Phantoms poised for second-half playoff chase

Halfway through their first USHL season, the Youngstown Phantoms are poised to make a playoff run and challenged to increase their fanbase.

“We definitely feel that with if we make the right adjustments and continue to improve, we feel that we have a very good chance at playing in the playoffs,” Phantoms coach Bob Mainhardt said. “We feel that if we can attain that goal, we can make some noise and take a run at a championship.”

What gives Mainhardt hope for a stronger second half is his belief that his players have not yet played to their full potential.

“We really feel that the vast majority of our players have not shown their best play yet,” Mainhardt said. “They are working hard and they are getting there, but when they do finally turn that corner, I think we can be a very scary team.”

Story appears in Thursday’s edition.