One week after capturing a season opening victory against the Revolution, the Phantoms returned on Sunday to tangle with Howie's, last season's champions. Last season, both the Phantom and Howie match-ups provided some great action and close games, along with plenty of goal scoring. That would continue to be the storyline on Sunday, as both team's went the distance and even after horned sounded ending the third period, there would still not be a winner. The Phantoms provided a strong offensive punch during the first two periods to climb into a 5-3 lead after two periods. Yet, during the third period, the Yellow and Black would run into trouble as Howie's battled back with four goals to eventually tie the Phantoms late in the third period at 7-7. Two more Howie's goals would give Howie's their first lead of the night at 9-7. With the clock now against the Phantoms, the team signaled for their 60-second timeout with nearly two minutes remaining in the contest. Lead by Casey Rosenberg acting as coach, the Phantoms decided to create a line that had the ability to put the puck into the net. With the Phantoms winning the face-off, the Phantom netminder skated to the bench for the extra attacker. Yet, even before the goaltender could get into the bench, Casey Rosenberg connected on a lazer-guided bomb and brought the Phantoms to within one with 1:36 remaining. From the face-off, the Phantoms again gained control and decided to keep their netminder in net until the :50 mark. Yet, 35 seconds after Rosenberg scored, Phantom newcomer Steven Hartford launched a rocket into the back of Brian Dudek's net to complete the Phantom come-back and tie the game at 9-9. During the final 60 seconds, Howie's and the Phantoms tried to end it, but were not successful. For the first time in Phantom History, the Phantoms were headed to the always exciting Shoot-out. During the Shoot-out, the Phantoms Trent Kik scored blocker side during the opening round. Phantom netminder Kevin Wootton denied the first three Howie skaters. Scott VanDonkelaar was sent over the boards for the Phantoms for the team's 3rd shot, a shot that could end the shoot-out early. VanDonkelaar skated in and sent the puck into the same location as his earlier teammate did and it again found all net. Phantoms win the Shoot-out 2-0 and capture the game 10-9. We Are The Phantoms!
