Phantoms introduce 4th head coach

YOUNGSTOWN — John Wroblewski, formerly assistant coach with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, said that he’s excited to return to coaching junior hockey when he was introduced today as the Youngstown Phantoms’ new head coach.

Wroblewski, who played for Notre Dame and the four seasons in the ECHL, said he’s looking forward to "having a team to cultivate.

“The age group is so unique,” Wroblewski said of USHL players who range in age from 16-20. “You get to work with young men on the just the cusp of their careers. It’s a hungry group and a group that doesn’t get picked over.”

Wroblewski replaces Anthony Noreen as Phantoms head coach. In June, Noreen ended his four-year tenure with Youngstown when he became head coach of the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears.

Wroblewski’s coaching career includes two seasons as head coach for the ECHL’s Gwinnett Gladiators. He’s the Phantoms’ fourth head coach in seven USHL seasons.

Troy Loney, Phantoms co-owner, said Wroblewski’s passion for hockey reminds him of Noreen.

For more on Wroblewski, look for the story in Wednesday’s edition of The Vindicator.