Phantoms seek eighth straight win on Friday

Mahoning Valley will meet the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars at the Ice Zone.
BOARDMAN - The Mahoning Valley Phantoms will put their team-record seven-game winning streak on the line when they play host to the Traverse City (Mich.) North Stars at the Ice Zone Friday and Saturday. Both games will start at 7 p.m.
The Phantoms (13-7-1) are in second place in the North American Hockey League's North Division, while Traverse City (7-11-3) is tied for fourth place with the U.S. National Team. The North Stars are winless in their last nine contests (0-7-2). Their last victory was on Oct. 14 at home against the Phantoms, a 3-2 win in an overtime shoot-out.
"They [Traverse City] made some roster changes just before we faced them two weeks ago. I'm sure they'll be more prepared for us this weekend," Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt.
The Phantoms swept Traverse City by scores of 7-2 and 3-2 on Nov. 3-4.
"As long as we're on the same page, good things will happen. We still have a lot to accomplish," Mainhardt said.
Sharon Speedway Night
Friday will be Sharon Speedway Night. The first 500 fans will receive an 8x-10 inch photo of NASCAR driver and Hartford native Dave Blaney. In addition, Blaney's sprint car will be on display at the Ice Zone and fans can win autographed Blaney merchandise.
Saturday, the Phantoms will celebrate National Adoption Day with Northeast Ohio Adoption Services. Waiting children and adoptive families will be included in the game night activities.
Goaltender Ryan Zapolski was named North Division player of the week for the second time in three weeks. Zapolski ranks second among NAHL goaltenders in wins (12), is tied for second in shutouts (two) and eighth in goals against average (2.95).
Longpre has been standout
Phantoms center Nathan Longpre won the award two weeks ago. During the Phantoms' winning streak, he has six goals and eight assists.
Longpre has registered an assist in all seven games, tying the league high and a Phantoms' team record first set by Anthony Canzoneri.
During their seven-game run, the Phantoms have outscored opponents, 37-13.
"We're working harder in practice and it's paying off for us," defenseman Trent Bonnett said.
Last season, the Phantoms started 12-0-2 at home. This fall, they are off to a 5-0 start.
"Last season, we got off to such a good start at home that we took offense to anyone who thought they could beat us in our building," said Zapolski. "It's no different this season. [Captain Chris Fairbanks] has been preaching the message and he's doing a good job."