BOARDMAN, Ohio (Tuesday, March 18, 2008) - Putting the perfect ending on their season, the Phantom Fireworks Mite A team won three of four games this past weekend en route to their second championship in as many weeks, winning the Alan Fenton Memorial Tournament in Wooster, Ohio - and they did it with just three defensemen - Fletcher Christie, Alex Ritz, Mia Kindinis, and Robbie Stanko.

The host Wooster Blades came out firing in the Phantoms' opening game of the weekend on Friday night, taking a 1-0 lead just 39 seconds into the first period. Two goals and an assist from team scoring leader Drew Murphy, however, and Stone Elias' game-winner with just four minutes left, sealed up a 3-2 win.

The Phantoms used a four goal second period to open up a 1-1 game and take down Newark in their second game on Saturday afternoon. Four goals from Murphy, two from Elias, and one from Devin Whitaker helped pave the way to the 7-2 triumph - the team's sixth win in a row.

Although the Ice Dragons put an end to the Phantoms' winning streak, winning 3-1 on Sunday morning, the Phantoms got a shot at revenge in Sunday afternoon's rematch for the championship.

For the fourth straight game, the Phantoms found themselves trailing early, down 1-0 after one. But thanks to 27 saves from goaltender Anthony Cavalier, a goal each from Ritz and Elias, and Murphy's 70th tally of the season, the Phantoms clinched the title with a 3-1 win.

The Phantom Fireworks Mite A team wrapped up their season winning six of their last seven games, and taking home an 18-12-5 record with three tournament championships to their credit.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Player of the week:

Tyler Berry earns the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week honors from the Mites team.

As one of the youngest players on the squad, Tyler had to shoulder a lot of tough competition this season, as his team climbed to higher competitive levels. His work ethic and attitude this season, however, has set a good foundation for two more years of mite hockey.

Tyler had an impressive final weekend in the Wooster tournament, providing aggressive forechecking, smart positioning, and he nearly cashed in on some scoring chances.

Berry also assisted on the first goal of the Newark contest, tying the game at the end of the first period, and setting the stage for the team's sixth win in a row - a 7-2 trouncing of Newark.

Tyler is the son of Scott and Carrie Berry of Canfield, Ohio.

From the Mahoning Valley Phantoms Junior A team to the Phantom Fireworks Mite A team, congratulations to Tyler Berry - this week's Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Tuesday, March 11, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite A team braved the winter weather, outscored their opponents 23-8, and swept four straight games, on their way to the championship of the Mite March Madness Tournament in Parma this past weekend.

The Phantoms opened the tournament with a 7-2 triumph over the Pittsburgh Vipers on Saturday morning. The Vipers had a 2-1 lead going into the second period, but Drew Murphy and Stone Elias turned up the heat, combining for four goals in the second period and two more in the final frame to lead the comeback.

With seven points (five goals, two assists) to his credit, Murphy was named the game's most valuable player.

The mites continued their roll on Saturday afternoon, taking down the host team - Parma A3 - 5-0. Elias, the game's MVP, led the way, scoring twice and assisting on one other, while Murphy collected the hat trick for the second straight game.

Sunday morning, the mites took on the Rocky River Pirates. While Murphy and Elias continued to contribute, the Pirates made a gallant effort at a comeback in the third.

Constant offensive pressure, however, by Alex Ritz and Fletcher Christie allowed the Phantoms to hang on for the 7-6 win. Ritz was named the MVP of the game, with two goals and two assists.

A few hours later, the Pirates would get a chance at revenge in the tournament championship game. After nearly an entire period of defensive hockey, Murphy capitalized on a pass from Devin Whitaker to put the Phantoms up 1-0 heading into the first intermission.

The scoring duo of Murphy and Elias stepped up again in the second period, each notching a goal and staking the Phantoms to a 3-0 lead after two. With 1:51 left in regulation, Murphy took a pass from Fletcher Christie and scored his 14th goal of the weekend to put the finishing touches on the perfect tournament.

Phantoms goaltender Anthony Cavalier was named the MVP of the game, turning aside all 14 Pirates shots while earning his fourth win and his second shutout of the weekend.

The Phantom Fireworks mites (15-11-5) will finish up their season this weekend with a tournament in Wooster from Friday through Sunday.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Players of the Week:
Mario Caggiano and Devin Whitaker earn the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Players of the Week honors this week.

In the first game against the Rocky River Pirates on Sunday, just 41 seconds into the third period, Caggiano's pass to Elias set up the eventual game winning goal in a 7-6 win.

In the tournament championship game against Rocky River, Whitaker's pressure on the Pirates goalie finally paid off for him late in the first period, as he got an assist on the first goal of the game, setting the tone for a title push.

Mario is the son of Greg Caggiano and Shari Caggiano of Canfield. Devin is the son of Pat and Patti Whitaker of Boardman.

Congratulations from the Phantoms Junior A team to the Phantoms Mite A team, to Mario Caggiano and Devin Whitaker, this week's Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Players of the Week.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Monday, March 3, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team broke their six game losing streak by going 1-0-1 over the weekend.

The mites got the ball rolling with a big 7-6 triumph over Wooster on Saturday before coming back with a 5-5 tie against North Pittsburgh on Sunday - both were teams that the Phantoms had lost to earlier in the season.

The Mites are now back up to even .500 - with an 11-11-5 record for the season - and still have two weeks left to play.

Leading the Phantoms with eight points in the two games, was Drew Murphy, the team's leading scorer. Murphy now has 48 goals and six assists on the season.

Following Murphy, were Alex Ritz and Stone Elias, each collecting four points on the weekend, while Anthony Cavalier and David Rankin each tallied two.

Further contributing to the overall team effort were Kaleb Pease, Colin Frost and Maguire Franko who chimed in with a point apiece.

Next up, the Phantom Mites will head to Parma for the first of two consecutive tournaments to close out the season.

The Phantoms will face off Saturday against Pittsburgh at noon and Parma A3 at 3:30 p.m. On Sunday, the team will finish up the round-robin portion of the tournament against Rocky River at 9 a.m., before the championship round begins in the afternoon.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Players of the week:

Colin Frost and Maguire Franko earn the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Players of the Week honors this week, after the Phantom Mites cashed in two strong performances against teams that previously beat them. The Phantoms beat Wooster 7-6 on Saturday and then tied North Pittsburgh 5-5.

In the latter game, Frost got the team's scoring started with a breakaway goal in the first period. In the second period, Franko set up teammate Anthony Cavalier for a breakaway goal that sent the Phantoms on a run.

Congratulations from the Phantoms Junior A team to the Phantoms Mite team, and Colin Frost and Maguire Franko - the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Players of the Week.

Colin is the son of Spice Frost and Carl Frost of Boardman. Maguire is the song of Todd and Terri Franko of Poland.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Wednesday, February 20, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite A team faced some of the toughest teams in Cleveland this past weekend, as they struggled to an 0-2-1 mark at the Winterhurst President's Day Tournament in Lakewood.

While the Phantoms did suffer through two shutout losses, 8-0 to the Mentor Cardinals on Friday, and 10-0 to the Rocky River Pirates on Saturday afternoon, they put together their best game of the weekend on Saturday morning, skating to a 3-3 tie against the Winterhurst Warriors.

After trailing early, Devin Whitaker got the Phantoms started, notching his eighth goal of the season. Two late goals by Drew Murphy, his team-leading 42nd and 43rd of the year, helped complete the comeback.

Next up, after a weekend off, the Mites will host Cleveland Heights on March 1 and the North Pittsburgh Wildcats on March 2. Both games will be at the Ice Zone in Boardman.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week:

If you ever come to a Phantoms Mite hockey game there is one player who stands out because of two things. First of all, this player is undoubtedly one of the best players on the team, and secondly this player just happens to be a girl. Mia Kindinis is the only girl on the boys hockey team, and has been selected as the player of the week for the Phantoms.

The team competed in a tough tournament, facing some of the best teams the Cleveland area has to offer, and came away with a 0-2-1 record. One bright spot, not only over this weekend, but all year, has been Mia's defensive play. Time and time again, some of the top scorers have entered the zone only to be turned away. Mia plays relentless defense, and has that uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time.

Mia is the daughter of Christian and Tony Kindinis of Canfield.

Congratulations, from the Phantoms Junior A team to the Phantoms Mite team, to Mia Kindinis, the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Tuesday, February 5, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite A team got a chance to get in an extra game this past weekend as they traveled to Pittsburgh on Sunday afternoon to take on the North Pittsburgh Wildcats.

The Phantoms started out strong. Anthony Cavalier opened the scoring with his third goal of the season, giving the Phantoms a 1-0 lead. The Wildcats answered quickly, however, tying the game at 1-1 heading into the first intermission.

While Drew Murphy's 41st tally of the season, Robbie Stanko's first goal of the year, and Devin Whitaker's seventh made things interesting, it was not enough to keep pace with North Pittsburgh, as the Phantoms eventually fell 8-4.

Next up, after a weekend off, the Phantoms' Mite team will head to the Winterhurst Tournament in Lakewood, Ohio on February 15-17.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Player of the Week:

Robbie Stanko is the Phantoms Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week. After bouncing between forward and defense most of the season, Robbie was put in at left wing this past weekend, and made it count.

Robbie fought hard for the puck the whole game by digging in the corners when needed and helping out his line mates. On a goal that had all three forwards getting numerous shots and rebounds, Robbie continued to chip away at the puck and notched his first goal of the season. Keep it up Robbie!

Robbie is the son of Rob and Jen Stanko of Canfield.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Monday, January 28, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite A Team faced one of their toughest rivals of the season on Sunday afternoon, falling 5-0 against the Strongsville Mustangs A2 team at the Ice Zone in Boardman.

Having lost 9-0 to the Mustangs back on January 19, the Phantoms were looking to show their grit in the rematch.

With Fletcher Christie switching from center to defense, and David Rankin's knack for getting breakaways, the Mites came out of the gates firing on all cylinders. The Phantoms trailed 1-0 after one, as goaltender Anthony Cavalier kept his team within striking distance.

The Mustangs started to pull away, however, scoring three in the middle frame, before adding one more in the third period to bring the final margin to five.

The Phantom Fireworks Mite team will now enjoy a couple of weeks off before heading to Lakewood, Ohio for the Winterhurst Tournament on February 15-17.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Player of the week:

David Rankin and Fletcher Christie are players of the week for their solid games this week against the Strongsville Mustangs, despite the team losing to the veteran foes.

For Rankin, it was a breakout game. Rankin found himself in the clear several times early, leading to a few breakaways, and sending a message early on to the Mustangs that this would not be the same team as the week before when the Phantoms lost 9-0.

For Christie, he played a solid game switching between center and defense. His smart play on D kept the game close. Coaches don't like penalties, but Fletch had one of the best penalties all year when a Strongsville player broke through on a breakaway. Fletch caught him from behind and hauled him down, just as the player was about to shoot.

Rankin and Christie put solid pressure on the Strongsville net.

David is the son of Dave and Theresa Rankin of Austintown. Fletcher is the son of Fletcher and Nicole Christie of Austintown.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Monday, January 7, 2008) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team started the new year off right with back-to-back wins over the Tri-County Cyclones this weekend.

The Phantoms trekked west to the Kent State University Ice Arena on Saturday, winning a 5-2 decision in a game that was closer than the score indicated.

Phantoms leading scorer Drew Murphy propelled the team out to a 2-0 lead midway through the opening stanza. The Cyclones were able to answer, however, with two goals in the final two minutes of the first period, to even the score at 2-2.

A scoreless middle frame set the stage for third period goals from David Rankin and Stone Elias, putting the Phantoms up 4-2, before Murphy completed the hat trick and pushed the final margin to three. Goaltender Kaleb Pease turned away 12 shots in his first action between the pipes all season.

Despite a season high in penalty minutes, the Phantoms were able to sweep the series with an 8-6 triumph in the Sunday morning rematch back at the Ice Zone in Boardman.

Murphy and Alex Ritz had three goals apiece, while Pease and Stone Elias collected a goal and an assist each, helping the Phantoms improve to 10-4-3 on the season.

The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Player of the Week:

This weeks Phantom Fireworks Mite player of the week is Kaleb Pease. He turned in a great performance over the weekend. Pulling double duty in a home-and-home series against the Tri County Cyclones, Kaleb entered the net for the first time this season, turned away 12 shots, and came away with a 5-2 victory.

On Sunday, Kaleb kept his strong play up by contributing with a goal and an assist in a high scoring 8-6 victory. His strong play helped the Phantoms complete a weekend sweep of the Cyclones.

Kaleb is considered one of the most improved skaters on the team, and with his strong performance over the weekend, the team is expecting him to play even greater things out of the first-year Mite.

Kaleb lives in Bessemer, Penn. and is the son of Patrick and Jamie Pease.

BOARDMAN, Ohio (Thursday, December 27, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team took care of some unfinished business over the holiday weekend, avenging a 6-6 tie earlier in the year by winning 4-1 at Euclid on Saturday afternoon.

After the coaching staff made a few adjustments to the lineup, Alex Ritz, playing at center for the first time all season, started the Phantoms off early, scoring a mere 24 seconds after the opening draw.

Just two minutes later, Ritz struck again to give the Phantoms an early two-goal advantage. That lead would be extended to three after Drew Murphy tallied his 33rd goal of the season. Euclid would respond, however, just 30 seconds later, notching their only goal of the game.

Mite team Player of the Week Stone Elias sealed the deal late in the second period, putting home his third goal of the season on the rebound of his own breakaway and moving the final margin to three.

The Mites improved their record to 8-4-3 on the year and take to the road once again for their next game, Jan 5, against Tri-County. The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

Player of the week:

Stone Elias was selected as the Phantom Fireworks Player of the Week for his solid play against Euclid. The Mites traveled to Cleveland to settle some unfinished business and Stone put the finishing touches on a 4-1 triumph.

With a 3 -1 lead, Stone took off on a breakaway as he as done numerous times before, only to be denied by the opposition's defense. This time it would be different, as Stone picked up his own rebound and beat Euclid's goalie with a wrister into the corner of the net.

Stone, a first-year Mite, has a great work ethic on the ice and plays a big part in the success of the team. Stone is the son of John and Stacey Elias of Canfield.

From the Phantoms Junior A team to the Phantoms Mites, congratulations to Stone Elias, the Phantom Fireworks Youth Hockey Player of the Week.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Tuesday, December 11, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team came away with a 2-1 victory over the Wooster Blades this weekend.

Scoreless after one and trailing 1-0 after two periods, the exceptional two way performance of Alex Ritz led the Phantoms' hard-fought, comeback win.

Devin Whitaker tied the game at 1-1, capitalizing on the rebound of an Alex Ritz shot on goal. Drew Murphy then scored the eventual game-winner, a snipe into the right corner of the net, with just two minutes left in regulation.

Player of the Week:

The Phantom Fireworks Mite player of the week is Alex Ritz. Alex turned in a strong two-way performance this past weekend. The Phantoms traveled to Wooster to face the Blades of the CSHL and came out with a hard fought 2-1 win.

Alex led the team's defense, which virtually shut down the Blades and held them to just nine shots on goal. Every time one of the Blades forwards went on a breakaway, Alex was there to shut them down.

Not only did Alex shine on defense, but offensively he carried the team as well. He constantly penetrated the Wooster defense and had numerous shots on goal. His aggressive play really gave the Phantoms a boost and helped the team snap their four game losing streak.

Alex, a second-year Mite, lives in New Castle, Penn. and is the son of Steve and Lisa.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Monday, December 3, 2007) – After a three week break from action, the Phantoms Mite A team hit the ice once again this weekend against the Butler Valley Major A team, losing 6-2.

Plagued by numerous penalties and offside calls, the Phantoms couldn't find their groove. The Mites were held to only 12 shots on goal. Forward Drew Murphy scored the Phantoms only two goals of the game, pushing his team-leading goal total to 31.

Besides the continued scoring prowess of Murphy, another bright spot on the team was the play of Devin Whitaker – consistently moving the puck well and putting pressure on the Butler defense.

Next up, the Phantom Mites host the Arctic Foxes on Dec. 16 at 11:30 a.m. at the Ice Zone in Boardman. The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company – Phantom Fireworks.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Tuesday, November 13, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team went 0-3-1 this past week, after facing their toughest week of the season thus far.

The Mites tied the Beaver County A team 3-3 on Wednesday before suffering their first losses of the season in the Rock n Roll Tournament in Cleveland, falling to Rochester 4-3, Strongsville 3-1, and Gilmour 7-0.

Although they lost, they turned in some exceptional performances. The bright point of the week was the phenomenal goaltending of Anthony Cavalier. In facing his toughest competition yet, Cavalier saw in excess of 100 shots on goal on the weekend. With the great defensive play of Alex Ritz, Mario Caggiano, Drew Murphy, and Mia Kindinis, Cavalier didn't face quite as many shots as he could have.

Player of the Week:

Anthony Cavalier is the Phantom Fireworks Mite Player of the Week for November 5-11. The team competed in a tough tourney this weekend. Shining through the three losses was the phenomenal goaltending of Anthony. In Game 2, the team lost 3-1 to Strongsville 2, and it was only that close because of Anthony's 40+ saves, including nearly 15 breakaways.

In the final 7-0 loss to Gilmour, Anthony squared off against his toughest shooting foes yet, who found top corners as well as bottom corners. Again, Anthony made one remarkable save after another, including a couple that had him diving across the net.

Anthony, a second-year Mite, lives in Boardman and is the son of Tony and Elisa. From the Junior A Phantoms to the Mite team, congratulations to Anthony Cavalier.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Tuesday, November 6, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite team extended their record to 6-0-2, getting a win and a tie this weekend against local competition.

The Mites easily handled the Beaver County (Penn.) Mite B team, shutting them out 9-0 on Saturday, before coming back Sunday and tying the Euclid Mites 6-6.

Drew Murphy had another great weekend, racking up five goals and one assist, while Kaleb Pease contributed with two goals and two assists. Fletcher Christie also had two goals on the weekend.

The success of the season thus far, can be attributed to a team effort. In addition to the multi-goal efforts from Murphy, Pease and Christie, there were also six different players that had single-goal weekends: Mario Caggiano, Devin Whitaker, Colin Frost, Alex Ritz, Anthony Cavalier, and Stone Elias. Tyler Berry had one assist.

Next up, the Phantom Fireworks Mite A team plays at the Beaver County A team on Wed., Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Monday, October 29, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite Team beat the Strongsville 4 team 8-1 on Saturday, improving their record to 5-0-1.

Alex Ritz and Fletcher Christie led the way with 2 goals and 1 assist each. Drew Murphy had 2 goals, while Devin Whitaker and Anthony Cavalier had 1 goal each. Rounding out the points were Tyler Berry and David Rankin each with 1 assist.

The Mites play Beaver County this Saturday at 9am at The Ice Zone. The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is based out of Boardman, Ohio and plays all home games at the Ice Zone, sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks.

BOARDMAN, OHIO (Tuesday, October 23, 2007) - The Phantom Fireworks Mite A team skated to a 3-0-1 record this weekend en route to capturing the championship at the Halloween Hockey Tournament in Euclid, Ohio.

The Phantoms opened up Saturday afternoon with a 4-4 tie against Strongsville, followed by a 5-0 win against Cleveland Heights later that evening. Sunday morning, the Mites thumped Euclid 11-2 - setting up a showdown against Strongsville for the championship. The Phantoms prevailed 5-2 in the rematch to bring home the trophy.

The success was a team effort, as six different players notched goals on the weekend. Drew Murphy led the way with 14 goals. Colin Frost, David Rankin, and Alex Ritz slotted three goals each, while Devin Whitaker and Mario Caggiano netted a goal apiece in the tournament.

Additionally, seven different players contributed with assists, and goaltender Anthony Cavalier stopped 49 of the 57 shots he faced over the weekend.

Next up, the Phantom Fireworks Mite A team plays host to Strongsville on Saturday at 6 p.m. at the Ice Zone in Boardman. The Phantoms Youth Hockey program is sponsored by the B.J. Alan Company - Phantom Fireworks, located in Youngstown, Ohio.

Just imagine playing in your first hockey tournament and you just happen to score 14 goals in four games and lead your team to the championship. Well, for one player named Drew Murphy, this just happened to come true.

Coming straight out of the recreational league, Drew is a pleasant surprise to a team with only four returning players. He scored five of his 14 goals when it counted the most, in the final game of the Halloween Hockey tournament in Euclid, Ohio, which the Phantoms won 5-2.

Drew not only can find the back of the net fairly often, but he also plays a solid defense to help shut down the opponents' offensive rush. The Phantom Mites are looking for more big games out of their young player. Coach Todd Franko says he is definitely one to watch!

Drew is the son of Steve and Renae Murphy of Austintown.