Alexander J. Zoldan, President of the Youngstown Phantoms Hockey Team of the United States Hockey League, announced today that Curtis Carr will take over as interim Head Coach of the Phantoms following former Head Coach Bob Mainhardt’s departure.
Curtis Carr, originally from Georgetown, Ontario, Canada, is a graduate of Kent State University with both an undergraduate degree and a Master’s Degree in Sports and Recreational Administration and Management. Carr played hockey in Georgetown as part of the Ontario Provincial Junior A Hockey League and also played center at Kent State University.
“Curt Carr is a solid professional whom we are confident can take hold of the team and bring focus and cohesiveness to the play on the ice,” said Zoldan.
Carr, married to the former Margaret Jones of Mineral Ridge and currently residing in New Springfield, is in his fourth season with the Phantoms, and during that period he served as Associate Coach and Director of Player Development, focusing on defense, recruiting and player improvement. Additionally, Carr has been instrumental in the development in the Hockey for Health Program.
Mainhardt’s departure from the Phantoms comes after six seasons, including three playoff runs, in the North American Hockey League. Mainhardt’s teams took second place twice in the NAHL’s Robertson Cup finals.
Mainhardt was removed as head coach Tuesday, but will stay with the Phantoms as hockey adviser for the rest of the season.
“Bob Mainhardt made significant contributions to the on-going development of fan-based hockey in the Youngstown area, and for that we are in Bob’s debt,” said Zoldan. “We certainly wish Bob and his family well and we are confident he will succeed in the next chapter of his hockey coaching career.”
The Phantoms (15-26-2, 32 points) will take on the defending league champion Indiana Ice tonight at 7:05 p.m. in Indianapolis before returning home to play the Omaha Lancers Friday and Saturday, February 18 and 19, at Youngstown’s Covelli Centre. The puck drops at 7:15 p.m. each night.
Courtesy: Youngstown Phantoms
