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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.
Video Timestamps:
- 0:00 TCS Live
- 2:00 Lessons as a stick boy
- 7:40 Advice from Mike Sullivan/Composure in big games
- 12:50 Attention to detail
- 16:40 Stress as an NHL video coach
- 19:00 Aspirations at Bowling Green
- 23:55 Shift to bench coach mindset
- 27:20 Coaching high school/Soo Greyhounds
- 31:30 Value of video/foundational identity
- 36:10 First video sessions of the week
- 38:45 Return to video coach role
- 43:10 Getting reps at different level
- 46:40 Key mechanics for young players
- 49:20 Seasonal player development plan
- 53:20 Selling yourself for a job
- 56:25 Cultural changes for success
- 1:01:50 Coaching creativity
- 1:08:35 Wednesday practices
- 1:10:55 Growing from challenges
