Finally, Phantoms play at Ice Zone, vs. Traverse City

A stronger Anthony Ciraulo has scored 15 points this season.
BOARDMAN -- Seven weeks after kicking off the 2005-06 season, the Mahoning Valley Sports begin the home portion of the regular season tonight against the Traverse City North Stars at 7 p.m. at The Ice Zone.
"To be where we are in the standings, after spending the first two months on the road, it isn't too bad," said coach Bob Mainhardt. "We now have an opportunity to move up in the standings, especially because we have our fans to back us up. Their support will be a key to our success at home."
Through 11 games, the Phantoms have found an equal distribution of scoring. Five forwards have at least nine points, led by center and co-captain Anthony Ciraulo, who is tied for 16th in the NAHL in scoring with 15 points (six goals and nine assists). His six goals already equal his total output for last season.
"Anthony knew he had to come in and be a leader. He's playing like a Division I player," said Mainhardt. "He won't get overlooked if he continues that way."
At 5-foot-6, Ciraulo hit the weights immediately following last season. In three months, he added 15 pounds of muscle, making him a more challenging and physical presence offensively at 175 pounds. In addition, Ciraulo has drastically improved his role in winning faceoffs.
"He knew what had to be done in the off-season," said Mainhardt. "Anthony needed to focus all of his energy towards those things that he can control, and that's what he's done. Essentially, he's changed his mental approach to what I knew we could see when we picked him up two seasons ago."
The Phantoms (5-6-0) are in fourth place in the North Division, four points behind the North Stars (6-5-2).
Single game tickets range from $6-$9 and season tickets are still available. For more information, call the Phantoms at (330) 965-7500.