Letunov, Connor power Phantoms past Lumberjacks

Staff report

MUSKEGON, MICH.

Max Letunov scored two goals to lead the Youngstown Phantoms to Friday’s 8-0 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks at the LC Walker Arena.

Tonight at 7:05, the Lumberjacks and Phantoms play again, this time at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

Goaltender Chris Birdsall (4-1-2) stopped all 30 shots by the Lumberjacks to record his first shutout of the season.

Jacob Gwillim took the loss, recording 27 saves.

The Phantoms’ other goal scorers were Ryan Lomberg, Kyle Connor, Taylor Best, Bryan Lemos, Trey Bradley and James Winkler.

Connor set up three goals while Lemos, Vas Kolias, Kiefer Sherwood and Matt Alvaro each had two assists.

Letunov and Connor are tied for fourth in USHL scoring with 22 points each.

The Phantoms’ power play was sizzling, producing goals on four of seven chances.

Youngstown penalty killers thwarted all three of the Lumberjacks’ power plays.

The Phantoms and Lumberjacks are 1-1 this season. On Nov. 1, the Lumberjacks defeated the Phantoms, 3-1, at the Covelli Centre.

The victory gives the Phantoms (10-6-2, 22 points) sole possession of fourth place in the USHL’s Eastern Conference. The Lumberjacks (13-6-1, 27 points) remain in second place.