Phantoms Squirt team wins season-opener

The Youngstown Phantoms Squirt hockey team opened its season with a home ice 4-3 win over the Allegheny Badgers on Nov. 13.

The Phantoms trailed early until Dominic Joseph tied it up with 31 seconds remaining in the first period. After falling behind 2-1 in the second period, the game was again tied up at two goals apiece when Devin Whitaker scored with 6:11 remaining.

Two minutes later, the Phantoms took their first lead when Matthew Baggethun connected at 3:48 left in the second period.

The Phantoms stretched their lead to 4-2 when Joseph scored his second goal of the game with 6:23 remaining in the final period.

The Phantoms’ defense, lead by Vince Hepola, held the Badgers scoreless until a late goal cut the lead to one.

Phantom goalie Nick Beck faced 26 shots in the winning effort.

The following day, Nov. 14, a very strong Butler Valley squad handed the Phantoms their first loss of the season with a score of 9-1.

The Dawgs came into the game at the Boardman Ice Zone undefeated at 2-0 scoring 15 goals in their first two games and giving up none.

Butler Valley had a commanding lead of 7-0 when the Phantoms scored the first goal against them this season. Whitaker netted his second goal of the season off a breakaway assisted by Macy Banner with 7:40 left in the game.

Hustling all game on defense for the Phantoms were Tyler Berry and goalie Lane Kline.

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Neighbors | Submitted.The Phantoms goalie Nick Beck, of Boardman, saved one of 26 shots he faced during the Nov. 13 game against the Butler Valley Dawgs.The Dawgs defeated the Phantoms 9-1.

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Neighbors | Submitted.Phantoms center Devin Whitaker, of Boardman, broke away from the defenders during the Nov. 13 game against Butler Valley.Whitaker scored with 7:40 remaining in the game, but if wasn't enough as the Dawgs won 9-1.