Phantoms lose defensive battle to North Stars, 1-0

Kyle Jean’s goal in the second period provided the winning margin for Traverse City.

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. — A defensive struggle between two of the premier teams in the North American Hockey League’s North Division ended in a 1-0 victory by the Traverse City North Stars over the Mahoning Valley Phantoms Friday night.

Kyle Jean’s goal, on an assist by David Johnstone, with 4 minutes, 45 seconds remaining in the second period, provided the only goal of the night for the North Stars (12-2-0).

Both teams had 24 shots on goal; the Phantoms (7-3-1) went 0-for-3 on the power play while Traverse City was 0-for-4 with a man advantage,

Mahoning Valley had an 8-6 advantage in shots in the first period, which ended in a scoreless tie. The Phantoms were 0-for-1 on the power play while Traverse City was 0-for-2.

Johnny Meo and Nick Kenney were whistled for penalties in the opening stanza.

In the second period the North Stars’ Marc Thompson was caught with the only penalty, for slashing, with 9:16 remaining. But the Phantoms couldn’t take advantage, and less than three minutes after their man advantage ended Jean found the back of the net.

The Phantoms were outshot in the period, 11-7.

In the final 20 minutes the Phantoms outshot Traverse City 9-7, but couldn’t find the net.

The Phantoms killed off penalties to Jordy Trottier and Brand Saad in the final period, and had one last chance with a man advantage when Traverse City’s Chris Salomone was called for tripping with 2:31 remaining.

The Phantoms also pulled goalie Jordan Tibbett for the final 49 seconds but couldn’t get the tying goal.

Tibbett made 23 saves.

The teams have two more games in their weekend series. They play again tonight at 7:05 and Sunday at 12:35 p.m.