Phantoms’ Chaney, Bartus named players of the week

BOARDMAN — Following a sweep of the Motor City Machine last weekend, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms swept the North American Hockey League’s weekly awards on Monday.

The league named David Chaney the NAHL North Division player of the week and Garrett Bartus as NAHL goalie of the week.

Chaney scored his first hat trick on Saturday night as the Phantoms won 9-3.

The Shelby Township, Mich., native also registered two assists in the series, finishing with five points in the two games.

Chaney credited his offensive outburst to an improved power play attack by the Phantoms.

“[The hat trick] was thanks to a good team-wide effort,” said the first-year defenseman. “Our special teams were really good last weekend and I benefitted from it.”

The Phantoms were 8-for-14 on the power play against the Machine. Two of Chaney’s goals came with the man advantage.

Chaney is only the second defenseman to win the player of the week award this season. Ryan McGrath of Marquette was named on Oct. 27.

Phantoms players have been named player of the week eight times this season.

Bartus won both games against Motor City to earn the goalie of the week award for the first time.

“It’s definitely a great honor to get this week’s award,” said Bartus, “but the big thing is getting the wins while we’re making the playoff push.”

Bartus made 65 saves against Motor City, including 44 on Saturday, and improved his record to 11-6-3.

Bartus said the Phantoms’ 17 goals in the series put him in the right frame of mind.

“When the ‘O’ is out there putting up numbers like they did it makes it a lot easier for me to relax and have some fun in net,” he said.

The Phantoms are off this weekend before returning to the Chevrolet Centre March 13-15 for three games against Traverse City.