Phantoms goaltender Bartus blanks Team USA
Trent Bonnet scored the game’s only goal.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Veteran goaltender Garrett Bartus turned aside 44 shots as the Mahoning Valley Phantoms shut out Team USA, 1-0, Saturday at the Ann Arbor Ice Cube.
Defensemen Trent Bonnet scored the game’s lone goal on the power play.
Bonnet took a pass from Adam Snead at the point and fired a slap shot over the glove of U.S. goaltender Nick Maricic 12:19 into the third period. Scott Moser also assisted on the goal.
After losing 7-2 on Friday night, and despite being out shot 44-19 for the game, the Phantoms (4-2-0) leaned on Bartus’ strong goaltending.
“I was just able to stay focused the whole game, and stuck to it,” Bartus said. “The defense did a good job clearing out the front of the net, and let me see all the shots.
Big win
“It was a big win for us in coming together, especially after last night, and beating one of the best teams in the world,” Bartus said.
The Phantoms established a physical presence early.
But as the Americans started gaining momentum in the last 40 minutes, Bartus stood tall for his second win.
The Phantoms went 1 for 3 on the power play, and 7 for 7 on the penalty kill.
The win moves Mahoning Valley into third place in the North Division. Up next, the Phantoms continue their road trip in Alpena, Mich., on Saturday against the Ice Diggers. Game time is 7 p.m. The game can be heard at www.mvpphan-toms.com.