ICE HOCKEY Phantoms' OT loss nets playoff spot

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. -- The Youngstown Phantoms qualified for the North American Hockey League playoffs despite a 3-2 overtime loss to the Soo Kewadin Indians Saturday night.
The overtime loss gave the Phantoms (27-25-4, 58 points) the one point they needed to clinch third place in the division.
The Phantoms overcame a 2-0 first period deficit. Soo powerplay goals by Marty Gurnoe and Glen Yliatalo gave the Indians the early lead.
But Rob Rassey poked in Naaman Moorman's breakaway opportunity at the 4:00 mark of the second period, and Dale Michonski rebounded Chris Smith's knuckler towards the net with 5:24 remaining to tie the game.
Both teams had a few scoring opportunities in the third, but could not convert.
In the four-on-four overtime, Tiger Marcotte pinched in and wrapped a shot off the far post. Drew Satterley came charging in and poked the rebound in for the game-winner.
The Indians outshot the Phantoms 35-22 with Jerry Kuhn making 32 saves.
The Phantoms and Indians will begin their best-of-5 series with games here on Friday and Saturday.
Game 3 is set at The Ice Zone on April 6 and Game 4, if necessary, will be on April 8. If Game 5 is necessary, it will be played April 10 at Sault Ste. Marie. All games are scheduled for 7 p.m. ,Ticket information for games at The Ice Zone will be posted at www.youngstownphantoms.com by Wednesday.