Friday, November 28, 2008
YOUNGSTOWN — First place is on the line for the Mahoning Valley Phantoms in two games against the Traverse City North Stars at the Chevrolet Centre this weekend.
The Phantoms play host to Traverse City tonight and Marquette Saturday, with both games scheduled for 7:15 p.m. starts.
Mahoning Valley also plays host to the Motor City Machine Sunday at 6 p.m. at the Chevy Centre.
The Phantoms are 1-1-1 in three games against the North Stars, losing 1-0 in regulation, winning 6-2 and then dropping a 5-4 overtime decision in a three-game series earlier this month in Traverse City.
The game will be the second of nine games at this weekend’s NAHL North Division Showcase, starting today. Games are scheduled at the Chevrolet Centre and the Ice Zone.
Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said the Showcase is a big event for the division as it creates enhanced exposure for the players to college and professional scouts.
“This kind of event is what we’re all about at this level,” said Mainhardt, “preparing these young men for the next level. And now, the scouts will be able to come out and see all of these players just two months after our league showcase in Blaine, Minnesota. The timing couldn’t be better.”
Tonight’s Phantoms game will also be the centerpiece of a rally for the American automotive industry, kicking off Youngstown’s “Rev Up America” campaign to show support for the industry.
With the team expecting a near-sellout crowd for the event, Mainhardt said there’s a great feeling for tonight’s game throughout the organization.
“It’s an exciting time,” he said. “It’s great to work for a business and an owner like Bruce Zoldan that cares about his community. The campaign is good for America and it’s very patriotic. The team is very proud to be a part of it.
“And to be able to turn a whole new crowd of people on to our brand of hockey is also very exciting,” he adds.
The Rev Up America is scheduled to begin at 6:45 p.m.