Carey Looking to Bring Scoring Touch to Lehigh Valley

Now with Lehigh Valley, Greg Carey saw the atmosphere in Allentown while a member of the Springfield Falcons last season. Photo: Nina Weiss/Highland Park Hockey

Carey Excited for his Phantoms Debut

Written by: Tony Androckitis, Twitter/Facebook

Transitioning from a Springfield Falcons team last season that struggled last season, Greg Carey managed to tally 26 goals - three of which came against the Phantoms in their four meetings - last year.

"I was fortunate enough to play with a couple good players last year, Carey said. "We struggled as a team all year. I had a good year individually, but it's not fun and you're losing a bunch. I hope I can help the Phantoms get on the winning side of the standings."

Carey is not only intrigued about his next challenge in a new organization, but also excited to be playing for an organization that has loyal support and is building a strong team for the 2016-17 season.

"That's what makes it fun to come to the rink," Carey responded. "You don't want to be fed with a silver spoon anywhere you go, you want to earn your spot - earn your place. It's fun battling with the guys and tying to earn your spot in the lineup."

"I think just the organization and what they're trying to do," he continued. "They're definitely trying to add a little more offensive power into the lineup trying to score some goals. That's what every team is trying to do these days. I thought it'd a great opportunity and a fun market to play in. This is Flyers country, they love it! I'm excited for some big crowds and some fun games."

The Hamilton, Ontario native produced plenty of offense last season and it suited Carey's skill-set very well. Paired with talented counterparts like Dustin Jeffrey and Craig Cunningham, Carey enjoyed a breakout season in his first full year in the American Hockey League (AHL).

'I like to play with the puck in the corners and then get to the net," Carey said of what his game is. "That's where the pucks are," he added. "I like to be around the net, kind of bang and muck in front. And when I get a chance to shoot it I'm gonna let it go."

Expecting to make his Lehigh Valley Phantoms debut tonight against the Charlotte Checkers, Carey is just as anxious as everyone else to get back to playing hockey again.

"Anytime you can get into a game situation in front of some big fans it doesn't matter if it's a pickup game, it's always fun," Carey said, adding, "The atmosphere in this rink - I know we were here twice last year with the Falcons - and it was great. The crowd is into it. The music gets everyone going. Just the atmosphere here... it's an awesome place to play."

Gordon Impressed by Carey's Debut

The Lehigh Valley Phantoms might have dropped a 6-1 decision to the Charlotte Checkers Friday night in their preseason opener, but head coach Scott Gordon was still pleased with some of the progress the team made learning a bunch of new things during the week of practice leading up to these games.

One of those bright spots, according to Phantoms head coach Scott Gordon, was the play of Greg Carey. Carey had six shots on goal and the team's lone goal on an early 2nd period power play.

"They were really good shots. I think probably four more just missed the net," Gordon said of Carey's play in Friday night's preseason opener. "It's been pretty clear just watching him shoot, and in practice, he scored 26 goals for a reason last year," Gordon added.

"He gets his shots off and gets them off quick. That's a pretty good weapon to have when you have a guy that can shoot the puck on the power play."



REMINDER: The Phantoms host the Charlotte Checkers again tonight at 7:05 p.m. 

Follow here for live in-game coverage of tonight's game on Twitter -> @TonyAndrock and @H_P_Hockey.

Stay tuned online after the game for a full recap of the action, and new this season a post-game extra with final thoughts and player/coach quotes and interviews. 

In Case You Missed It

New writers added to the site this season - Ian Altenbaugh and Tim Riday - wrote their first monthly prospect reports earlier this week. They'll be covering the Pittsburgh Penguins and Philadelphia Flyers prospects, respectively, and will have regular updates throughout the season. Take a look:

Penguins Prospect Report - September

Flyers Prospect Report - September

Phantoms head coach Scott Gordon said there will be a lot of expectations for this season's team.

I've featured several Phantoms' players already this preseason. Here's an inside look on some of the new faces as well as some familiar names:

Sundher Thankful for a Second Chance with Phantoms 

Confident Leier Looking to Leave Lasting Impression

Miele Sees Opportunity With Flyers

Will O'Neill Looks Forward to Facing Penguins

In case you missed it, I launched Highland Park Hockey's YouTube channel. Here are the first two video interviews I have posted so far this season:

Anthony Stolarz - Flyers/Devils Post Game (9/28/16)

Cole Bardreau - Phantoms Training Camp