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Ann Arbor, Mich. "“ The Youngstown Phantoms (12-18-2,26pts) went to a shootout for the second time in a row against Team USA (13-6-3,29pts) avenging their shootout loss exactly seven days ago. Adam Berkle scored on the Phantoms final shot to pick up the 2-1 victory.
The Phantoms and Team USA each had the opportunities in the first period, but it was Team USA who found the back of the net first. With less than two minutes to play in the period, Ryan Haggerty beat Phantoms goaltender Greg Lewis to put Team USA up by one heading into the intermission. Even though the Phantoms trailed at the break they doubled up Team USA in shots, 12-6. The Phantoms and Team USA were unable to capitalize on power play opportunities in the first.
Unlike the first period, the Phantoms were outshot 13-6, but like Team USA in the opening frame, the Phantoms were the only team getting on the scoreboard. Phantoms forward Jiri Sekac scored just 2:25 into the period for his ninth goal of the year. The tying goal was assisted by defenseman Chris Bradley. The Phantoms were guilty of two penalties, but they were able to deny Team USA of any power play goals.
In the third period, neither the Phantoms nor Team USA could find the go ahead goal. The Phantoms were again outshot in the period, 18-12, but great goaltending by Lewis kept the game ties as both teams went to overtime for the second time in a week. In the overtime session, the Phantoms were forced to kill off a penalty to Scott Mayfield. A final penalty kill put Team USA 0 for 4 on the night. With three shots put on net and no goals, these two teams were headed for a shootout.
In the Phantoms"™ second shootout of the year, Lewis was able to deny all but one Team USA shooter. For the Phantoms, Stu Higgins and Berkle beat USA netminder Matt McNelly to grab the 2-1 victory. The win gives Lewis his third in a row in four starts this season. On the year, Lewis has posted a 2.45 goals-against-average and .920 save percentage.
The Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre on Friday, January 21, for a 7:30 p.m. (EST) game against the Sioux Falls Stampede. The Phantoms face the Stampede for the second time this season, and the first in Youngstown. The Phantoms return to the Covelli Centre the very next night for a 7:30 p.m. (EST) game against the Waterloo Black Hawks. The Phantoms will face the Black Hawks for the second time this season. The Phantoms lost the first match up 4-1 back on November 5.
Discounted tickets are available for groups of 15 or more people! Priority seating, video board and public address recognition and other specials are just some of the benefits! 10 Phantoms Ticket Vouchers are available for just $90! Buy 10 tickets and use them for any remaining home game this season! Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its ninth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2010-11. With over 200 players this season already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 15 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.
It's not just hockey. It's the USHL.
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