Loney, Belonger score 2 in Phantoms win

Staff report

CHICAGO

Ty Loney and Ryan Belonger each scored two goals Monday as the Youngstown Phantoms defeated the Chicago Steel, 4-3.

In the first period, Belonger scored on a rebound opportunity in front of the Chicago crease after a shot from the point. Assisting on Belonger’s 10th goal were Stu Higgins and Quinn Smith.

Later in the period, Belonger took advantage of a neutral zone turnover and a buried the puck over the glove hand on Steel netminder Connor Wilson after a breakaway. Smith also assisted on that goal.

With 1:08 remainingin the first period, Loney picked off a pass at the top of the right circle in the offensive zone and put a shot past Wilson to go up 3-0. It was the first time this season that the Phantoms went into the first intermission leading by three goals.

“We had a good first period,” Phantoms coach Curtis Carr. “We capitalized on our chances.”

Tucker Brockett and Sam Povorozniouk scored for the Steel before Loney scored a third-period goal on an assist by Strang.

A turnover in the Phantoms defensive zone led to a Joel Benson goal that brought Chicago back within one goal with about five minutes left to play.

Phantoms goaltender Jordan Tibbett made 24 saves in earning his first game in his three starts.

The Youngstown Phantoms (14-21-4, 32 points) will be home on Wednesday at 10 a.m. against the Indiana Ice.