Phantoms Sign Four To AHL Contracts

Consider signing up for a subscription so we can continue to bring you exclusive first-reports, prospect features and stories from around the American Hockey League (AHL).

Quick. Easy. Support original journalism!

Consider signing up for a subscription so we can continue to bring you stories like this one and many more.

Sign up today. Quick. Easy. Support original journalism -> http://www.patreon.com/InsideAHLHockey

ALLENTOWN, Pa. - A source close to the situation has informed InsideAHLHockey.com that the Lehigh Valley Phantoms are bolstering their roster with a few AHL signings.

Goaltender Zane McIntyre and forwards Ryan Fitzgerald and Tanner MacMaster are expected to be in Phantoms' training camp when it opens later this month. All three are expected to be signed to AHL contracts.

EDIT: The Phantoms announced these three signings Monday morning, in addition to an AHL contract for goaltender Eamon McAdam.

McIntyre, 28, brings five years of pro experience in net to a team that currently only has Felix Sandstrom (two career AHL appearances) under contract. He has appeared in 6 KHL games with Dinamo Riga in the 2020-21 season while hockey was on hold in North America. Last season, McIntyre posted a 15-10-2 record in 28 AHL appearances - mostly with Utica before finishing the season with Binghamton.

McIntyre's experience is a perfect fit to pair with Sandstrom and Flyers-prospect Roddy Ross. In his AHL career, McIntyre has posted solid numbers at this level: 101-53-22, 2.52 GAA, .909 SV and 13 career shutouts.

Fitzgerald, 26, spent three years in the Boston Bruins organization - appearing in 195 AHL games with the Providence Bruins. Last season with Providence, he tallied 13 goals and 14 assists in 61 appearances.

A small, speedy & shifty forward, Fitzgerald will certainly look to add that speed element to a Phantoms' team that hopes to play with speed in 2020-21.

MacMaster, 25, played with the Toronto Marlies last season - tallying 30 points (11 goals, 19 assists) in 56 appearances. Prior to last season he broke into the pro scene with the Utica Comets, where those who saw him play mentioned he played on the wing and was a "smart player with play-making abilities".

Here's where the Phantoms' AHL roster stands, including these three expected AHL signings:

Goalies (4): Eamon McAdam (AHL contract), Zane McIntyre (AHL contract), Roddy Ross (unsigned) & Felix Sandstrom

Defensemen (8): Chris Bigras, Logan Day (AHL contract), Linus Hogberg, Mason Millman (19-yr-old CHL player under contract), Derrick Pouliot, Tyler Wotherspoon, Wyatte Wylie & Egor Zamula

Forwards (14): Ralph Cuddemi (AHL contract), Ryan Fitzgerald (AHL contract), Tyson Foerster (18-yr-old CHL player under contract), David Kase, Pascal Laberge, Tanner Laczynski, Tanner MacMaster (AHL contract), Cal O'Reilly (AHL contract), Linus Sandin, Brennan Saulnier (AHL contract), Matthew Strome, Maksim Sushko, Max Willman (AHL contract) & Zayde Wisdom (18-yr-old CHL player under contract)

Under contract loaned overseas (1): German Rubtsov

Injured (3): Kirill Ustimenko (out for season), Wade Allison, Isaac Ratcliffe (rib)