Portager, and former Terrier, Reilly Funk is gearing up for his second season in the United States Hockey League with the Youngstown Phantoms. Funk shifted over to the USHL from the MJHL last season and he says the speed was the biggest adjustment.

He scored 23 points in 48 games last year but he knows that can be improved upon.

"I really just want to be consistent," says Funk. "Last year I had a really good start to the season and it kind of tailed off toward the end. I want to focus on being consistent all year long, contributing to the team consistently, and being a leader here. As one of the elder statesmen, I want to show these young guys what it is like to be in this league and try to help them out the best I can."

He says they have gotten a few preseason games under their belt and adds things are starting to coming along. Funk notes they didn't have a preseason last year and he thinks it will help a lot of the younger players and new guys adjust to the speed of the game.

Funk says they have had a very long training camp as well with most guys getting to Youngstown at the beginning of September, which has definitely helped the gelling process. He is looking forward to seeing what this team can do.

"I think we've got a really good shot (at a championship)," says Funk. "Last year we were a good team and just seeing a lot of the same faces coming back, we've got a lot of returners and some new guys that are skilled, I'm really looking forward to it. I think we've got a great chance at it this year but it's just going to be about who shows up every night and I know this group can do that."

Funk and the Phantoms will kick off the new season on November 6th as they take on the Chicago Steel.