Phantoms’ Clifford earns NAHL honor for 3 goals

One was an overtime goal to defeat Alpena, 4-3.

BOARDMAN — Mahoning Valley Phantoms forward Doug Clifford was named the North Division player of the week by the North American Hockey League Monday.

Clifford scored three goals in the weekend series against Alpena. His biggest came in overtime of Friday night’s game, where he struck at the 2:32 mark for the game-winning goal.

He also notched two power play goal against the IceDiggers, accounting for two-thirds of the Phantoms’ output with the man advantage in the series.

“As a rookie on such a great team, it’s obviously a big honor to be named player of the week,” said Clifford, 18, of Woodhaven, Mich. “But it was just as much hard work by my teammates that put me in the position to win it. Brandon Saad, John Houston and Cole Schneider all played huge parts on each of those goals.”

Clifford has played in seven games this season and has worked his way into an expanded role on both the power play and penalty killing units. The rookie center entered the weekend with no goals.

“Doug has worked very hard so far this season,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said, “and it is nice to see him recognized by the league for last week’s effort. He will continue to elevate his game this season and is sure to turn some heads.”

Jordan Tibbett of the Phantoms was named honorable mention for the goalie of the week award. He had 33 saves in Friday’s game.

The Phantoms play host to the U.S. Under-17 team at the Ice Zone Friday and Saturday. Both games are scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m.