YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS: The U17s are slated to host conference rival Youngstown Phantoms for a pair at USA Hockey Arena in the lone games of the week.

Youngstown comes to town with a 22-14-0-1 record after sweeping the Under-18 Team last weekend, with a 5-4 shootout win on Friday (Jan. 24) and a 4-2 win on Saturday (Jan. 25). The Phantoms, who improved to 6-3-0-1 in their last 10 with the wins, stand third in the Eastern Conference with 45 points.

Adam Benák (10G-25A) leads the Phantoms' offense, with Jamison Sluys (10G-22A) following closely behind. The duo racked two points apiece last weekend, to earn Benák sole possession of the fifth spot in assists league-wide. The Czech center is also t-10th in points. Michael Mesic (9G-16A), Evan Jardine (12-11A) and Jack Hextall (4G-18A), who all tallied at least a point last weekend, round out their offense.

Defensemen Kazimier Sobieski and Coleson Hanrahan were among only four skaters to pickup a point both Friday and Saturday night. Sobieski (6G-8A) leads Youngstown blueliners with in goals, while Luke Osburn (4G-10A) leads in points and assists.

Melvin Strahl, who earned both wins over the U18s last weekend, has led the way for Youngstown in net this season, owning a 16-9-0-0 record with a 2.56 GAA and .897 SV%. Owen Lepak has served as a solid backup, posting a 3.30  GAA and .853 SV%.

The U17s and the Phantoms have met only once this season, a heartbreaking 5-4 loss for the U17s at USA Hockey Arena in November, as the U17s look to take a lead on the season series.