Friday, July 24, 2009
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Alex Zoldan, Youngstown Phantoms President announces the team's 2009-2010 season during a July 23, 2009 news conference at the Covelli Center in Youngstown, OH.
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Bruce Zoldan, owner of the Youngstown Phantoms talks about the team's 2009-2010 season and the USHL during a July 23, 2009 news conference at the Covelli Center in Youngstown OH.
By John Kovach
YOUNGSTOWN — General manager and coach Bob Mainhardt of the new Youngstown Phantoms of the United States Hockey League said fans who come see the games at the Covelli Centre will be seeing many future NHL stars.
“There is no doubt that you will be seeing players in the USHL who will be going to the NHL,” said Mainhardt.
“There are 102 USHL alumni currently in the NHL, including six of them on the two teams [Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings] that played in the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs.
“There is no doubt about it — this will be a different kind of hockey,” said Mainhardt. “[Fans] will notice the difference immediately. The difference will be enough to attract fans.”
Mainhardt also witnessed the quality of players unfold at the Phantoms’ tryout camp in June at The Ice Zone.
“We could have put together three teams from our camp that could have beaten the Mahoning Valley Phantoms. That’s the difference in the level of play,” he said.
Mainhardt said 160 players were invited to the camp, including most of the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
“Just about the whole [Mahoning Valley] Phantoms team tried out. We gave them all a shot,” said Mainhardt, noting that only two of the Mahoning Valley players — goalie Jordan Tibbett and forward Cole Schneider — made the Youngstown Phantoms’ 25-man roster.
Mainhardt introduced Tibbett (6-foot-1, 180 pounds), of Indianapolis, at the press conference along with Ryan Jasinsky (6-3, 215), of Midlothian, Va., who both are 19. Schneider (6-2, 180), from Williamsville, N.Y., also is 19 and a forward.
“Tibbett and Schneider were just above the other players in talent. There is a fine line between mediocrity and excellence.” said Mainhardt.
Tibbett played in 36 games last season and had a 9-2 record with a 2.47 goals-against average, while Schneider played in 42 games and had 17 goals and 16 assists for 33 points. They helped the team to a 36-17-5 regular-season record for 77 points, second place in the standings, an 8-4-1 postseason record and the North Division playoff championship.
Mainhardt was extremely happy to be picked to coach the Youngstown Phantoms.
“I’m like a kid in the candy shop. It’s Christmas Eve and I am running down to see my presents,” said Mainhardt, who will be assisted by Curtis Carr, the associate coach and director of player development.
Others on the staff are Jason Koehler, director of player personnel; Shane Clifford, goaltending coach; Brian Patterson, head trainer, and Bernie McDowell, equipment manager, while Paul Teeple will be director of broadcasting, the same post he held with the Mahoning Valley Phantoms.
kovach@vindy.com
SEE ALSO: ICED AND READY FOR PLAY.