ICE HOCKEY Phantom Rockets' loss model of inconsistency

Mahoning Valley lost to Dayton 4-2 Thursday at The Ice Zone.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- Shane Farragher had two goals and an assist and Shane Jackman added two assists, as the Dayton Gems defeated the Mahoning Valley Phantom Rockets, 4-2, in Continental Elite Hockey League game Thursday at The Ice Zone.
The win snapped a three-game tailspin for the Gems (7-10-1), while the Phantom Rockets (6-12-0) have lost three of their last five contests.
"It's frustrating in that I don't know which team is going to show up right now," Phantom Rockets coach Bob Hawthorne said. "One game after scoring a season-best seven goals, we had 45 shots on goal but could manage just two scores.
"Right now, the team is just a little too unpredictable, and we lack consistency. I just hope we get consistent real soon."
The first goal
Farragher and Jackman teamed to score the Gems' first goal of the night on their first shot of the game at 2:26.
That was the only score from either team in the first period.
"Shane Farragher and Shane Jackman grew up together in Detroit and have been playing hockey together since they were 8-years old," Gems' coach Aaron Ellis said. "They know each other really well, especially what the other will do in certain game situations.
"Farragher moved to Texas and it was Jackman who brought him to our tryouts. Both have been a real addition to our club this season."
Fonte ties it
The Phantom Rockets knotted the score at one just 5:24 into the second period, when Paul Fonte, assisted by Jarred Frey and Mike Hanna, found the net.
The Gems then scored two unanswered goals, the first by Niles Moore (his first ever goal for the team) at 10:04.
The other goal came 42 seconds later on a breakaway by Patrick Stewart (assisted by Farragher and Daniel Brolin), as Dayton took a 3-1 lead after the first 40 minutes of play.
"We had only 15 players dressed due to injuries and suspensions, so this was an excellent win on the road for us," Ellis said.
"I was really happy for Niles as it was his first goal ever both for us and in CEHL play," he said. "He is just 16 years old while playing in just his second game for us. He has the capability of developing into a really fine player."
Hanna cuts gap
Hanna (assisted by Josh Streets and David Wilmert) pulled the Phantom Rockets to within one at 3-2, when he scored on a power play goal at 16:29 of the final period.
But like the Gems did in the second period, they once again had a quick answer. This time Farragher, teaming with both Jackman and Brolin, scored 19 seconds later for the game's final goal.
Both goalies, Eddie Lusins of the Gems and Justin Carland of the Phantom Rockets, had exceptional games.
"Justin Carland was just outstanding for us," Hawthorne said. "Three of the four goals allowed tonight were not his fault. He rejected 35 shots and that should be good enough to keep you in the game."
The Phantom Rockets will take to the road for a three-game trip. The first game will be Saturday night at Traverse City against the Enforcers.