Phantoms goaltender earns league honor

BOARDMAN — Jordan Tibbett of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms Tuesday was named goalie of the week by the North American Hockey League.

Tibbett, 18, from Indianapolis, stopped 55 of 57 shots at the NAHL Showcase on his way to two wins and a 1.00 goals against average,

“It’s always an honor to be named goalie of the week,” said Tibbett, in his second year with the Phantoms, “but there’s a lot more to it than just how I played. The defense and the offense both played great in front of me and it really helped me out.”

Phantoms coach-general manager Bob Mainhardt said Tibbett’s honor is a direct result of his continuing growth as a goaltender.

“Jordan was exceptional for us in both starts,” Mainhardt said. “He played up to the standards we expect from him and we’re planning on him continuing to get better and better.”

Tibbett also received a big boost from his special teams as the Phantoms killed off 22 straight opposition power play opportunities to close out the showcase.

Tibbett is second in the league with a 96.5 save percentage.

The Phantoms are off this weekend before they resume play in Detroit against the Motor City Machine on Oct. 3. Motor City (3-1-0) is tied for second place behind the Phantoms (3-0-1) in the North Division standings.