NCAA Clubs Benefitting From Former @YTownPhantoms

They say that success breeds success. If you take a look at the NCAA's Top 10 Rankings for Men's Ice Hockey, you'll find that current players for the Youngstown Phantoms may end up benefitting from their predecessors in a big way.



Here is a breakdown of Phantoms in the Top 10, based on the NCAA's May 2014 rankings (found here):

 

1) Minnesota Golden Gophers

Tom Serratore

The Golden Gophers finished the 203-14 campaign with a 28-7-6 record. With a high-powered offense that scored 143 goals (or 3.49 goals per game), their opposition was hard-pressed to keep up. In the middle of it all was former Youngstown Phantoms forward Tom Serratore.

Serratore played with the Phantoms during the 2009-10 season. The 6-foot, 192-lb senior was able to tally 3 goals and 4 assists in 34 games for the Gophers, including the game winning goal on March 1st as the team hosted Penn State, Senior Night for the team. The season's totals brought Serratore to collegiate career total of 15 goals, 7 assists in 139 games for the University of Minnesota.

The Colorado Springs native is not done being a Phantom, however. In April, he was signed to an AHL-level contract with the Adirondack Phantoms, an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

 

2) Boston College Eagles

Boston College was the pride of Beantown this season and that's no small feat given Massachussett's storied history in the hockey world. At the center of it all were two former Phantoms: Austin Cangelosi and Quinn Smith.

Austin Cangelosi

Cangelosi donned the Orange and Purple during the 2011-12 and 2012-13 seasons. As a freshman this past season, he played in each of the Eagles' 40 games, making a big impact despite his undersized frame. His four 3-point nights propelled him to an impressive 26 points as a freshman (10G, 16A). His "clutch" play included a primary assist on the game-winning goal for Boston's 62nd annual Beanpot Trophy and assisting on Ryan Fitzgerald's game-tying goal in the NCAA's regional tournament game against UMass-Lowell.

Smith followed up his 2012-13 campaign with the Eagles - one in which he earned the James E. Tiernan Award (most improved player in the program) - by collecting 2 goals and 9 assists in 40 games. During the season, he recorded his 100th collegiate game and fourth game winning goal.

 

4) Wisconsin Badgers

Jefferson Dahl

The University of Wisconsin finished up a very successful regular season with a record of 24-10-2. Among the assistant captains for the team, you will find forward Jefferson Dahl. Dahl played for the Youngstown Phantoms during the 2009-10 season in which he was named team MVP after posting 40 points in 56 games.

Dahl's senior season at Wisconsin saw him reach a collegiate career high of 19 points during the team's 37 games. His constant improvement was evident in his numbers which went from 5 points in his freshman season to 9, 14 and the aforementioned 19 during each successive season.  Dahl finishes his college career with 12 multi-point games.

5) Ferris State Bulldogs

Ryan Lowney

Ferris State? More like "Where is State?" In case you're wondering, Ferris State, the current team of former Phantom defenseman Ryan Lowney, is located where the ring finger would be if the state of Michigan were indeed a hand.

As it were, Ferris State, helped in large part by Lowney's solid play, finished their season 28-10-3. In his 40 game freshman season, the 5'8" 160-lbs D-Man finished with 1 goal and 13 assists. That was good for 4th on his team among defenseman. His plus-16 rating was 4th highest of all players on his team.

 

7) Quinnipiac Bobcats

The 24-9-6 Quinnipiac Bobcats featured two former Phantoms this past season. Forwards Sam Anas, a widely touted prospect, and Soren Jonzzon, who continues to improve his game.

Sam Anas

Jonzzon, at 5'9" 180lbs, appeared in 24 games setting a new high mark for him during his sophomore season. His goal and 3 assists were also an improvement over his lone point, a goal, scored during his freshman season. Jonzzon played 38 games for the Youngstown Phantoms during the 2011-12 season, scoring 11 goals and 3 assists in those contests.

Anas led the Bulldogs, despite being a freshman, in goals (22) and points (43). He also shared the team lead in power play goals with Calgary Flames prospect Bryce Van Brabant, netting 10 on the man advantage. Because of his outstanding season, Anas was awarded both the ECAC and College Hockey News Rookie of the Year awards for the 2013-24 season.

 

10) Minnesota State Mavericks

Dylan Margonari

The Minnesota State Mavericks rounded out the NCAA's Top 10 (RPI) Rankings after posting a season record of 26-13-1. Among the Mavericks standouts on the season was form Youngstown Phantoms captain, Dylan Margonari.

Margonari, a Phantom for three seasons, appeared in 40 games for the Mavericks scoring 8 goals and adding 9 assists during his sophomore campaign. His two-goal drop-off from his freshman season was largely attributed to his 47 PIM which over doubled his previous mark. The Pittsburgh native's impact was heavily felt by the team, however, as they went 12-2-0 when he registered a point.