some ways it seems like a harder, working-class type of people here.  It’s been pretty easy.  My host family has shown me around town, it’s been really good.

Paneech:  Tell me something about Brett Gensler that nobody knows.

Gensler:  I like to watch alot of TV on my computer right now.  I am really getting into a series called Californication. 

Paneech:  What do you attribute the quick turnaround and winning ways to?

Gensler:  Just the little things is basically what it comes down to.  We have improved on getting the puck out of the zone to take away scoring opportunities.  Buying in to the coaches gameplan, we can’t try to do our own thing.  Forechecking, getting guys to stay on their own sides, little things like that are the difference between wins and losses.

Paneech:  What goes through your mind when you are awarded a penalty shot and how much do you think ahead about what you will try to do.

Gensler:  For me, I would say it is pretty much premeditated.  I will get up there, and most guys have a couple of moves, and when you get up there, you are like OK, am I going to deke or am I going to shoot.  It comes down to when you are skating the puck down to the goal, all of the options are going through your head and you say, OK, I am going to deke, and then when you get there, you see the goalee playing the post bad you change up and take a quick shot.  For the most part, it is premeditated and I know what I want to do ahead of time.

Paneech:  Talk about Coach Bob Mainhardt.

Gensler:  He has been a great influence and I love playing for him.  He pushes us every day, and all he asks for is a little bit of hard work and trust.  He would do anything for us.  I love his philosophy, all of the different forechecks and things he teaches us. 

Paneech:  What’s next after this season?

Gensler:  I have a couple of schools I am talking to right now.  My first choice would be to hopefully get a scholarship and go to school next year.  If not, I would be more than happy to play for the Phantoms again next season.  You never want to count out being drafted, it is every little kids dream.  I think I would have to get 50 or 60 points to receive consideration because I am a smaller guy.

 

 

One Word Answers

Favorite NHL Team:  St. Louis Blues.

Favorite NHL Coach:  Andy Murray.

Toppings On A Pizza:  Pepperoni.

Favorite Holiday:  Thanksgiving, because it falls on my birthday every seven years.

Best Musical Group Ever:  Dave Matthews Band.

I Watch ____ On TV:  Entourage.

Favorite Soft Drink:  Mountain Dew.

The Thing I Hate Doing:  Reading.

Biggest Phobia:  Spiders.

Worst Habit:  Chewing Skoal Mint.

 

 

The Chicago Steel rolled into town for a one game battle with the Youngstown Phantoms.  With only one first period goal scored, it looked to be a defensive struggle with a mistake proving to be a difference either way.  All hell broke loose in the second period as the two teams combined to score eight goals.  The game even was extended, tied at the end of regulation, in a true battle of wills.  Tom Serratore (pictured) broke the tie with an OT game-winner vaulting the home team to victory in a 7-6 battle for the ages. 

The Steel hit the scoreboard first at the 14:51 mark of the first period. Alex Carpenter knocked home his fourth goal of the season and was assisted by Andrew Schmit. Phantoms Goaltender Matt Mahalak had turned away two previous attempts before giving up the goal that he probably never saw.

The first period was filled with hard-hitting action and no penalties. Chicago shot more than twice as much as the Phantoms, holding a 15-7 edge in attempts for the period. The first period lead for Chicago was a welcome omen as the Steel were undefeated when ahead after one period (5-0-1), but that very omen was broken in Youngstown.

The Phantoms had the first power play of the evening but surrendered the second Chicago goal shorthanded. Greg Wolfe knocked one in off of the pipe to Matt Mahalak’s left to increase the Steel lead to 2-0.

Seconds later, on the same power play, the Phantoms retaliated with a goal of their own. Tom Serratore connected on the power play chance, assisted by David Donnellan. For Serratore, it marked the third time he found the net this season and the Phantoms cut the lead to 2-1.

Before the music was even done playing, Chicago cashed in on another shorthanded chance. This time Mark Anthoine took a pass from Andrei Kuchin to increase the Steel lead to 3-1.

The offensive fireworks continued as Ryan Jasinsky got in on the action. Jasinsky’s third goal of the year came at the 6:30 mark of the second period on a beautiful pass from Brian Dowd.

A minute later the Phantoms tied the game at three goals apiece when Donnellan connected from just inside the blue line. For Donnellan, it marked his first goal of the season and he was assisted by Jefferson Dahl. It was another shorthanded goal, this one for the Phantoms.

The crazy pace continued as the two goaltenders were getting beat like swiss cheese. The Phantoms went ahead at the 9:44 mark of the second on a Nick Czinder power play goal. Czinder was assisted by Dowd and Donnellan on a couple of pretty passes.

Chicago responded quickly as Mark Adams connected on a power play to tie the game back up. Adams second goal of the season was assisted by Alex Carpenter and Wolfe at the 10:33 mark.

Another power play chance paid dividends for Chicago as Adams connected for the second time on the evening putting the Steel back on top, 5-4. On the goal, Greg Wolfe picked up his third point of the night with an assist.

At the 5:40 mark of the final period, Carpenter picked up his second goal of the game for Chicago. Jay Camper racked up an assist on the Steel goal which extended their lead to 6-4.

At the 9:04 mark in the third, Andrew Lamont picked up his third of the year to bring the Phantoms within one at 6-5. The assists on the goal went to Scott Mayfield and Taylor Holstrom.

Youngstown tied the game at the 11:14 mark on a breakaway headed by Holstrom who fed Czinder. The goal tied the game at 6 and the Covelli Centre was jumping and loud with the resiliency of this young Phantoms team.

Regulation came to an end with the score tied at 6-6. Give the Phantoms credit for biting and clawing their way back to tie the first-place Steel. Three weeks ago, being down two goals that late in the game would have resulted in doom. Coach Mainhardt and Coach Carr deserve credit as these young men are really buying into a system that has been paying off.

In the overtime, the Phantoms connected at the 1:16 mark as Serratore connected from the left face-off circle. What a win for the Phantoms! Serratore was assisted by Holstrom on the game-winner.

Coach Mainhardt said the win did not come the way he would have expected. “It was a great game for the fans, but you had two coaches pulling what little hair we have left out. It’s baby steps, but the group is really starting to pull together and treat each other like family.”

Tom Serratore, who got his first-ever OT game-winner was elated. “It was great. I got my first USHL overtime goal and I was just happy that we could pull out this win.”

New Feature. Introducing The Richard Young tilt-o-meter

Tilt-o-Meter for 11/14 game vs Chicago: 7

On a scale of 1-10, Richard Young can be gauged of being on tilt every night. To what degree? Check the Paneech.com Richard Young tilt-o-meter for a nightly ranking. Young leads the USHL in penalty minutes with 70. He added to his total with 5 more for fighting in the second period. He also picked up a two-minute minor for hooking in the third.

New total: 77 minutes.

It was a special Friday the 13th at the Covelli Centre. There were bombs and fireworks, Joey Fatone and Guy Fieri, and the Youngstown Phantoms and Green Bay Gamblers providing spectacular USHL Hockey action in front of a good crowd. There was a lot at stake in this game. If the Phantoms could get a win, they would be playing for first place against idle Chicago on Saturday.   Unfortunately, the home team came up a bit short in dropping a 4-3  verdict to the visiting Gamblers.

The Green Bay Gamblers took a 1-0 lead with just 45 seconds left in the first period. Ryan Furne connected to beat Matt Mahalak from 15 feet in a mad flurry of action on an unassisted chance. The first period would come to a close as Green Bay outshot Youngstown 13-8.

After a Richard Young fight riled the crowd up a bit, Jefferson Dahl connected on a power play goal to tie the game at the 4:50 mark of the second. For Dahl, it was his fourth goal on the year and he was assisted by Andrej Sustr. For Young, the season total on penalty minutes climbed to 60, most by a Phantom. I am going to buy him his own camera to snap me some photos when they move his locker plate to the box.

Green Bay reclaimed the lead when Anders Lee scored his second goal in as many games at the16:57 mark.

The lead would be short lived as Green Bay went on the power play and Brett Gensler connected for a shorthanded goal. The goal was Gensler’s ninth, ironically tying him with Lee for second in the USHL for second. Lee had scored his ninth just seconds earlier for Green Bay. At the end of two periods, the score was tied at 2 and the stage was set for a thunderous ending.

During the second intermission, Guy Fieri of cooking fame, hosted a meatball eating contest at mid-ice. Joey Fatone was also nearby,  but incognito, disguised as the Phantoms Mascot (see above right). The two celebrities made appearances and mingled with fans throughout the evening.  On the left, Fatone is pictured with Phantoms President, Alex Zoldan.

With 8 minutes left in the game, Richard Young was ejected for fighting, With Matt Stewart serving a Green Bay penalty and the teams playing four-on-four, Anders Lee scored again to give the Gamblers a 3-2 lead at the 12:09 mark.

With 3:22 left in the game, the Gamblers took advantage of a two-man advantage to increase their lead to 4-2. David Makowski scored on the Gambler power play and was assisted by Mr. Everywhere for Green Bay, Anders Lee.

A minute and eight seconds later the Phantoms scored to make it 4-3. The goal was scored by Joe Zarbo who was assisted by Brian Dowd on a successful power play conversion. The Covelli Centre was jumping as the Phantoms had a chance to pull off an unlikely comeback with 1:38 remaining.

Green Bay held off the mad charge to come away with a hard-fought victory. The Gamblers took 27 shots on goal as compared to the Phantoms 23.

After the game, Coach Bob Mainhardt was not upset with his team’s effort.  “I’m not uspset at all.  Quite frankly, it was probably the best 60 minutes we have played in a long time.  If we can continue to play with that level of effort we will be just fine.  We will take the positives out of this tonight and turn it against Chicago tomorrow.  Our guys aren’t real happy that they played so hard and came away the loser tonight.”

First place Chicago is rolling into town atop the standings.  Tomorrow is a special night and in my eyes, the most important promotion of the year.  A donation of $3 for every ticket sold will be donated to the Luke Holko Foundation.  Please make an effort to attend this game to assist the Holko family during a very rough time.  I will have my blue “Pray For Luke” armband on, stop by and say hello.