NAHL Update

Well, with the weeks off here, there isn’t a whole lot to talk about regarding the Phantoms.

Obviously though, the only real news is big news – and that is Miles Winter’s commitment to Quinnipiac. Congrats to Miles on this achievement. It seems that he is really excited about it, and in talking to him, one of the biggest things is the weight that is taken off his shoulders now that he has his future secured a bit more.

The school is close enough to home for him, that his parents can attend often and when he needs to go home for a bit, it is definitely do-able. Additionally, the hockey program is an up-and-comer, doing well this season, and the school is amazing according to Miles. Again, congrats.

As far as the rest of the Phantoms go, they have been out of town for nearly 10 days – the majority of them having left with their parents right after the game on December 23rd. They get back on the ice tomorrow (January 3) and I’m sure will be skated hard for the first few days back in the saddle in order to get back into playing shape. The U.S. Under 17s loom just nine days away now.

The rest of the NAHL has still been going at it, however. While you might have been sleeping on the Phantoms, knowing they would be in second place once they were back in action, you might not have noticed that Marquette has taken the opportunity to gain ground – a lot. The Rangers, by virtue of three consecutive wins last weekend over Traverse City, are now only one point behind the Phantoms for second place in the North.

St. Louis has also put together a couple of wins since the Phantoms last laced up, putting them 10 points clear of Mahoning Valley in the race for the North Division title. Both of these teams are in action again this coming weekend, and by the time Mahoning Valley takes on the U.S. on Jan. 11-12, they could be looking up at a couple of teams.

I also wanted to get the hype started regarding the Phantoms Hockey Showcase coming up in a couple of weeks here at the Ice Zone. Numerous future NHL stars, including each of the last two first overall NHL Draft picks (Patrick Kane in 2007 and Erik Johnson in 2006) were scouted right here at the Ice Zone.

From Jan. 18-21 fans will have the pleasure of not only seeing the Phantoms future NHL stars, but a collection of some the brightest prospects in the world when each of the NAHL North teams and eight Midget Major AAA teams come to town. The showcase lasts four days and will be a great opportunity to see some great hockey all day long. It will also be a key time for the Phantoms to make a charge, getting two games each against Marquette and Traverse City.

Until next week…