Date Published: 10-25-2022
Photo Credit: Our very own Samantha Wismer
This past weekend the Phantoms welcomed fans back to the PPL Center with nail biting entertainment. Lots of back and forth battles, coupled with some rookies making an imprint early in the season with the likes of Ronnie Attard, Tyson Foerster, and Elliot Desnoyers.
What a home opener!!! It was nothing less than exciting with starting off the game physically. Adam Ginning has his eyes set on personally delivering a solid hit at center ice. All the while Garrett Wilson is in the process of setting up Hayden Hodgson for the picture perfect goal. Things stayed physical as Jordy Bellerive was wanting to right some wrongs. Phantoms were tied at the end of the first.
Newly pro, Elliot Desnoyer took the Phantoms to lead after the second period. Falling short during the third period until the last minute and two seconds when Cal O’Riley tied the game from a close shot sending the Phantoms to overtime.
Phantoms ultimately fell short in overtime after Emil Benstrom found the back of the net. Resulting in a 3-4 loss for the sellout crowd for opening night.
Head coach Ian Laperrière said, “I liked the effort. I’ll be straight up. Compared to last weekend it was a different team and that’s the standard I’m expecting,” in the post game press conference. A coach that is pleased with his team even after a tough loss, is a coach that is setting his team up for success.
And that is the story for the following game on Sunday afternoon
The Sunday late afternoon game topped Saturday in terms of physicality and the end result. Ronnie Attard did the honors of getting the Phantoms on the board after an early Monsters goal. That also brings the privilege of getting not only the crowd but also the team fired up and ready for what the night had to offer. Mr. Two Goals brings the confidence he has gained from his time with the Flyers over to Lehigh Valley with a strong mentality.
Tyson Foerster provided strong shots with his “Shoot First” mentality. Luckily that brought the fourth goal of the night. Trailing not too far behind was Max Willman with an unexpected short handed goal.
Troy Grosenick saved 39 of 43 shots, further proving that he is still not to be underestimated. The Phantoms now have close to a week to rest and practice until their next matchup against the Wilkes-Barre Penguins this Friday at the PPL Center.
The Lehigh Valley Phantoms are out for redemption this season.
