Phantoms fall to Dubuque

Staff report

DUBUQUE, Iowa

Once again shorthanded by illness, the Youngstown Phantoms were dealt an additional manpower blow when their top defenseman Scott Mayfield received a game misconduct during Saturday’s 4-1 loss to the Dubuque Fighting Saints.

With the Phantoms trailing 3-0, Mayfield was issued a double minor for checking from behind and a game misconduct halfway through the second period.

“The guys were re-energized after the Mayfield hit,” Phantoms coach Curtis Carr said. “I feel we outplayed them the last 30 minutes and you really need to take your hat off to the Dubuque goalie [Matt Morris].”

The Phantoms (4-4-0, 8 points) dropped their third straight game and second with several players unable to skate.

“It’s tough to win games with a short bench,” Carr said. “We have traveled over 7,000 miles to start the season and I feel once we get healthy we will be just fine.”

Leading scorer Jiri Sekac scored his second goal of the season to give him seven points.

Matt Green made his first start as Phantoms goalie. He gave up three first-period goals as the expansion Fighting Saints peppered him with 13 shots.

After the Saints’ fourth goal, Matt O’Connor replaced Green in goal, stopping 14 shots.

The Phantoms were unable to capitalize on a 5-on-3 to start the third period.

Sekac’s goal about five minutes into the third period reduced the Saints’ lead to three goals. Cody Strang and Ryan Belonger assisted.

Morris made 31 saves.