Phantoms’ Margonari goes with Mankato

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Youngstown Phantoms forward Dylan Margonari has committed to Minnesota State-Mankato for the 2012 season.

Margonari, of Greensburg, Pa., saw interest him increase after the USHL Fall Classic in September.

There he scored two goals and was a plus-2 in plus/minus.

“I had the opportunity to speak with a lot of different schools,” said Margonari. “I have continued to work hard since the Fall Classic and when I was not on the ice I was trying to determine where I wanted to go to school.”

Margonari (6-foot) has a goal and one assist in the Phantoms’ first 10 games of the season, and 19 penalty minutes.

He intends to major in business management.

“It is definitely a relief to make my commitment,” said Margonari. “The WCHA [Western Collegiate Hockey Association] was a league I have always wanted to play in, and now that this process is over I can fully focus on the 50 games [the Phantoms] have left this season.”

This season’s Mankato squad has 13 former USHL players on the roster.

Phantoms coach Curtis Carr feels Margonari will fit into the elite level of hockey at Mankato.

“The Olympic size rink [at Mankato] fits Margonari perfectly,” said Carr. “He is a great skater and a blue collar hockey player. He is the total package on both sides of the puck. I have worked with Dylan since he was 15, and it is great to see him secure his hockey future.”