Saturday, January 28, 2017
By Greg Gulas
YOUNGSTOWN
A three goal first period led the Sioux Falls Stampede to Friday’s 3-1 victory over the Youngstown Phantoms at the Covelli Centre.
Jack Doremus scored twice for the Western Conference’s Stampede (16-16-1-3, 36 points).
Youngstown Phantoms, 3-1 in USHL, intra-conference action Friday at the Covelli Centre.
The Eastern Conference Phantoms (21-13-4-1, 47 points) split their season series with the Stampede, who earned three points during their Youngstown stopover after Thursday’s 2-1 shootout loss.
“We had our opportunities, even when we were down 3-1 but just couldn’t connect,” Phantoms head coach Brad Patterson said. “We had some good looks, but bobbled pucks and shots that missed the net hurt us tonight.
“I liked our effort, it just wasn’t our best though.”
It didn’t take Sioux Falls long to get on the board, notching the game’s first goal on their initial attempt when Eric MacAdams’ shot sailed past Phantoms goalie Ivan Kulbakov.
The goal was MacAdams’ 11th of the campaign.
The Stampede stretched their lead to 2-0 when Doremus scored.
“I played the puck off the faceoff as it went to the point,” Doremus said. “Alex Stevens took a shot and it landed in front of me,
The Phantoms sliced the lead in half when Eric Esposito scored late in the opening period to extend his point streak to three games.
Doremus connected again after Colin Swoyer found him for his 14th of the year.
“The puck bounced around, landed at the point and hit my stick in the right place,” Doremus said.”
Defense took over as neither team scored again.
Sioux Falls head coach Scott Owens said he’s happy that they don’t meet the Phantoms any more in the regular season.
“This was a three-point series for us and we probably got out of here with an extra point than we should have,” Owens said. “Youngstown is an excellent team, well-coached and a team that plays hard every night.
“Our goaltender, Jeremy Swayman, was outstanding tonight in net.”
Youngstown outshot Sioux Falls, 28-23 while the Stampede improved to 10-4 all-time against the Phantoms.
The Phantoms fell to 10-7-2 this season at the Covelli Centre with an upcoming four-game road trip.