Phantoms rally for overtime win

Staff report

PLYMOUTH, MICH.

Joey Abate scored in overtime to lift the Youngstown Phantoms to Friday’s 5-4 victory over Team USA at USA Hockey Arena.

Trevor Kuntar scored three goals for the Phantoms and Connor MacEachern had the other.

Goaltender Christian Stoever stopped 33 shots.

The Phantoms raced out to a 3-0 lead before Team USA responded with four straight goals.

Kuntar’s first goal was set up by Matt DeMelis about four-and-a-half minutes into the second period.

Ten minutes later, Gianfranco Cassaro set up MacEachern’s goal. Cassaro also assisted on Kuntar’s power-play goal.

Henry Thrun scored twice as the Team USA took the lead, 4-3. Ryder Rolston and Sean Farrell also scored goals.

With 61 seconds remaining, the Phantoms tied the game on Kuntar’s third goal set up by Brett Murray.

Abate’s game-winner was set up by MacEachern.

Phantoms penalty killers held off Team USA on two power-play chances. The Phantoms were 1-for-5 with the man advantage.

Team USA goaltender Cameron Rowe stopped 20 shots.

The Phantoms will be home next weekend for three games against the Central Illinois Flying Aces at the Covelli Centre.

After the Christmas break from Dec. 17-27, the Phantoms will hit the road for the final weekend in December for three games in Iowa against Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Dubuque.