Phantoms coach adds GM job to his assignments

Staff report

YOUNGSTOWN

The Youngstown Phantoms have given head coach Brad Patterson another title — general manager.

Patterson, who joined the organization in 2010 and has been head coach the past three seasons, replaces Jason Koehler who had joined the team in 2009 as assistant general manager.

As head coach, Patterson’s teams have compiled a record of 103-61-11-7 and made the playoffs each season.

“The past 10 years with the Phantoms have been tremendous, and I look forward to building on them,” Patterson said.

In 2015, Koehler was promoted to general manager when Anthony Noreen left the team to coach the Orlando Solar Bears. Noreen was the head coach and general manager from 2011-15.

Phantoms president Andrew Goldman said on Wednesday that the team parted ways with Koehler after the Phantoms’ postseason run ended in the first round of the USHL Clark Cup Playoffs, saying Koehler’s vision for the team’s future did not match ownership’s views.

Last May after the Phantoms ended with their first appearance in the Clark Cup Finals, co-owners Tory and Aafke Loney sold their half of the team to Black Bear Sports Group.

“Brad is an exemplary coach and leader,” said Murry Gunty, CEO of Black Bear Sports Group. “Both [co-owner] Bruce Zoldan and I believe that Brad is the right person to lead our organization.”

Patterson’s first task in his expanded role will be selecting the initial 30-man roster for the 2019-20 season.

The main player selection camp is scheduled to begin June 12 in Pittsburgh where 100-plus players will compete against returning veterans and the Phantoms’ USHL draft picks for roster spots.

Patterson played with the Central Hockey League’s Youngstown SteelHounds from 2006-08.

“Brad Patterson has developed into a first rate coach during his time with the Phantoms,” Zoldan said. “The Phantoms are lucky to have him on our team.

“We hope Brad leads our team for many years to come.”

The roles of Patterson’s assistant coaches Jeff Potter and Nick Peruzzi have increased.

Potter has been promoted to associate head coach and director of player personnel. Peruzzi also will be director of scouting.