Pavlik, Tyler Kennedy set for Phantoms events

Pavlik vs. Espino

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VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Champion middleweight boxer Kelly Pavlik and a member of the Pittsburgh Penguins will make appearances at the Covelli Centre during upcoming Youngstown Phantoms games.

Pavlik will take part in the ceremonial puck drop prior to the Phantoms’ matchup with the U.S. National Team Saturday at 7:15 p.m.

Kelly Pavlik’s 13th Round Bar & Grille is sponsoring the game’s promotion, which features a Thunderstick giveaway for the first 1,000 fans. The Thunderstick sponsor is Johnny K’s Powersports.

After the game, fans are invited to join players and team staff for a party at Pavlik’s 13th Round Bar & Grille, 162 South Bridge Street, Struthers.

On Jan. 29, Pittsburgh Penguins forward Tyler Kennedy will be at the Covelli Centre for an autograph session before the Phantoms take on the Sioux Falls Stampede at 7:15 p.m.

The arena gates will open at 5 p.m., one hour earlier than usual, for the meet-and-greet with Kennedy, which ends at 7 p.m.

Anyone who wishes to participate must purchase a ticket to the game, which is part of USA Hockey’s Hockey Across America Weekend, the third-annual nationwide celebration of the sport.

Kennedy, in his third year with the Penguins, scored 15 goals during the NHL’s 2008-09 regular season and added five more in the playoffs.

In Game 6 of last June’s Stanley Cup Final, Kennedy scored the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. Three nights later, the Pens defeated the Red Wings, 2-1, in Detroit for the franchise’s third Stanley Cup championship.