PHANTOMS PREVIEW | Weekend games

Who: Phantoms vs. Team USA U-17
When: Today and Saturday, 7:15 p.m.
Where: Ice Zone, Boardman
Internet: mvpphantoms.com
Scouting report: The Phantoms (19-9-3) return to the ice for their first game since Dec. 22. They are 4-4 this season against the U.S. team. Derek Graham leads the Phantoms with 23 goals and 47 points. His 24 assists are second to Chad Boeckman’s 27. Boeckman also has seven goals. Miles Winter is second on the team with 16 goals and he has 15 assists. Garrett Bartis is 12-3-2 in goal with a 2.52 goals against average and .917 save percentage. Jordan Tibbett is 5-6-1 with 3.58 GAA and .890 save percentage. Jeremy Morin leads the U.S. team (15-15-2) with 29 points (16-13); he leads the club in goals and assists. Drew Shore also has 13 assists. Five different players have been in goal for the U.S. team; Brandon Maxwell leads with five wins.
Coach says: “No matter how short or long a layoff is, you have to prepare yourself both mentally and physically. I don’t know if I’m concerned, as much as it is a point of emphasis, and it’s something that we are going to focus on and make sure that we are prepared for. We don’t expect to come out flat.” — Bob Mainhardt.
Next: The Phantoms play host to Marquette Jan. 18 and Jan. 20; those games are sandwiched around a trip to Traverse City Jan. 19.

The Vindicator