Phantoms Add Ammunition on the Blueline, Acquire Gunn from Chicago

Press Release

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Just before the start of Monday’s USHL entry draft, the Phantoms traded for Chicago Steel and former Mahoning Valley Phantoms defenseman Michael Gunn. The Phantoms dealt the rights to affiliate player Tim Davison to Chicago and in addition to Gunn, the Phantoms received Sioux City’s second round pick and Tri-City’s fifth round pick in Monday’s draft.

Gunn played in Youngstown during the 2008-09 season and he tallied two goals and five assists (7pts) in 35 games played. When told he was coming back to the Mahoning Valley, Gunn was extremely excited about the chance to work with Phantoms Head Coach Curtis Carr again.

“Playing for Coach Carr is what has me most excited about coming back to Youngstown,” said Gunn. “When I played with him in the North American League I learned so much from him and I can’t wait to work with him again and learn even more about the game. Youngstown has always been my home. It is where I first began playing juniors and it will end up as the last stop of my junior career.”

With the addition of Gunn, the Phantoms now have five players with USHL experience manning their blueline. Gunn also comes into Youngstown with a commitment to Michigan State University. The college commitment will allow Gunn to focus on helping the Phantoms reach the playoffs for the first time since joining the USHL.

“The Phantoms have a huge up side coming into this season,” said Gunn. “When I watched this team play last season I saw a team that could be one of the best in the league. Getting to play with veteran players gives you the opportunity to worry about your own game while helping the younger players adjust. Coming in with a college commitment allows me to go home after a game or come to the rink just focused on what we are doing as a team and not worrying about the next step of my hockey career.”

The Phantoms and Coach Carr saw the former Phantom seven times this past season as a member of the Steel. Gunn has a reputation of being a player that plays a physical style along with the character to lead a locker room.

“Michael is a very solid two-way defenseman and we are very excited he is coming back to Youngstown,” said Carr. “He adds some size to our blueline and he has a great shot from the point. Besides the physical attributes, Gunn played a significant role in our last year in the North American League when we made a run at a national championship. The character and leadership he brings to our locker room is something that I feel we need to build on heading into this season.”

Gunn has played 35 games in the USHL and he has tallied five points (1g,4a) along with 81 penalty minutes. Along with Gunn, Chris Bradley, Kevin Liss, Justin Stevens and Jordan Young will all be a part of the Phantoms defensive core for the 2011-12 season.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)