Margonari’s hat trick sparks Phantoms

Staff report

OMAHA, Neb.

If Dylan Margonari had it his way, the Youngstown Phantoms might never leave Nebraska.

After the recording his first goal of the season on Friday against Tri-City, the third-year center from Greensburg, Pa., netted three goals on Saturday to lead the Phantoms (6-2-0) to a 5-2 victory over the Omaha Lancers (4-3-1).

“It must be something in the air out here,” Margonari said.

After falling behind 2-0, the Phantoms — buoyed by a four-goal second period — scored five unanswered goals to record their first win over Omaha in the franchise’s three seasons.

Goaltender Sean Romeo got the start for the second straight night and turned away 17 of 19 shots to secure the sweep on their Nebraska road trip.

“We came out here saying nothing less than four points would be accepted,” Head Coach Anthony Noreen said. “We saw some adversity [Friday] and we saw even more tonight, but the guys just kept battling.”

Margonari got the Phantoms on the board 1:53 into the second period with a quick snap shot from the slot to beat Lancers goaltender Thatcher Demko.”

Todd Koritzinsky tied it up for the Phantoms a little more than four minutes later. The first-year winger out of Middleton, Wis., got the puck from Richard Zehnal on the right wall, weaved through traffic and sent a back-hand five-hole for his second of the season.

JT Stenglein gave the Phantoms their first lead of the night at the 10:59 mark in the second when he beat Demko with a snap shot from top of the left circle.