Phantoms finalize 2010-11 roster

Forward John Fritsche of Parma, the Youngstown Phantoms’ top draft pick in the recent USHL entry draft, is one of the 12 players the Phantoms added to their 2010-11 roster when tryout camp closed Wednesday at the Ice Zone.

“They are a hockey-rich family out of Cleveland,” Phantoms coach Curtis Carr said of Fritsche’s family.

His father, Jack, coached the Cleveland team when the Mahoning Valley Phantoms were in the NAHL and now coaches the NAHL’s Alpena Ice Diggers.

Fritsche’s cousin, Dan, is a former Columbus Blue Jacket who also has played for the NHL’s New York Rangers and Minnesota Wild.

“His Dad played pro over in Europe,” Carr said. “There are great hockey bloodlines with Johnny.”

In 2009-10, Fritsche played for his father’s Ice Diggers.

After tryout camp ended with a Wednesday morning scrimmage, Carr finalized the team by adding a goaltender (Matthew O’Connor, Burlington Cougars, Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League), five defensemen and eight forwards.