Phantoms ignite to snap 8-game streak

Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS

Ryan Belonger scored two goals as the Youngstown Phantoms snapped an eight-game losing streak with Saturday’s 6-3 win over the Indiana Ice.

Belonger has five points in his last four games, Ty Loney added three assists in his first game since Oct. 21 and Cody Strang added two goals and an assist.

“It’s great to get Ty back,” Phantoms coach Curtis Carr said. “He is a big part of our team offensively but he is even bigger in the locker room.

“He is a great character guy and for him to pick up three points was big,” Carr said.

Five other Phantoms (5-8-1, 11 points) recorded a multi-point game against the Ice.

The Loney-Strang-Jiri Sekac line took part in three goals and they combined for eight points.

“This was a line we had together at the start of the season,” Carr said. “All three guys are very good, smart and creative forwards who work really well together.”

The Ice outshot the Phantoms, 38-35. Phantoms goalie Matt O’Connor made 35 saves to record his first win since Oct. 16.