Squirt Phantoms win first game of 2011

The Youngstown Phantoms Squirt team came off winter break and traveled to Robert Morris University to defeat the Arctic Foxes 3-1 on Jan. 2.

The Phantoms scored first with 3:38 in the first period when Devin Whitaker (Boardman) took a pass from Alex Laberto (Boardman). The lead increased to 2-0 when Whitaker scored on a breakaway at the 9:02 mark of the second period.

The lead was cut in half when the Arctic Foxes scored with 3:06 remaining in the game. The Foxes pulled their goalie with one minute remaining, and Whitaker sealed the victory after stealing the puck and scoring the empty net hat trick goal with 24 seconds remaining.

Danny Beistel (Canfield) and Vince Hepola (Canfield) kept the Foxes deep in their end for much of the game. Nick Beck (Boardman) earned the win in goal, facing 23 shots, including three breakaway attempts. Justin Lewis (Poland) defensively stopped several additional breakaway attempts.

The Phantoms played in the Winter Classic at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh on Dec. 29. The event was a benefit fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

The Phantoms lost to North Pittsburgh 5-3. Scoring for the Phantoms was Devin Whitaker (Boardman) with two goals and Bo Gray (Boardman).

The Phantoms rotated goalies Nick Beck (Boardman) and Lane Kline (Pulaski).