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YOUNGSTOWN -- The Youngstown Phantoms continue to bolster their lineup.
Once again pulling from Europe, the Phantoms acquired forward Daniel Alexander Jencko, who was playing for the Malmo Redhawks organization in Sweden.
Jencko, a 6-foot forward from Humenne, Slovakia, spent his time in Sweden's junior league posting 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in his first 20 games, but also played two games with the Redhawks in the top-flight SHL.
"Daniel is a player that brings a ton of skill, speed, and hockey sense to our team. He makes plays in small areas and creates opportunities with his feet and mind due to his skating ability and intelligence," Co-GMs Jason Deskins and Ryan Kosecki said in a joint press release. "Playing 34 international games for Team Slovakia while scoring 23 points versus top-end competition gives him an advantage when it comes to being prepared to play in the USHL. Daniel will bring experience and scoring while providing significant help on the power play for us. We are excited for him to get to Youngstown and look forward to him wearing a Phantoms sweater."
The third Slovakian player on the Phantoms' roster in the last two years, Jencko was actually put on the Phantoms' radar by former forward Martin Misiak.
While not a trend, the Phantoms have had success with both Slovakian nationals, Misiak and Pavol Funtek. Coach Ryan Ward noted how the Slovakian junior programs have developed players into fitting really well into the mold the Phantoms like.
"Martin actually was the one who started to talk to us about Daniel," Ward said. "We cherish the relationships we have here with our players and with our staff. This one actually was born out of talking to Marty. We all still talk to Marty, he was part of a special team that's always going to be connected.
"I think the way a lot of these Slovakian kids play, how they play hard, they compete, how smart they are, I think it lends itself really well to how we play in Youngstown. They come in seamlessly with our identity. We're excited about it and excited that one of Martin Misiak's good friends is now going to be playing in the same organization, so it's going to be good."
Ironically, Misiak was in this exact situation last year as a midseason acquisition.
It's been a quick turnaround as Jencko got off the plane Thursday afternoon, had his first practice with the team Friday morning, and got on the team bus for more traveling Friday afternoon.
Despite the exhaustion, the 18-year old was in good spirits following Friday's practice.
"I've been traveling all the time, I was on three flights," Jencko said. "It was pretty tough but now I'm glad I'm here."
This will be Jencko's first time on an American-sized rink, which are about 12 feet narrower than European rinks.
The young forward is excited to get on the ice.
"I'm looking forward (to it), and I want to see how it looks," Jencko said. "I talked with a lot of players from Slovakia that played here in the USHL, and they told me it's really quick because it's an NHL-sized rink. In Sweden they have bigger-sized rinks. That's what they told me. It's really fast and there's battles on the board and all of that stuff."
Jencko makes his debut with the Phantoms tonight as they face the Chicago Steel.
"I want to have fun and play a good game," Jencko said. "I want to win my first game, my debut in this league. That's one to accomplish this weekend. I'd love to get the double win against Chicago."
byauger@tribtoday.com