Phantoms sign two players for 2008-09 NAHL season

Center Doug Clifford and defenseman Dustin Hopfner will join the team.

BOARDMAN — The Mahoning Valley Phantoms announced two players who have committed for the team’s 2008-09 season.

Doug Clifford, a 17-year-old center from the Compuware Midget Major AAA team of the Midwest Elite Hockey League, signed with the Phantoms in January.

“I’m a goal scorer, and I hope I can help them win a championship,” said Clifford. “I want to play [Division I] hockey, I feel like the Phantoms are the best team to play for, and I like the coaching staff.”

So far, in 52 games this season, Clifford is averaging well over a point per game, collecting 22 goals and 46 assists, along with a plus-24 plus/minus rating. The native of Woodhaven, Mich., is 5-foot-10, 160 pounds.

“Clifford is a very good two-way center,” said Curtis Carr, the Phantoms assistant coach and director of player personnel. “He plays very well in the D-zone and competes very hard.”

Joining Clifford will be defenseman Dustin Hopfner, 18, who is playing this season for the Belle Tire Midget Major AAA team, also of the MWEHL.

“I hope to bring some big hitting and some scoring as well,” said Hopfner. “A few kids that I knew from past teams have said that it is a good program, and the Phantoms always seem to have a good team. Hopefully, I can move on to D-I, and play as well as I can while I’m [with the Phantoms].”

In 53 games this season, Hopfner (6-1, 175) has 25 points, 59 penalty minutes, and leads Belle Tire with a plus-34 plus/minus rating.

“Dustin is a big, mobile defenseman,” says Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt. “He’s got a great attitude and he’s been coached very well. We’re looking for him to be able to step in, be in our top six right from the get-go, and hopefully he’ll be able to contribute in all situations next year.”

The Phantoms play host to Marquette Friday and Saturday at the Ice Zone. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.