Six current, future and former Youngstown Phantoms heard their names called at the 2022 NHL Draft on Friday at the Bell Centre in Montreal. It was another banner draft for the entire United States Hockey League as 57 current, future and former players were selected.
Filip Nordberg
Swedish defenseman Filip Nordberg, Youngstown's third round pick in the 2022 USHL Phase II draft, was the first Phantom to hear his name called on Friday in Montreal. Nordberg was selected in the second round with the 64th overall pick by the Ottawa Senators. A big lefty, Nordberg's skating, stick and physical presence could play a pivotal role as Youngstown continues its climb back up the standings in the USHL's Eastern Conference.
Michael Fisher
Defenseman Michael Fisher, an `04 affiliate who will play for the Youngstown in 2022-23, was the next Phantom selected. The right shot defenseman from Westboro, Mass., was picked by the San Jose Sharks in the third round with the 76th overall pick. In 28 games for St. Mark's this past season, Fisher scored 13 goals and added 37 assists. Fisher will bring a dynamic element from the back end. His size and skating ability will enhance the Youngstown blue line before heading to play college hockey at Northeastern.
Adam Ingram
After one impressive season in Youngstown, left wing Adam Ingram was taken six picks later by the Nashville Predators. Committed to St. Cloud, Ingram's skill shined through while scoring 26 goals and 29 assists in 54 regular season games in 2021-22. The Winnipeg, Manitoba, native was Youngstown's 11th round pick in the 2021 USHL Phase II draft.
"His shot was the first thing that you noticed. He's got an elite NHL shot at 18 years of age, which is rare. He can beat goalies clean," said Phantoms co-general manager Ryan Kosecki. "Looking back, he probably carried us and helped our season more than you would think. He kept us in some games that we either tied or won because he was the only one scoring consistently."
David Gucciardi
Defenseman David Gucciardi, who played four games for Youngstown in the 2020-21 season, was drafted by the Washington Capitals with the 213th overall pick. The Toronto, Ontario, native recently completed his freshman season at Michigan State, scoring five goals and six assists.
James Fisher
Three more players with Youngstown ties were plucked off the board in the seventh round. Right wing James Fisher, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 USHL Phase II draft, was taken by the Columbus Blue Jackets at 203rd overall. The Wilmington, Mass., native excelled at Belmont Hill where he proved his goal scoring ability as a physical power forward with size. In 27 games, he scored 17 goals and 11 assists as Belmont Hill advanced to the championship game of the NEPSAC Elite 8 Tournament. Committed to Northeastern, he's expected to fill a key role on the right side of the lineup for Youngstown in 2022-23.
Reese Laubach
Center Reese Laubach, another future Phantom, was selected by San Jose with the 217th overall pick. In 83 games for Northstar Christian Academy in 2021-22, he had 70 goals and 78 assists. The Minnesota State commit is expected to be another key addition to the Phantoms' offense for the upcoming season. He already appeared in two games for the Phantoms this past season. For Laubach, the selection by the Sharks was a bit of a homecoming as he hails from San Jose and played for the youth organization before heading to Northstar. Laubach was Youngstown's third round pick in the 2021 USHL Phase II draft.
The four future Phantoms selected Friday add to an already impressive arsenal of returning talent looking to take the ice at the Covelli Center in September. Joining them with NHL logos next to their name on the projected line chart for 2022-23 are defenseman Tomas Machu and left wing Shane Lachance, both returning players.
Under new management, including Kosecki and fellow co-general manager Jason Deskins, Youngstown made a 37-point jump in the standings during the 2021-22 season, earning home ice in the Clark Cup playoffs. New head coach Ryan Ward and the Phantoms will look to take the next step this upcoming season.
"Today was a great day for the Phantom organization. I want to congratulate all of our previous players who came through Youngstown and got to realize this dream of being selected into the NHL," said Ward.
"Looking forward, it is incredibly exciting to see all of our current and incoming players who were selected today. It speaks to the countless hours our scouting staff and management team have put into shaping our organization," Ward continued. "Our goal here is to make Youngstown the premier place to play junior hockey, and I think today's NHL draft is indicative of the direction we are going."
