Late goal sinks Phantoms hockey team

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Despite dominating play throughout the third period, the Youngstown Phantoms surrendered a late goal and lost 3-2 to the Des Moines Buccaneers this morning at the IBP Ice Center.

D.J. Vandercook whipped a shot past Phantoms’ goalie Matt Malahak with 1:54 remaining to boost the Bucs to their second win in as many days at the USHL Fall Classic. Youngstown will gun for its second preseason victory and first of this annual league convention Saturday morning at the Tyson Events Center against the Tri-City Storm.

Youngstown outshot the Buccaneers 39-21, including 18-6 in the second frame, but couldn’t get a third goal past Des Moines netminder Charles Williams, who stopped 37 of 39 shots. Mahalak turned away 18 shots in the Phantoms’ net, including several above average efforts.

The Phantoms weathered heavy Des Moines pressure in the opening 10 minutes and appeared to be on the verge of a breakthrough after being awarded back-to-back power plays. But it was the Buccaneers who broke the ice, getting a shorthanded wrist-shot goal from Ryan Walters at 16:31.

Youngstown had less than four minutes to salvage the period, and they did just that when Adam Berkle connected from close range at 18:07 to complete a slick passing play. Defenseman Ben Paulides gained the offensive zone, dropping a no-look pass onto the tape of Cody Strang, who drove the goal and found Berkle open on the right edge of the crease.

The Buccaneers grabbed the lead right back at 1:55 of the second as T.J. Tynan converted a Taylor Wolfe centering feed to make it 2-1. Once again though, the Phantoms drew even on a late-period score, this time off the stick of USHL veteran Brian Dowd. With Youngstown buzzing around Bucs goalie Williams, a loose puck scooted to the right post, where Dowd calmly stashed it in with 2:05 left.

The Phantoms close out the showcase event Saturday with a game vs. Tri Cities.

Following this weekend’s festivities, the Phantoms will return home to northeast Ohio to begin preparations for the regular-season opener Saturday, Oct. 3 at the Covelli Centre in downtown Youngstown. Faceoff between the Phantoms and the defending USHL champion Indiana Ice is set for 7:15 p.m., but the Opening Night celebration starts early with a pregame tailgate party.

Rally towels will be distributed at the gate and Phantoms fans are encouraged to help Black Out the Covelli Centre by wearing black apparel to the game. In addition, pretzels, hot dogs and sodas will be only $2 apiece all night.