Phantoms fall to West leader Omaha, 6-1

SPECIAL TO THE VINDICATOR

OMAHA, Neb. — Seth Ambroz led the Omaha Lancers’ charge Sunday night, totaling two goals and an assist in the home side’s 6-1 victory over the Youngstown Phantoms in a United States Hockey League game at the Omaha Civic Auditorium.

After a 2-1 shootout win in Lincoln on Saturday night that broke an eight-game losing streak, Youngstown (15-26-2, 32 points) received a first-period goal from Rich Young but could muster no more against an Omaha team that’s been at the top of the West Division all season long.

The teams will square off in a two-game weekend series Friday and Saturday at Covelli Centre.

The Phantoms play at Indiana on Wednesday night.

Sunday the Lancers (30-12-3, 63 points) jumped ahead right from the start, as Dakota Eveland tossed his own rebound over goalie Matt Mahalak just 50 seconds after the opening faceoff, with an assist from Ambroz.

Tom Craig increased the Omaha advantage to 2-0 at 5:08 of the first, as he sent a sharp one-timer inside the left post from the left faceoff circle. Anthony Hamburg and Camden Wojtala each had assists on the play.

The Phantoms made it 2-1 about four minutes later, courtesy of Young’s deflection in front. Adam Berkle scooped up the puck and rifled it to the net, where Young redirected it through Omaha goaltender John Keeney’s legs at 9:01.

Dennis Brown and Troy Power added goals for Omaha.