Petersen Returns to Net in Style with Win and Assist
March 1, 2025
Allentown, PA – Goals came early and often for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms in a 5-3 victory over the Bridgeport Islanders to sweep a back-to-back set at PPL Center. Jacob Gaucher (19th) tallied shorthanded, Olle Lycksell (16th, 17th) registered twice, and Cal Petersen returned to net with 24 stops and an assist to guide the Phantoms.
In completing the sweep, the Phantoms improved to 4-1-1 in their last six games while recording three or more goals in their ninth consecutive contest. It was the fourth time in the last six games for the Lehigh Valley offense to crank up five goals in a game. The Phantoms have scored 51 goals in the last 12 games since January 29 boasting a record of 8-3-1 while averaging 4.25 goals per contest.
Lycksell’s three-point night extended his point-streak to nine games which is tied for the second-longest in Lehigh Valley history. Chris Conner had a nine-game point streak in the 2016-17 season and Jason Akeson has the Lehigh Valley record with a 10-game point streak in the team’s inaugural 2014-15 campaign. Lycksell has scored 4-9-13 in the nine-game streak since February 14 and leads the Phantoms in scoring with 17-24-41 in just 39 games played.
The third-year pro has drawn rave reviews from head coach Ian Laperriere.
“He’s been unreal and he has such poise,” Laperriere said. “He’s in a good place right now. I’m playing him tons and he’s embracing the leadership role that he has this year.”
An incredible, boisterous crowd of 8,468 were treated to a memorable night while also celebrating the Philadelphia Eagles recent Super Bowl title. Eagles wide receiver and local Nazareth High School graduate Jahan Dotson made a special appearance and signed autographs on the concourse before dropping the ceremonial puck during pregame.
No different from the night prior, Lehigh Valley once again grabbed an early 2-0 advantage before first intermission. While shorthanded, Jacob Gaucher received a headman pass from Lycksell and scored while bursting towards the cage at 2:10. Cal Petersen earned the secondary assist on the play for his fourth helper of the season, tying a Lehigh Valley Phantoms record for most goaltender assists in a single-season previously set by Alex Lyon in 2016-17.
Louie Belpedio was active in the offensive end on Friday night and his efforts also paid dividends on Saturday. Later in the stanza, the Phantoms cycled the puck along…
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