Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Phantoms’ Moore earns USHL honor
YOUNGSTOWN
Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Connor Moore has earned USHL Defenseman of the Week honors after a six-point weekend against the Dubuque Fighting Saints.
Moore recorded a goal and five assists in the two-game series at the Covelli Centre. The Boston College recruit is tied for seventh in USHL scoring among defensemen.
Tuesday, the NHL Central Scouting midterm rankings for the 2016 NHL Draft includes three Phantoms.
Forward Cam Morrison is ranked 59th. Forward Yushiroh Hirano and defenseman Luke McInnis also are on the list. Morrison is tied for the lead in USHL scoring, with 40 points in 35 games.
Springfield Boosters plan fund-raiser
NEW MIDDLETOWN
The Springfield Athletic Boosters is sponsoring an Original Roadhouse steak and chicken dinner fund-raiser on Jan. 30 in the high school cafeteria from 4-6 p.m. prior to the boys basketball game against Jackson-Milton.
For information, call the Athletic Office at 330-542-3626 ext. 128 for ticket information.
Steelers extend pacts for Hubbard, Nix
PITTSBURGH
The Pittsburgh Steelers signed offensive lineman Chris Hubbard and fullback Roosevelt Nix to one-year contract extensions on Tuesday.
Hubbard appeared in eight games this season with the Steelers. He initially made the team in 2014 after spending the 2013 season on the practice squad.
Nix caught two passes for 16 yards while serving mostly as a blocking back and on special teams during his rookie season in 2015. He went on injured reserve last month after injuring his right foot in a loss to Baltimore on Dec. 27.
The Steelers also signed 10 players to futures contracts: safety Jordan Dangerfield, offensive linemen Matt Feiler and B.J Finney, cornerback Isaiah Frey, tight end Xavier Grimble, defensive end Caushaud Lyons, running backs Rajion Neal and Abou Toure, wide receiver Shakim Phillips and safety Ray Vinopal (Cardinal Mooney).
Pirates sign Stewart for two more years
PITTSBURGH
Catcher Chris Stewart and the Pittsburgh Pirates have agreed to a $3 million, two-year contract that avoids salary arbitration, a deal that includes a 2018 club option.
Stewart will make $1.35 million this year and $1.4 million in 2017 under Tuesday’s agreement. The Pirates’ option is at $1.5 million with a $250,000 buyout.
The 33-year-old hit .289 with eight doubles, 15 RBI and nine runs scored in 58 games last year while backing up Francisco Cervelli, and he made $1,225,000. Stewart served as the primary catcher for Pirates ace Gerrit Cole. Pittsburgh went 26-10 in the games Stewart started in 2015, including a 15-1 mark at PNC Park.
OSU’s Washington takes plea deal
COLUMBUS
An attorney for Adolphus Washington says the Ohio State defensive lineman’s misdemeanor solicitation charge will be dismissed under a plea deal if he completes a program in which men learn about victimization of prostitutes.
Attorney Phil Templeton told The Columbus Dispatch that’s the standard plea offer for such cases and said Washington didn’t get special treatment.
Court records show he pleaded guilty Tuesday in Columbus. His sentencing is Feb. 16. Before then, he must complete the program operated by the city attorney’s office.
The senior from Cincinnati played in 12 games this year but was suspended for the Buckeyes’ Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame on Jan. 1.
Columbus police cited Washington on Dec. 9.
Staff/wire report