Tri-City Storm edges Phantoms

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Phantoms couldn’t muster a comeback against the Tri-City Storm, losing 2-1 Friday night in the first game of a two-game homestand.

The Phantoms got off to a sluggish start, mustering just five shots on goal to start the contest. Late in the first period, Max Humitz put Tri-City on the board with a goal.

The Phantoms’ shot count picked up in the second period, but the goals didn’t come. Once again, Youngstown conceded late in the period with the Storm’s Wade Allison putting a shot past the Phantoms’ Colin DeAugustine.

All told, the Phantoms were out-shot 26-21, but they wouldn’t come away empty-handed.

With two minutes left to play, Luke McInnis notched his third goal of the season from assists from Noah Lalonde and Patrick Kramer.

DeAugustine made 24 saves in defeat. He played foral but one minute of the contest before he was pulled for Ryan Bednard. Bednard did not record any stats in his minute.

Tri-City netminder Jake Kielly made 24 saves, getting the win but losing the shutout bid late in the game.

The teams play again tonight at 7:05 at the Covelli Centre.

The Phantoms (19-12-4) still hold a playoff spot in the USHL’s Eastern Conference by staying one point ahead of Bloomington.