Slumping Phantoms replace coach

Curtis Carr has taken over for Bob Mainhardt as Youngstown’s hockey coach.

By Jon Moffett

Photo

Bob Mainhardt

YOUNGSTOWN — Bob Mainhardt’s tenure as head coach of the Youngstown Phantoms has come to an end.

The United States Hockey League expansion team announced Tuesday that Mainhardt was out as head coach of the hockey team effective immediately.

Mainhardt will remain with the team as a “hockey adviser” for the remainder of the season.

Curtis Carr, assistant coach and director of player development, is the interim head coach.

“It was a mutual decision between [Mainhardt] and the management staff,” Phantoms President Alex Zoldan said. “We think that it is in the best interest of both the team and Bob Mainhardt.”

Mainhardt had been with the Phantoms organization for seven seasons. The first six were with the team’s original incarnation, the Mahoning Valley Phantoms of the North American Hockey League.

Mainhardt’s record with the NAHL Phantoms was 208-115-25.

Last May, Phantoms owner Bruce Zoldan disbanded the NAHL Phantoms when he received a USHL expansion team.

This season, the Phantoms are 15-26-2 and have won just two games in 2010.

“Bob is a very good coach, it had nothing to do with his abilities,” Alex Zoldan said. “But sometimes in sports you need a fresh start and I think that’s what we are doing.”

A native of Shelby Township, Mich., Mainhardt was instrumental in advancing the transition from the NAHL to the USHL, Zoldan said.

Better competition and the chance to establish a hockey tradition in Youngstown were some of the reasons Mainhardt pushed for the move to the elite junior league.

“Bob still has a very bright future in hockey and to be honest, I don’t know if the Mahoning Valley would have hockey the way it does without Bob Mainhardt,” Zoldan said.

Carr said he was informed of the decision Tuesday afternoon. He said while the move is a great personal opportunity, his main goal is to keep the team focused on hockey.

“It’s a great opportunity, but first and foremost my goal is to get the boys on track,” Carr said. “This is an opportunity, but I have to focus on the things that are within my control right now.”

Zoldan said the players also were informed of the decision Tuesday prior to an official announcement.

The team is not expected to suffer a lapse because of the change, Zoldan said.

“We addressed the team, and I believe it’s business as usual,” he said. “They’re a very professionally acting group of guys. They understand the nature of the business and have been around it their whole lives at this point.

“I think it can benefit these guys in the long run,” Zoldan said.

The Phantoms hit a rough patch during the second half of this season. The team went 1-9 in January and has a record of 2-14 in 2010. The team was outscored 69-30 during that stretch and are in last place of the USHL East Division.

Zoldan said Mainhardt is not completely to blame, saying the won-loss record “was a team effort.”

“You don’t have a core of veterans to lead the younger guys like we did in the past with the NAHL,” Zoldan said. “I think we have a group of young guys who are going to be super next year. They just need a little bit of guidance and a little bit of growing up. Next year, we’re going to compete for the Clark Cup.”

Carr, who is in his fourth season with the team, said it will be bittersweet replacing his mentor.

“It’s tough,” Carr said. “I have a lot of respect for Bob. He gave me an opportunity four years ago.

“He’s experienced a lot of things and has coached a lot of hockey,” Carr said. “If he’s at games and watching games, I can talk to him. He’s got a great mind and he can give me advice.”

Carr said his approach will stress positive reinforcement.

“The big thing is just staying positive with them and make sure they’re having fun,” Carr said. “Now, fun isn’t the only thing because you still have to work, but if you stay positive and have fun the wins will start coming to you.”

jmoffett@vindy.com