HIGH HONORS

Phantoms’ Cangelosi, Stenglein selected

to represent Team USA in Junior A Challenge

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

Phantoms forwards Austin Cangelosi and JT Stenglein have been chosen to represent Team USA at the 2012 World Junior A Challenge in early November.

The tournament will run from Nov. 2-11 in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

“In my opinion, there’s no greater honor in all of sports than to wear your home country’s flag on your chest,” Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen said. “I couldn’t be happier for Austin and JT.

“It’s a great opportunity for both of them and it speaks volumes for our program.”

It is the second season in a row that Cangelosi, 18, has been named to the U.S. roster. The Estero, Fla., native put up three points (one goal, two assist) in five games as Team USA took bronze in last year’s Challenge in Langley, British Columbia.

A Boston College recruit, Cangelosi was named to the 2011-12 USHL All-Rookie team after racking up 29 goals, 30 assists and 59 points in 53 games last season.

Through six games this season, Cangelosi leads the league in scoring with five goals, six assists and 11 points.

“It’s always an honor to put on the jersey and represent your country,” Cangelosi said. “We had a chance at winning gold last year but came up short. This year, we’re hoping to accomplish that.”

Stenglein, 19, will be representing his country for the first time. A native of Greece, N.Y., Stenglein’s 31 goals scored last season was the most for returning USHL players.

Through five games this season, the third-year winger is tied for the league goal-scoring lead with five goals and has added two assists for seven points.

He was named CCM Offensive Player of the Week after his four-goal outburst against the Waterloo Black Hawks on Oct. 5.

“It feels really good,” Stenglein said. “One of my goals this year was to make this team, so I’m really looking forward to having the chance to represent Team USA.”

The Junior A Challenge is one of the premier international select tournaments in the world. Team USA has won gold three of the last four years. In addition to United States, teams from Eastern and Western Canada, Czech Republic, Russia and Switzerland will participate in the tournament.