Phantoms defender Bradley commits to RPI

Photo

Youngstown Phantom Chris Bradley

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Chris Bradley of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms became the eighth member of the team to commit to a college program, as he signed on with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) of Indiana earlier this week.

“It all started at the beginning of the year,” said Bradley. “RPI saw me at the New York City Festival Camp, while I was trying out for the Team USA Selects squad. Two days after the camp, RPI contacted me and it grew from there. I had the opportunity to visit the school and I loved both the campus and the hockey program. I am very happy with my decision and I am very excited to attend RPI.”

The Phantoms open the USHL regular season tonight at Des Moines. Youngstown visits Chicago on Saturday.

When Bradley was brought into Youngstown during the offseason, he was definitely a player that coach Curtis Carr wanted in his locker room.

“He is a great hockey player, but an even better person,” said Carr. “He makes our team better just because of his character alone.”

According to Bradley, he fit the defensive mold that the RPI coaches were looking for.

“They wanted a big, puck moving defenseman and I can do that well,” he said. “I want to be an impact player and I want to be a leader in the locker room. I want to play my game and fulfill the expectations that they [RPI] have for me.”

The Phantoms travel to Buccaneer Arena as they face the Des Moines Buccaneers at 8 p.m.

The Phantoms beat Des Moines three out of four times last season, outscoring the Bucs 17-16. Three of the games were decided by one goal.

On Saturday, the Phantoms travel to “The Edge” for a game against the Chicago Steel at 8:30 p.m. The Phantoms will face a former teammate, Dan Senkbeil, who was dealt to the Steel two weeks ago. The Phantoms dominated the Steel last season, posting a 5-0 record and outscoring Chicago 30-17.

The Phantoms continued their stronghold on the Steel in this year’s preseason, winning 5-1 on Sept. 11.