PHANTOM ROCKETS Team hires Koehler as new general manager

The Phantom Rockets will play in the NAHL this year.
YOUNGSTOWN -- Jason Koehler of Pittsburgh has been hired as the general manager of the Phantom Rockets hockey team of the North American Hockey League.
The Phantom Rockets play their games at the Ice Zone in Boardman.
The official announcement of Koehler's hiring will be made by Bruce J. Zoldan, president and owner of the Phantom Rockets, during a press conference on Wednesday morning at the Ice Zone.
Koehler received a bachelor's degree in sports administration in 1999 from Robert Morris University. He served as assistant general manager for the Pittsburgh Forge in 2001 under then-general manager Kevin Constantine.
When Constantine was named head coach of the NHL Stanley Cup Champions New Jersey Devils in 2002, Koehler was promoted to general manager of the Forge.
"We have the resources to make this a top-notch program," Koehler said in a press release. "We have a beautiful facility and Bruce Zoldan cares a lot about the program. He wants to be successful and wants to do everything in a professional manner."
New league
The Phantom Rockets have recently been accepted into the NAHL. Due to the change in leagues, the Ice Zone will have expanded seating to accommodate the expected larger crowds.
"We are delighted to have someone of Jason Koehler's caliber to join our team," Zoldan said in a press release. "He is certainly a talented young man, and we're looking forward to a great year.
"We're also pleased to have a Junior A hockey team in the NAHL this season, which will bring a new level of exciting hockey play to our area."