Staff Photo/Brian Jauger Youngstown's Charlie Cerrato (14) handles the puck between two Dubuque defenders Wednesday night at the Covelli Center.
YOUNGSTOWN — With their backs against the wall, the Youngstown Phantoms needed a win to continue their season.
Unfortunately for the Phantoms, the victory was not forthcoming.
The Dubuque Fighting Saints scored two goals late in the third period to beat the Phantoms 2-0, ending Youngstown's title defense in Game 4 with a 3-1 series victory.
“Credit to Dubuque. They played a great series. They played very tight. Obviously, their goaltenders are on their feet and that's a good team.” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said. “We benefited from a team like that last year and won the championship. They played a great series and I thought our players fought all the way through. Last night we went into another series. I thought we could avoid that in a few innings, and that's how the playoffs go, so that's a credit to them.”
Almost a mirror image of Tuesday's game, the goaltending showdown between Aiden Wright and Kevin Readler was a heated one.
Neither side conceded until the third period, when Dubuque forward Beckett Hendrickson beat Wright on a rebound to bring the Fighting Saints within one point.
Six minutes later, Lucas St. Louis extended their lead with a goal.
The net remained empty for the final three minutes, and the long-awaited goal that would keep the Phantoms' hopes alive was not achieved.
Wright saved 20 of 22 shots at the net. The Vermont commit is one of 17 players scheduled to return to next year's group and will be relied upon heavily in net.
Other returners include Sacha Boumedienne, Coulson Hanrahan, Ryan Rusinski and Zach Morin.
“I thought Neil Conway did a great job overall as a goalie, but Aiden came in and he did a really good job for us.” Ward said. “We're excited for him to be back next year and we're excited for all of our young players. We have 17 returners coming back next season, so we're excited about the group rehab and we're excited for them. I look forward to watching him continue to climb the ladder.”
The Phantoms finished the regular season with a record of 33 wins, 19 losses, 6 draws and 4 losses, with a win over Madison in the first round of the series.
“I loved how hard our members worked.” Ward said. “It was a successful year for the team that won the championship last year, watching the players grow and develop. I think it was a great, great season in that regard. They did a great job and It's a credit to them and I'm just proud of how hard they fought and how much they risked every night.”
Despite their success, the Phantoms were unable to put all the pieces together at the same time. Injuries plagued the team all year, but when they weren't, it was a different story. There were plenty of moments where they could have laid back, but they didn't do it.
It's not easy to repeat as champion, especially with a young group.
When looking back on this team, Ward has two words in mind to describe it.
“It's gritty. It's resilient. I think this team has had its back against the wall for almost all year and hasn't stopped punching.” Ward said. “For me, just moving our character forward and laying the foundation for all the young players that are going to be here next year and just that grit and passion to play as a Phantom, they represented us very well. think” “
Captain Andrew Strassman is also among the players leaving on his way to North Dakota.
The Columbus Blue Jackets prospect was hired before last season and helped make a dramatic impact on the program going forward.
“I've known (Strassman) since he was 14 years old. I coached him in Chicago, and obviously we won a championship together here.” Ward said. “I thought he represented our organization with incredible character and incredible grit and exemplified what it means to be a Youngstown Phantom for two years. I'm so proud of that kid and everything he's accomplished and where he's come from. He's going to have a great career at North Dakota and his. There will be a lot of success in the future.”
Ryan Botterill, Thomas Machu and Adam Pietila will also take the next step as they age out of the USHL.
Do you have any interesting stories? Email Brian Yauger at byauger@tribtoday.com. Follow @_brinyauger on X (formerly Twitter).
