Phantoms journey to face Diggers

BOARDMAN — After earning the split on the strength of a 1-0 victory over the U.S. National Under-18 team last Saturday in Ann Arbor, Mich., the Mahoning Valley Phantoms (4-2-0) head into a weekend series against Alpena (3-2-1) with momentum.

But the task of winning against the rival Ice Diggers will be daunting.

“Alpena’s got another strong team,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. “I expect them to have one of the top teams in the league. They’re going to work very hard as all of Kenny Miller’s teams usually do.”

With two assists last weekend, forward Derek Graham still is tops among Phantoms scorers with nine points (four goals, five assists).

But the Ice Diggers have some scoring of their own. Forwards Russell Anderson, Erik Peterson and Jon Puskar, each with eight points, lead Alpena in scoring.

“There is going to be a bit of a feeling out period to see how we match up against them,” Mainhardt said about the Ice Diggers scoring trio. “But early on in the season it is really going to come down to who wants it the most and who works the hardest.

“So, I think we just need to match their intensity and hopefully, exceed it,” Mainhardt said.

Hurts and pains

Although injuries and illnesses have plagued the team so far, the coaching staff has generated success by utilizing the entire lineup.

“The guys have risen to the occasion so far,” Mainhardt said. “It gives other guys an opportunity and lets us see where our depth is.

“It is a little bit frustrating because we’re still trying to see who fits where, and that makes it a bit difficult when you don’t have all the pieces,” Mainhardt said. “But, we pretty much try to keep the mentality of working hard.”

With all but veteran defenseman Denny Kramarz (hip flexor) back in the lineup, the Phantoms will head into this weekend’s games with their healthiest squad of the year.

Despite the team having only played six games, the coaching staff is impressed with the contribution some players have made.

“Scotty Moser has been living up to our expectations and has played very well,” Mainhardt said. “Grant Blakey is playing very well. And what we saw out of Garrett Bartus last weekend is what we were hoping to see.”

Mahoning Valley is tied with the Marquette Rangers for fourth place in the North American Hockey League’s North Division, one point behind the Traverse City North Stars in third, and two points behind the second place St. Louis Bandits.

This weekend’s games begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 5 p.m. on Sunday. Catch all the action on www.mvpphantoms.com.