Youngstown Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward: Finding your identity, creativity through accountability and power of the fundamentals

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4v4vGWhQMUw

In episode 336 we're joined by Ryan Ward, Head Coach of the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms.

Currently in his fourth season behind the Phantoms bench, Ward led his club to a Clark Championship in his first season, the first USHL playoff championship in franchise history. As this episode is published (April 8th, 2026), the Phantoms have just been crowned Anderson Cup Champions, awarded to the USHL club with the best regular season record.

Equally impressive, Youngstown has produced 10 NHL draft picks during his tenure and it's expected the program will hear more of their players' names called at the upcoming NHL draft.

Ward has enjoyed a unique journey to his current post, which included time as an NHL video coach with the New York Islanders, an assistant coach with the club hockey team at the University of Rhode Island, time in the OHL and AHL, leading an elite prep school, and overseeing player development for the USHL's Tri City Storm.

Listen as he shares the incredible story of taking on an NHL video coach role, finding your foundational identity, and the importance of learning how to teach the fundamentals.

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