HOCKEY Phantoms edge U.S. team, 3-2

Youngstown evened its record in its home opener against the U.S. team.
By GREG GULAS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN - Anthony Canzoneri and Carson Strang each had a goal and assist while John Murray rejected 31 shots, as the Youngstown Phantoms defeated the U.S. National Under-17 squad, 3-2, in Junior A North American League Hockey action Saturday at The Ice Zone.
It was the home lidlifter for the Phantoms as they evened their record at 1-1-1 overall, avenging a 4-3 setback suffered at the hands of the Under-17 squad in a shootout last week in Ann Arbor, Mich.
The U.S Nationals (3-2-1) are 2-1-1 in their last four outings.
Important win
"This was a big win for us for two reasons," Phantoms head coach Bob Mainhardt said. "First, it was our home opener and secondly it avenged our shootout loss to them a week ago.
"We want to send a message to everyone that we are committed to starting a winning tradition," Mainhardt said. "Owner Bruce Zoldan has put so much time and effort into this team that we want to make sure our effort every night on the ice reflects that commitment."
The U.S. National squad took an early 1-0 lead when Ryan Stoa, assisted by Brandon Gentile and Nate Gerbe, scored a powerplay goal at the 13:06 mark of the opening period.
"Nate Gerbe is all over the ice," National head coach David Quinn said. "He is very noticeable. I must say that I am glad he is on our team."
Canzoneri ties it
Canzoneri, with an assist from Strang and Brown, scored at the 18:50 mark to knot the game at one apiece after the first 20 minutes of play.
"We had a well-rounded attack tonight and that was the key to our victory," Mainhardt said. "We played well offensively, but it was our commitment to defense and overall discipline that put us over the top tonight.
"Canzoneri and Strang are vets that we rely on and they came through for us tonight," Mainhardt said.
Strang's powerplay goal (with assists by Strang and Greg Brown) at 2:24 of the second period gave the Phantoms a 2-1 margin, a lead that they would not relinquish.
J.C. Velasquez added the Phantoms' third straight goal at 5:10 of the final period.
Zach MacVoy of the U.S. National squad scored a powerplay goal at 7:06 of the third period to cut the lead to one goal.
Penalties hamper U.S.
"When you play as dumb as we did tonight, you don't deserve to win," Quinn said. "We had six slashing penalties, a retaliatory penalty and failed to convert a power play opportunity late in the game.
"Take nothing away from the Phantoms as they played an excellent all-around game," Quinn said. "I thought that both goalies, Bill Blaze for us and John Murray for them were outstanding in goal."
The Phantoms had 32 shots on goal compared to 33 for the U.S. Nationals.
The two teams will close out the two-game weekend series today at 3 p.m. at The lce Zone.