Werbik scores two in Phantoms’ win

Staff report

KEARNEY, NEB.

Nicolar Werbik scored two goals to power the Youngstown Phantoms to Saturday’s 4-1 victory over the Tri-City Storm.

Werbik’s first goal came late in the first period and gave Youngstown a 2-0 lead. Brandon Estes and Alex Esposito had assists.

His other goal came with 2:12 remaining in the game and was unassisted.

Michael Karow scored just 16 seconds into the game on an assist by Sam Craggs.

In the second period, Eric Esposito made it 3-0 when he scored on an assist by Ty Famrer and Curtis Hall.

Later that period, the Storm’s Charlie Kelleher scored on assist from Alex Limoges and Wyatt Bongiovanni.

Phantoms goaltender Ivan Kulbakov made 22 saves to earn the victory.

Both teams’ penalty killers excelled. The Phantoms skated off five power plays while the Storm shut down four.