The Phantoms spent the weekend in a region of the country called Siouxland (or the Sioux Empire, depending on whom you talk to), which encompasses parts of northeastern Nebraska, southeastern South Dakota, southwestern Minnesota and northwestern Iowa. According to the most recent U.S. Census, the Sioux City-Sioux Falls market contains just over one million people, which really illustrates how many citizens reside in this country of ours.

After all, if there are more than a million in the Big Sioux River basin, a mid-sized nook in the American heartland, just imagine the sheer amount that make up our 50 United States. 

Thanks for indulging me in that bit of awe. I've always been a Rand McNally road atlas nerd and it's been fun for me to put a face with a name, so to speak, when it comes to all the cities and states the USHL schedule takes the Phantoms to. 

On to the highlights...

Friday, November 20: Sioux Falls 3, Youngstown 0

Although the offense was stifled on this night, Phantoms goalie Matt Mahalak turned in a dazzler when he stole Nick Holmstrom's sure goal away early in the second period.

Saturday, November 21: Sioux City 4, Youngstown 2

With Youngstown in danger of reaching the second intermission down 2-0, F Brian Dowd brought the visitors within a goal after F Tom Serratore created havoc in the crease by driving the net and creating a loose puck situation.

The Phantoms were awarded a power play midway through the third, and D Luke Eibler's blast from 55 feet away hit a body and deflected past Sioux City G Will Yanakeff to tie the game 2-2.