YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS: Friday's game marks the fourth time the U17s will face the Phantoms as the U17s look for its first win against Youngstown. All three previous meetings have been inside USA Hockey Arena, as Saturday's tilt will be the first time it travels to Covelli Centre. The Phantoms enter the weekend atop the Eastern Conference standings, with a 40-18-0-2 record (W-L-OTL-SOL) and 82 points, as just two points separate it and the fourth-placed Muskegon Lumberjacks.

The Phantoms haven't lost in regulation since March 15 as it won six in-a-row before it fell in a shootout against the Chicago Steel this past Sunday.

Only one Phantom has tallied 20+ goals this season as Michael Mesic holds the team lead with 23. Eight Youngstown skaters have potted double-digit goals with Evan Jardine behind Mesic with 18. Forward Jamison Sluys is t-2nd amongst USHL skaters with 41 assists and leads the Phantoms with 56 points.

On the blue line, Luke Osburn leads the Phantoms in goals, assists and points (9G-28A--37PTS) in 53 games played and ranks in the top-10 in the league in points amongst defensemen.

Melvin Strahl is the main netminder in net for the Phantoms and leads the league with 31 wins with a 31-12-0-1 record (W-L-OTL-SOL). With a 2.43 GAA, Strahl ranks second in the league and is t-1st with four shutouts. Strahl was in net for two of the three teams meetings and allowed a total of seven goals off 41 shots.