Wroblewski’s new job means coaching search for Phantoms
By Tom Williams
YOUNGSTOWN
For the second time in 11 months, the Youngstown Phantoms are searching for a head coach.
Monday, John Wroblewski’s tenure with the USHL junior hockey team came to an end when he became the head coach of the U.S. National Team Development Program’s 18-under team.
Wroblewski replaces Don Granato and will be relocating to Plymouth, Mich., where Team USA trains.
Last July, Wroblewski, 35, replaced Anthony Noreen when the Phantoms’ four-year head coach joined the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears. The previous two seasons, Wroblewski had been an assistant coach with the AHL’s Rochester Americans, the top farm club of the Buffalo Sabres.
Under Wroblewski, the Phantoms went 31-20-9, earning 71 points to finish in fifth place in the USHL’s Eastern Conference. The Phantoms finished seven points behind the Bloomington Thunder for the final playoff spot in the conference.
Troy Loney, Phantoms co-owner, said the organization knew Wroblewski’s departure was a possibility.
“He fits the criteria for what they are looking for,” Loney said. “We are happy that John has the opportunity to represent the United States on the international coaching level.”
As a teen, Wroblewski played for Team USA. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach for Team USA before moving on to coach in the ECHL.
“We’re extremely pleased to have John back with the NTDP,” said Jim Johannson, assistant executive director of hockey operations for USA Hockey. “He’s had success as a coach at various levels of the game and is the type of coach that, as a parent, you’d want your son to play for.
“John is a high-energy person that thrives on development, which is what the NTDP is all about.”
Wroblewski expressed mixed feelings.
“Despite only being here for one year, Youngstown felt like home,” Wroblewski said. “Our fans and the community are so supportive.”
He’s looking forward to preparing players for an international stage.
“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to have this opportunity,” Wroblewski said. “The NTDP is a special place and has had an important role in the development of our sport over the last 20 years.”
Loney said the team will begin a search for the team’s fifth head coach who will prepare the Phantoms for their eighth USHL season. He said he would like to have a coach in place for the team’s tryout camp that begins June 8.
“But we aren’t going to rush the search just for that,” Loney said.
Brad Patterson, a former Youngstown SteelHound, has been a Phantoms assistant coach since 2010 and had been involved with the team’s previous six camps.
“More notice is better,” Loney said of starting a search in mid-May compared to late June like last year.