Friday, February 29, 2008
Scheduled: The Phantoms play host to the Alpena IceDiggers tonight and Saturday at the Ice Zone.
Game times: 7:15 p.m. both nights
Internet: mvpphantoms.com
Phantoms scouting report: The Phantoms (27-16-4) are in second place in the North American Hockey League’s North Division, one point ahead of Alpena. Mahoning Valley has lost three straight games and six of their last 10. But, the Phantoms are 5-3 against Alpena this season. Forward Derek Graham leads the Phantoms with 26 goals and 58 points; his 32 assists are second-best to Chad Boeckman’s 33. Miles Winter has 20 goals and 18 assists. Goaltender Garrett Bartus is 18-8-3 with a 2.80 goals against average, while Jordan Tibbett is 7-8-1, 3.49.
IceDiggers scouting report: Alpena (26-17-5) has lost four straight games and is 3-7 since Jan. 21. The IceDiggers’ top offensive threat is forward Erik Peterson, who has 22 goals and 44 assists. He has 23 more points than the second-ranked player on the team, Jim McCusker (16-27). Goalie Nick Graves is 12-2-4 with a 2.48 GAA, while Nathanial Pellegrino is 12-9-1, 2.84.
Promotion: The Phantoms will wear special edition Relay for Life jerseys Saturday night. After the game, the team will auction off the jerseys.
Next: The Phantoms travel to Marquette March 7-8.
Vindicator staff report