Winkler scores two as Phantoms edge Lumberjacks

Staff report

MUSKEGON, MICH.

James Winkler scored two power-play goals and Kyle Connor netted the game-winner Friday in the Youngstown Phantoms’ 3-2 victory over the Muskegon Lumberjacks.

Goaltender Colin DeAugustine stopped 33 shots to earn the victory.

Winkler’s first goal game in the opening period and was set up by Connor Yau and Ryan Lomberg. Tom Marchin’s elbowing penalty gave the Phantoms the man advantage.

Two minutes into the second period, Yau and Taylor Best set up Winkler for his second goal that was scored with Will Graber in the penalty box for roughing.

A minute later, the game tightened back up as the Lumberjacks’ Robbie DeMontis hit the back of the net. Receiving assists were Marchin and Mitch Eliot.

In the final minute of the second period, Connor scored on a feed from Lomberg for a 3-1 lead.

Midway through the third period, Max Humitz beat DeAugustine to slice the Phantoms lead to one. Mark Petaccio and Trevor Hamilton assisted.

The Phantoms killed off five Lumberjack power plays. The Phantoms were 2-for-6 with the extra skater.

Tonight, the Phantoms’ road trip continues with a game in Madison, Wis., against the first-year Capitols. The Capitols have a 2-0 series lead. They also will play each other on Sunday.

Earlier Friday, the Phantoms announced that forward Trey Bradley was traded to the Sioux Falls Stampede in exchange for a 2015 Phase I second-round pick and a 2015 Phase II fourth-round pick.

“This was a move we felt was best for our organization and all parties involved, and our staff, players and fans will miss Trey,” Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen said.

Bradley was seventh on the team in scoring with four goals and 19 assists.