WFMJ.com News weather sports for Youngstown-Warren OhioYoungstown Phantoms defenseman Mayfield taken by New York Islanders

Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Mayfield taken by New York Islanders

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Scott Mayfield was selected in the second round of this year's National Hockey League entry draft when he was taken by the New York Islanders. Mayfield is the first Phantoms draft pick of their USHL era.

After 111 games played and 38 points (17g,21a) recorded in Youngstown, the University of Denver bound defenseman adds this accomplishment to a list that is already quite long. This past season alone, Mayfield took home a gold medal and tournament MVP honors from the World Junior ‘A' Challenge along with a USHL All-Star selection.

"It is a surreal feeling," said Mayfield. "To share this experience with my family and friends was really special. It was a little tough sitting there on Friday night but now I have some extra motivation moving forward. I am very excited to be going to a great organization and I am going to get ready for their camp on July 11."

This is not only a proud moment for Mayfield and his immediate family, but this is also a proud moment that the City of Youngstown can enjoy as well. Mayfield's selection is a combination of team ownership support, good scouting, a well executed trade and the commitment from both the Phantoms coaching staff and their fans.

"It's great to see this dream come true for Scott," said Phantoms Head Coach Curtis Carr. "This is a great honor for our entire organization. For seven seasons, Bob Mainhardt [former Phantoms Head Coach] built the Phantoms foundation here in Youngstown. It was the scouting by Jason Koehler [Phantoms Director of Player Personnel] that led to the trade that put Scott in a Phantoms jersey. Credit also goes to his teammates because they challenged him to get better on and off the ice on a daily basis. Bruce Zoldan and our ownership deserves credit as well because of the resources they have provided us with and give credit to our community. Without their continued support at the Covelli Centre and our work in the community, it would be very difficult to develop players the way we do. We were fortunate to have Scott as a part of our program over the last two years."

Mayfield will now continue his development with the Pioneers at the University of Denver. The Pioneers have captured seven national championships and the Denver program has produced 89 NHL draft picks since 1969.

"There is a great connection between the Islanders and Denver," said Mayfield. "I am very happy to be headed to Denver and I just want to continue to improve and get ready to make their team come the fall. I am going to take a few days off and let this all sink in, but I am very excited."

The second round continued to put the spotlight on the Phantoms organization as former Phantom Brandon Saad was selected 43rd overall by the Chicago Blackhawks. Saad played for the Phantoms in the North American League during the 2008-2009 season when he tallied 47 points (29g,18a) on the way to earning Rookie of the Year honors. A second Phantoms alumni was selected on day two of the NHL draft when former Phantoms goaltender Matt Mahalak was selected in the sixth round, 163rd overall, by the Carolina Hurricanes.

"Brandon was an unbelievable talent," said Carr. "He has worked hard and he has shown he can be an elite player. He is skilled and he has the hard work and dedication that continues to make him better. The goal of our organization is to develop players and move them on to higher levels. The USHL is about player development and following the foundation laid down by Bob [Mainhardt], we have shown that players in the Phantoms system have and will continue to have the opportunity to compete at the next level."

Season tickets for the 2011-12 season are on sale now. Ticket plans start at the low price of just $90. Call the Phantoms office today at 330.747.7825 for more information or to make a reservation today! For a complete Phantoms schedule, visit www.youngstownphantoms.com.

Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its ninth season as the nation's only Tier I junior hockey league in 2010-11. With over 200 players this season already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 15 NHL Entry Draft picks on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.

It's not just hockey. It's the USHL.