Showdown At The Ice Zone

I should preface this edition by saying that I am writing this fresh off a 10-2 thumping of the U.S. National Development Team, Under-17s… so this may be a slightly, overly-optimistic assessment.

I will continue, nevertheless, by saying that we are the most talented team I have seen play so far in the NAHL (including at the Showcase in Minnesota, where I was privy to watching most teams), and with the right mindset, there is no telling how far we can go.

The record stands at 9-5-1. When the puck drops on Friday night at 7:15 p.m. for the home opener, the Phantoms will be tied for second place in the North with the winner of Thursday’s game between the U.S. and Alpena. So, it will be a battle atop the North Division against the Bandits.

I said all along that if the Phantoms had 17 points after playing their first 15 games on the road, they’d be happy. Now, although there have been some frustrating losses, and a lot of fans/players/coaches/etc. feel like they should be more like 12-3-0, the coaches have said they think this is a successful start to the season, and the boys are primed for another run at the title.

Stats

We have now combined to score 15 goals in the last 4 periods. That’s the good part, it’s what this team is capable of. But, like I said in the pre-game show last night, 20 minutes of hockey usually isn’t going to win many games.

The Phantoms proved last night that they can play from start to finish. It was great to see the more unheralded players such as Grant Blakey and Johnny Meo put up the numbers that they did – each notching a goal and three assists. For Blakey, it was his third consecutive game with a goal.

Derek Graham continued his tear – he now has scored a goal in each of his last five games, and has had three points in each of the last three games – this run has moved him into the NAHL league lead in points (12G, 14A, 26 pts.).

After the coaching staff repeatedly stressed upon Graham’s all-around game, rather than just his scoring knack, I have also started to pick up on how well he executes the forecheck, his hustle on the backcheck, and all the different situations that he’s thrown into, and thrives in.

Chad Boeckman is obviously benefiting from being put back at the point on the power play. He is now second in the league in assists. The coaches are impressed with the way he sees the ice – hence the switch.

With the exception of the Traverse City loss, Garrett Bartus has been a rock. Even in that game, he didn’t get a lot of help, nor did he take the loss though either. I’m sure it was somewhat of a relief for him to not have to put the team on his back last night.

The line of Meo, Miles Winter and Scott Moser is really clicking. All three players have benefited tremendously.

More impressive than Moser’s 17 points in 15 games is his plus/minus, a +9.

Congrats To:

Trent Bonnett recently committed to Bentley College. He becomes the sixth Phantom on this year’s team to have his college secured for next season.

As you have undoubtedly read and heard, Phantoms veteran defenseman Eric Ringel (committed to Notre Dame) was recognized by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau as a B-rated player for the Draft in June.

Phantoms rookie goaltender Jordan Tibbett was recognized with a C-rating. Both players are only 17 years old and are at the dawning of promising hockey careers. Congratulations to both men.

At Home… Finally

It has been a long time coming, a lot of early morning bus rides back into the Ice Zone and long drives home, but we are finally here. The clock on the website is counting down, and the defending champions await.

Looking at St. Louis, from the stat sheet, the numbers are impressive. A 13-2-0 record, best in the NAHL. They lost their first game to the U.S. National U-18s before Minnesota, and then rolled off eight straight wins. They lost to Springfield, and now have won five more in a row – BUT, all their wins have come at home… their only losses this season have both come on the road.

Both Bandits goaltenders have a GAA below 2.15 and a save % above .915. Who will we see? I’d say both. It looks like they are rotating starters.

As far as scorers, Kyle O’Kane’s 22 points is good for 4th in the NAHL. There are three players tied with 17 points each: Sam Bozoian, Ben Warda and Mike Leone. Mike Merrifield was recognized by Central Scouting as a C-rated player for the NHL Draft. He is fifth on the team in scoring with 12 points.

All the Phantoms I’ve talked to can’t wait to be at home, to play in front of friends and family, and their hometown fans – that wait is now just two more days.

Happy Halloween!