Stanley Cup will be at Covelli Centre on Dec. 19

October 10, 2014 at 12:00a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

In December, the Stanley Cup will score a hat trick in Mahoning Valley appearances.

The Youngstown Phantoms have announced that the NHL’s trophy will be at the Covelli Centre on Dec. 19 when they host Team USA’s Under-18 squad on “Pittsburgh Penguins Night.”

It will be the Cup’s first appearance in the Valley in 22 years. The first appearance was in November 1991 when the Stanley Cup was on display in the lobby of the DeBartolo Headquarters on Market Street in Boardman.

Five months earlier, the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Cup for the first time, defeating the Minnesota North Stars, 4-2, in the Stanley Cup Final. At that time, the Pens were owned by Edward J. DeBartolo Sr.

A year later at Paonessa’s in Boardman, the Cup was displayed as part of the DeBartolo family’s Championship collection that included four Lombardi trophies from the San Francisco 49ers and four from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“I am extremely excited that the NHL and the Phantoms are able to bring the Stanley Cup to the Covelli Centre for our fans and the community to enjoy,” said Troy Loney, one of the Phantoms’ co-owners who won the Cup with Penguins in 1991 and 1992.

Loney said fans at the game will have an opportunity to take photos with the Cup. A special time with the Cup will be set aside for season ticket-holders.

Loney said former Penguins players are expected to attend the game and there will be Penguins-themed contests, prizes and giveaways.

“It will definitely be a celebration atmosphere for our fans, players and the entire city,” Loney said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the Stanley Cup as I haven’t been close to it since we won it with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 91-92, and I look forward to reliving some great memories.”

CAPTAINS

Forwards Josh Nenadal and Ryan Lomberg have been named as the Phantoms captains, with forwards Kyle Connor, Josh Melnick and Kiefer Sherwood and defenseman Tommy Parran as assistant captains.

Nenadal, who filled in as captain last season when Alfred Larsson was injured, is in his third season with the team. He has totaled nine goals and 14 assists as a Phantom. He scored a goal in last Saturday’s 3-1 win over Bloomington.

“He is one of the most natural leaders I’ve ever had the pleasure to coach,” Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen said Thursday. “He is someone who doesn’t have to try to be a leader, he just is, and he is one who will lead by example whether it be on the ice, in the weight room or in the locker room.”

Lomberg is in his first season with the Phantoms after spending the last two seasons at the University of Maine. In the 2011-12 USHL season, Lomberg led Muskegon in scoring with 22 goals and 18 assists.

Tonight, the Phantoms (2-1, four points) will be in Ann Arbor, Mich., for the third time in three weekends, this time to play Team USA’s Under-18 squad.

Saturday at 3:05 p.m., the Phantoms welcome the expansion Bloomington Thunder to the Covelli Centre for the home opener.