Phantoms win in shootout over USA

Staff report

Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Youngstown Phantoms endured four full periods, including overtime, before claiming a 2-1 victory over Team USA in a shootout.

Adarm Berkle scored the deciding goal for the Phantoms, sailing the puck past Team USA goalie Matt McNeely on the fifth and final shot. Team USA shooter Jacoc Trouba had his attempt stopped by goalie Greg Lewis.

The Phantoms found themselves in a hole early. Team USA scored the first goal of the game when Ryan Haggerty accepted the puck off passes by Andy Ryan and Matt Van Voorhis at the 18:30 mark of the first period. The Phantoms evened the score at the 2:25 mark of the second period when Kiri Sekac got a shot past McNeely.

The Phantoms (12-18-2, 26 points) picked up a much needed road win. The team has struggled away from its home ice. Youngstown is 7-12-1 on the road, and 5-6-1 at the Covelli Centre. They remain in sixth place out of eight team in the USHL’s Eastern Conference.

Next up for the Phantoms is a three-game home stretch. The Phantoms will host the Sioux Falls Musketeers on Jan. 21 and Waterloo Black Hawks on Jan. 22. Both games will begin at 7:30 p.m.