Phantoms prepare to face Storm

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — This weekend, the expansion Youngstown Phantoms of the USHL are seeking their first home win.

Tonight and Saturday at 7:15 p.m., the Phantoms (2-2-1, 5 points) will play the Tri-City Storm at the Covelli Centre.

The Phantoms are tied with Indiana for fourth place in the USHL’s East Division.

The Storm (3-1-1, 7 points) are second in the West Division.

Promotions are planned for both games.

Tonight, the Phantoms present their first Bargain Beer Night of the season, featuring $1 brews. The first Friday game of each month will be Bargain Beer Night. Gates open at 6 p.m.

Another promotion is aimed at Youngstown State University students who may purchase discounted $4.50 tickets by presenting their student IDs at the Covelli Centre box office.

Tonight also is Magnet Schedule Giveaway Night, with Phantoms’ schedules handed out to all fans.

Saturday’s game will celebrate Relay for Life Night, as the Phantoms’ yearly tradition debuts in the USHL.

A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will go to the American Cancer Society, as will the earnings from the post-game auctioning of game-worn Phantoms jerseys.

The special-edition jerseys, as voted on by Phantoms fans, are white with purple accents and feature the Relay for Life ribbon.

Early bidding for yhe uniforms is under way; log onto www.youngstownphantoms.com for details.

In addition to Phantoms jersey, an autographed Kelly Pavlik jersey will be available for bidding.

The Phantoms are home for the first time since their Oct. 3 debut, a 6-2 loss to the defending champion Indiana Ice.

In two road trips, the Phantoms went 2-1-1, averaging 4.75 goals per game.

Taylor Holstrom, who was the Reebok Offensive Player of the Week from Oct. 4-10, leads the club with three goals and five assists.

“We really thought he had an offensive upside and that with confidence and experience he’d take off,” said Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt of Holmstrom. “He played in Omaha last year. Obviously, that’s paid off for him so far this year.”