Four-goal flurry keys U.S. team past Phantoms

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The U.S. National team defeated the Mahoning Valley Phantoms, 7-2, Friday night at the Ice Cube.

The U.S. squad scored four goals in a span of 4 minutes, 50 seconds of the first period. Robbie Czarnik got the U.S. started on a shot from the left circle over the glove hand of Phantoms goaltender Jordan Tibbett. Vinny Saponori, Sean Lorenz, and Patrick Gaul each followed with goals, all before the 10:04 mark of the first.

The Phantoms cut the lead to 4-1 on a power play goal when Brent Dexter one-timed a Derek Graham pass behind U.S. goaltender Michael Clemente at 8:11 of the second period. Ryan Hegarty and David Warsofsky answered for the American squad, putting Team USA up 6-1 after 40 minutes.

Eric Ringel made it 6-2 on the power play just three minutes into the third period. Ringel took a pass from Graham and slotted one over Clemente’s glove from the right circle.

Ryan Grimshaw closed out the scoring with a power play goal from the top of the slot at 17:11.

Graham and Chad Boeckman had two assists each for the Phantoms. Graham has a team-best nine points this season. The Phantoms went 2-for-6 on the power play.

The Phantoms (3-2-0), in fourth place in the North Division, will play the U.S. team again tonight at 7. The game will be broadcast on www.mvpphantoms.com.