YOUNGSTOWN PHANTOMS NAME MICHAEL HOUSER DIRECTOR OF GOALTENDING DEVELOPMENT LOCAL PRODUCT JOINS PHANTOMS STAFF AFTER FOURTEEN-YEAR PROFESSIONAL CAREER

YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Youngstown Phantoms are proud to announce the hiring of Michael Houser as the organization’s Director of Goaltending Development.

Houser joins the Phantoms following an accomplished playing career that included time in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and Ontario Hockey League. As the organization’s Director of Goaltending Development, he will oversee the growth of goaltenders throughout the Phantoms system, working closely with the coaching and hockey operations staffs on evaluation, development plans and the continued strengthening of the club’s goaltending pipeline. His role also includes guiding Phantoms goaltenders through the technical, tactical and mental components of the position while assisting the organization in scouting and evaluating amateur goaltenders.

“We are extremely excited to add Michael to our staff,” said Jason Deskins, President of Hockey Operations and co-General Manager of the Youngstown Phantoms. “His experience as a goaltender speaks for itself, but what really stood out to us was his passion for development and his ability to connect with young players. Goaltending has been an important part of our success in Youngstown, and we believe Michael can have a major impact on our current goaltenders as well as the future of the position within our organization.”

A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Houser brings a unique connection to the organization and the local hockey community. His playing career included NHL appearances with the Buffalo Sabres as well as extensive professional experience in the American Hockey League and ECHL.

Prior to turning professional, Houser starred for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League, where he established himself as one of the top goaltenders in major junior hockey. During the 2011-12 season, Houser was named the OHL’s Most Outstanding Player, OHL Goaltender of the Year and CHL Goaltender of the Year while helping London capture the OHL championship and advance to the Memorial Cup.

“Being a local kid, born and raised in Youngstown, this is a full-circle moment for me,” said Houser. “I am extremely excited to begin my coaching career with an organization that has a history of strong goaltending and winning championships.”

“Michael understands what it takes to develop at this position and ultimately reach the highest level,” Deskins added. “Our goal is to provide our players with every resource possible to maximize their development, and adding someone with Michael’s knowledge, experience and perspective is another important step in that process.”

The addition of Houser continues the Phantoms’ commitment to building a comprehensive player development program and providing players with the resources necessary to prepare for college hockey and beyond.

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The Youngstown Phantoms are a United States Hockey League (USHL) member club based in Youngstown, Ohio, and a proud member of the Black Bear Sports Group family of organizations. Rooted in the Mahoning Valley, the Phantoms are committed to competing for championships while developing student-athletes for NCAA Division I hockey and the professional ranks, on and off the ice.

 

Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Phantoms box office at 330-747-PUCK (7825).