Ex-Phantoms goalie O’Connor lands in NHL

May 10, 2015 at 12:00a.m.

OTTAWA, Ontario

Highly touted free-agent and former Youngstown Phantoms goaltender Matt O’Connor has come to terms with the Ottawa Senators, signing a two-year deal with the maximum bonuses allowed on an entry-level contract.

O’Connor helped Boston University reach the NCAA national championship game and had offers from several NHL teams. O’Connor went 25-4-4 with a 2.18 goals-against average and .927 save percentage this season.

He spent two seasons with the Phantoms from 2010-12. He was in net during the team’s 2011-12 playoff run, and his 28 wins that year tied him for second in the USHL. He also ranked highly in both GAA (3.04) and SV% (.902).

“We are very proud to see Matt sign with the Senators,” said Phantoms head coach Anthony Noreen.

“Matt did everything the right way, both on and off the ice, while he was in Youngstown, and he has undoubtedly earned this opportunity. We are excited to see what his future brings.”

O’Connor becomes the fifth former Phantom to sign an NHL contract, joining Scott Mayfield (New York Islanders), Jiri Sekac (Montreal Canadiens/Anaheim Ducks), Andrej Sustr (Tampa Bay Lightning), and Nathan Walker (Washington Capitals).

Canelo Alvarez knocks out James Kirkland

HOUSTON

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez knocked out James Kirkland with a sweeping right at 2:19 of the third round in their 154-pound fight Saturday night at Minute Maid Park.

Moments after getting off the canvas after being decked with a flurry of punches, Kirkland took the devastating knockout punch and collapsed to the floor on his back.

Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) returned from a 10-month break to beat Kirkland (32-2, 28 KOs), who was back in the ring after a 17-month layoff.

Alvarez is widely expected to challenge Miguel Cotto in a pay-per-view fight that could be a highlight of the fall.

Red Sox hire Willis as new pitching coach

TORONTO

The Boston Red Sox have hired Carl Willis as their new pitching coach, reuniting him with manager John Farrell.

The Red Sox made the announcement Saturday after their 14th loss in 20 games, 7-1 loss to Toronto. They began the day with an AL-worst 4.95 ERA.

Willis was working as the pitching coach for Cleveland’s Triple-A team in Columbus. He takes over after Juan Nieves was fired Thursday, and will join the Red Sox on Sunday for the series finale against the Blue Jays.

Willis previously was the pitching coach for Cleveland and Seattle.

Farrell was the director of player development and worked with Willis for several years. Before Saturday’s game, Farrell praised his former colleague for his “ability to connect with many different types of individual personalities.”

The 54-year-old Willis was a reliever for nine years in the majors, finishing in 1995.

Truex led Sprint Cup race before rain delay

KANSAS CITY, Kan.

Martin Truex Jr. led the NASCAR Sprint Cup race at Kansas Speedway back to green Saturday night after a band of rain forced the race to be delayed by 2 hours, 16 minutes.

The race did not finish in time for the print edition.

The race was halted with 169 laps left just after a caution came out for Jeb Burton, who got loose and slid sideways for the second time. Most leaders went to the pits, but many drivers who were a lap down remained on the track to get back on the lead lap.

Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, Kasey Kahne and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five.

Pole-sitter Joey Logano, who had been running near the front, was shuffled to the back due to a penalty for one of his crew members going over the pit wall early.

Staff/Wire reports