YOUNGSTOWN, OH – The Youngstown Phantoms have acquired forward Jesse Orlowsky from the Waterloo Black Hawks in exchange for affiliate goaltender Filip Vavro and a 2027 Phase II sixth-round draft pick.
 
Orlowsky, a 2007-born right-shot forward from Brooklyn, New York, joins the Phantoms after skating with Waterloo in the USHL and representing Team USA at the 2024 Hlinka Gretzky Cup. He recorded three points (one goal, two assists) in five games at the international tournament and posted two goals and six assists across 30 career USHL contests.
 
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Orlowsky adds size, strength and offensive upside to Youngstown's forward corps. He is committed to Harvard University following his USHL development.
 
"Jesse is a player we've had our eyes on for a long time," Phantoms co-general manager Jason Deskins said. "His combination of size, skill and hockey IQ makes him a unique asset in this league. He competes hard in all three zones, has shown he can produce against elite competition, and we believe he'll play a significant role in our lineup this season. He's the type of player who can impact a game with his presence alone, and we're excited to see him grow in a Phantoms jersey."
 
"Jesse is the kind of forward every coach loves," Head Coach Ryan Ward said. "He's responsible defensively, battles along the wall and has the hands and vision to make plays under pressure. We see him as someone who will be trusted in all situations — 5-on-5, penalty kill and power play. His work ethic and maturity are going to set a tone for our younger guys."
 
"I'm really excited to be part of Youngstown and can't wait to get started," Orlowsky said. "This is a great organization that's known for developing players, and I want to do whatever I can to help the team win. The fans here are some of the best in the league, and I'm looking forward to playing in front of them."
 
The Phantoms are set to return to Youngstown at the end of August for training camp ahead of the 2025–26 season. The team begins its campaign in mid-September at the USHL Fall Classic
and opens its home slate Oct. 10 against Cedar Rapids.
 
Season and single-game tickets are available by calling the Phantoms box office at 330-747-PUCK (7825).

Orlowsky on USHL.com
Orlowsky on EliteProspects