PHN’s Best Shots of the Game: Phantoms take second from Charlotte, 5-3

Lehigh Valley, Pa. – The Lehigh Valley Phantoms converted for three power-play goals in a 5-3 victory over the Charlotte Checkers in the team’s third, and last, preseason game.

Young talents Carsen Twarynski and Mike Vecchione paced the offense with a goal and an assist apiece while rookie winger Connor Bunnman tacked on a pair of helpers. Returning Phantoms Nicolas Aube-Kubel, Alex Krushelnyski and Greg Carey also contributed goals for the win while goaltender Branden Komm turned aside 27 of 30 Checkers’ drives to secure the victory

The Phantoms concluded the preseason with a 2-1-0 record including back-to-back wins at home against Charlotte that followed a Thursday night setback at Wilkes-Barre.

Friday, September 29, 2018 at the PPL Center – preseason game between LV Phantoms vs Charlotte Checkers. The Phantoms won by a score of 5-3.

The two highest scoring teams in the league from a season ago certainly didn’t disappoint in the fast-paced affair. The last seven minutes of the second period saw a furious rally of five combined goals as the Phantoms built their lead from 2-1 all the way up to 5-3.

Mike Vecchione earned #1 Star of the Game honors with an assist on Greg Carey’s power-play blast that followed his own goal that developed from a slick assist by Twarynski who seemed to have eyes in the back of his head as he connected across the slot for the backdoor strike. Both Vecchione and Twarynski scored in both preseason home games for the Phantoms.

Some of Scott Gordon’s talented, new forwards starred throughout the three preseason games with Twarynski, Bunnaman, German Rubtsov and David Kase all showing their talents and catching warranted attention.

“I think our rookies that are coming in this year are really going..I don’t want to say it’s going to be easy…but I think they all are going to acclimate to the pro game rather quickly,” Gordon raved about his newcomers. “Whether it’s one game or ten games I think we’re going to get some production from those guys. Those are four players that we’re excited about that should be able to make contributions. ”

While the Phantoms were lighting it up with a 3-for-4 performance in the power play they also received outstanding performances on the other side with a perfect 4-for-4 penalty kill.

Nicolas Aube-Kubel left the game in the second period with an injury and did not return. No update on his status was available.

Friday, September 29, 2018 at the PPL Center – preseason game between LV Phantoms vs Charlotte Checkers. The Phantoms won by a score of 5-3.

Earlier in the day, defenseman Philippe Myers was recalled to Philadelphia to play in the Flyers’ last preseason game at Boston. The Phantoms training camp roster stands at 28 players but there will still more bodies to come from Philadelphia while the Phantoms will similarly send some of their players to the Reading Royals of the ECHL.

The Phantoms continue training camp and practices this week to gear up for Opening Night on Saturday, October 6 against the Bridgeport Sound Tigers. The game is strongly anticipated to be the fifth consecutive Opening night sellout for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and also will feature a Rally Towel Giveaway for the fans. Tickets are available at PPLCenter.com

Charlotte Checkers 3 at Lehigh Valley Phantoms 5 – Status: Final
Saturday, September 29, 2018 – PPL Center
With Phantoms match report