Phantoms complete Team USA sweep

Staff report

PLYMOUTH, MICH.

Seven Youngstown Phantoms found the back of the net on Saturday as the junior hockey team completed its weekend sweep of Team USA’s U-17 squad.

Alex Esposito and Nicholas Werbik scored first-period goals to lead the Phantoms to a 7-1 victory on Saturday.

Friday, the Phantoms won, 6-1.

Also scoring in Saturday’s game were Brett Murray, Brad Cocca, Jack Malone, Austin Pooley and Max Ellis.

Werbik assisted on two goals.

Darion Hanson earned the victory in net, stopping 24 shots.

In Friday’s victory. Pooley scored two goals. Also scoring were Marcus Joseph, Wisocky, Chase Gresock and Coale Norris.

Ivan Kulbakov made 16 saves to earn the victory.

Friday, the Phantoms (2-1-0, 4 points) will play their home opener at the Covelli Centre against the Madison Capitols.

Four of the Phantoms’ six returning players from last season were out for these games. Eric Esposito served a two-game suspension while Garrett Hall, Noah Lalonde and captain Tommy Apap sat out with injuries.

Alec Esposito and defenseman Ty Farmer were the returning players who skated.