Phantoms hire new head coach

By The Vindicator | June 6, 2016 at 5:31p.m.

YOUNGSTOWN — Staff Report

Longtime assistant coach Brad Patterson is now the head coach of the Youngstown Phantoms, the team announced on Monday.

He replaces John Wroblewski, who was named the new head coach of the US National Team Development Program in May. He went 31-20-4 in his lone season in charge. The team missed the playoff spot after a late-season collapse.

Patterson has been with the team since the 2009-10 season. He played for the Youngstown Steelhounds from 2006 through 2008.

“I’m looking forward to expanding the hockey culture we’ve created and focus on developing hardworking, honest, detailed, and energetic players. All qualities that represent our Valley,” Patterson said in statement from the team. “This precedent will start at our tryout camp this week and will continue to be ingrained in our players throughout the season.”