YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS: The U.S. National Under-17 Team completes the 2023-24 NTDP domestic schedule with a home-and-home set against the Youngstown Phantoms this weekend, beginning Friday night in Ohio.

The Phantoms are locked into playoff position, but still jockeying for position as to what seed they will be, as the U17s try to play spoiler to force Youngstown to start on the road.

Rookie forward Ryan Botterill paces the Phantoms in both goals (29) and total points (53) through 56 games played. NTDP alum Charlie Cerrato leads the team in assists (38) and ranks second with 49 points. Adam Pietila has pitched in 23 goals and 24 assists to sit third on the team in scoring.

On the blue line, USHL veteran Andrew Strathmann continues to be one of the league's best. He has posted seven goals, 30 assists and 37 points through 47 contests in his 2023-24 campaign. Swede Sascha Boumedienne has added 25 points (3g-22a) from the back end Tory Pitner has put up eight goals and 16 assists.

In net, Aiden Wright is the lone qualified goaltender for Youngstown. In 21 appearances this season, he has posted a 12-5-2-2 record, 2.57 GAA and .903 SV% to lead the Phantoms.

The two-game set will close the season series between the two sides. The Phantoms have taken each of the first four finals.