Tuesday, February 24, 2009
The 10 a.m. contest is part of the team’s ‘Hockey for Health’ initiative.
YOUNGSTOWN — The Mahoning Valley Phantoms are looking forward to a packed arena today when they play host the U.S. National team in a special 10 a.m. game at the Chevrolet Centre.
Over 5,000 fans are expected for the Phantoms’ “Hockey for Health” game.
The contest headlines the program, which including Phantoms players and coaches to area schools to teach students the importance of an active and healthy lifestyle.
The Phantoms have invited thousands of local students and teachers to attend today’s.
Throughout the game, there will be interactive contests, fun facts and giveaways that focus on Hockey for Health’s main focal points, including proper eating and exercise habits.
During the “Hockey for Health” presentations, students interact with players throughout the presentation as they are guided though various stretching and hockey related skills and techniques, followed by a Q & A session.
The program provides a fun-filled and unique learning environment for students as well as a vehicle to generate an interest in hockey and ice skating.
Each student participating in “Hockey for Health” receives an activity page with nutritional tips and skating information.
Students also receive a free admission coupon to an upcoming Phantoms game as well as a free admission to a public skating session at the Ice Zone in Boardman.
In eight previous matchups—six of which were in Ann Arbor, Mich. —the Phantoms are 4-4-0 against the Nationals.
In Team USA’s only prior trip to the Chevrolet Centre, Jordan Tibbett turned away all 30 shots as the Phantoms whitewashed Team USA 3-0. Doug Clifford, Nick Shkreli and Cole Schneider all scored in the contest for Mahoning Valley.
The two teams also split a two-game series at the Ice Zone in Boardman in October, with the National Team winning 4-2 before the Phantoms earned a 3-2 victory the following night.
Jordy Trottier and Doug Clifford have had the most success for Mahoning Valley against Team USA, scoring five points each in eight contests; Tibbett is 3-2-0 in five starts against the Nationals.
For more information on Hockey for Health, or to schedule a program for your school, contact Phantoms assistant coach Curtis Carr at (330) 965-1423.