Phantoms earn split; face U.S. 17s Tuesday

Mahoning Valley scored four unanswered goals against Traverse City Friday.

TRAVERSE CITY, MICH. — The third period was the story this weekend, as the Mahoning Valley Phantoms earned a split against the Traverse City North Stars.

Traverse City (6-4-1) appeared to be skating stride for stride with Mahoning Valley during the first half of Friday’s game. Jarrod LaBelle tied the game 2-2 halfway through the second period, but then the Phantoms scored four unanswered goals, winning 6-2.

“We did not play the type of game we would have liked,” said Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt. “We didn’t play a full 60 minutes, we came out very flat. I think we were very fortunate to come away with a 6-2 win.”

Saturday night started slow. After a scoreless first period, the North Stars scored four straight goals in the second period, but the Phantoms showed their scoring prowess early in the third period, slotting three goals in a span of 2:31.

Traverse City then scored shorthanded to make it 5-3 before Graham’s third goal of the weekend then made it 5-4.

Kevin Michalak made it 6-4 for the Stars just 39 seconds later and Grant Blakey’s second goal of the weekend cut the lead back to one with 5:40 left in regulation. The Phantoms, however, were unable to score the equalizer.

“A big thing is our conditioning – our guys are in great shape.” assistant coach Curtis Carr said. “In the third period, our desire to win and our leadership is usually why we pull through.”

Graham notched three goals and three assists over the two games, pushing his team-leading point total to 23, good for third in the NAHL.

Phantoms rookie forward Scott Moser continued his stellar season, picking up four assists on the weekend. With 16 points now on the season, Moser is second on the team in scoring.

The Phantoms (8-5-1) are tied with Alpena and the U.S. National Team for third place in the North Division. Mahoning Valley and Team USA will play Tuesday night in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Phantoms return to the Ice Zone for their home opener Friday night against the St. Louis Bandits at 7:30.