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USHL Youngstown Phantoms

Noreen Named USHL Coach of the Year

May 29, 2015 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Youngstown Phantoms News Release


YOUNGSTOWN, OH- The United States Hockey League (USHL) has announced that Phantoms Head Coach Anthony Noreen has been named 2014-2015 USHL Coach of the Year, as determined by a vote of League coaches and general managers. Noreen is the first Phantoms coach to be named League Coach of the Year.

"It is extremely humbling to receive this honor," said Noreen. "With the caliber of coaching in this league and the history of the award, it's an absolute honor to be mentioned in the same category as some of the best coaches to come out of this league."

"Receiving the news of Anthony being named USHL Head Coach of the Year was just a confirmation of what we felt all year of Anthony's coaching ability", remarked co-owners Troy and Aafke Loney. "He is passionate about coaching the players, and wants them to be successful both on and off the ice. We are very fortunate to have him as a role model and leader for our team."

Noreen guided the Phantoms to the best season in team history, leading the team to a 40-14-6 record and the club's first-ever Anderson Cup; presented to the team with the best regular season record. Under Noreen, the Phantoms set team records for both home wins (20) and road wins (20), culminating with the Phantoms' third trip to the postseason in the past four years. The Phantoms, who finished last place in the Eastern Conference last season with a record of 17-37-6, saw a one of the largest turnarounds in League history, seeing a 46-point and 23-win swing in the standings from a year ago.

The success for the Chicago, IL, native does not stop there, as he led the Phantoms to a USHL Tier-1 era record (2002-Present) 17-game winning streak this season, which contributed to a 21-1-1 finish over the team's final 23 games. He also reached a personal milestone, achieving his 100th USHL coaching victory back in November.

With Noreen at the helm, the Phantoms led the League in many major statistical categories, including wins (40), goals (233), power play goals (65), and shorthanded goals (16). Additionally, the Phantoms ranked second in the League, killing off 86.70% of oppositional power plays, and were fourth in power play percentage, converting on 22.34% of extra-man opportunities.

Under Noreen's tutelage, the Phantoms saw many individual successes, as well. Forward Kyle Connor won the League scoring title, accounting for 34 goals and 46 assists for 80 points. He was also named League Player and Forward of the Year. Forward Josh Melnick led the USHL with 48 assists, while forward and team captain Ryan Lomberg tied for the League lead with six shorthanded goals. Also, forwards Max Letunov and Tyler Sheehy each tallied their 100th career USHL point.

"Coach Noreen is so much more than an amazing coach. He is a role model that we players can look up to everyday," said Lomberg. "This year was the most fun I've ever had playing the game I love, and it was 100 percent because of him and the atmosphere he built. He has not only taught me an incredible amount about the game of hockey, but also so many life lessons that I will remember forever."

Noreen just wrapped up his fourth season behind the Phantoms' bench, and has complied a career coaching record of 126-99-19. His 126 wins ranks fifth amongst active USHL coaches.

"This is by no means an individual award; it's a team, staff and organizational award, and without them, this doesn't happen," continued Noreen. "It starts at the top with our ownership group and goes down to our staff and players. Our hockey staff of assistant general manager Jason Koehler, assistant coaches Brad Patterson and John Ronan, athletic trainer Jim Schroeder, and equipment manager Adam Waddell did an unbelievable job this season, and when you have good people around you making you better, it allows for good things to happen. This was as good of a group of people that I have ever been around."

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