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Employees Picture / Brian Yauger Phantoms defenseman Coleson Hanrahan participates in pregame warmups throughout the Phantoms' common season finale towards the USA U17s in Michigan. Hanrahan could have an even bigger position this season each on and off the ice with the Phantoms.
CANONSBURG, Pa. — It's been a wild 5 months for Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Coleson Hanrahan.
Within the midst of an excellent season with NCDC's PAL Junior Islanders, Hanrahan acquired the decision that he could be becoming a member of the Phantoms.
Junior call-ups are generally short-lived as groups take care of accidents and suspensions and wish somebody in disaster, however Hanrahan got here to Youngstown and didn't depart.
In 23 common season video games in Youngstown, the blueliner posted 7 factors (2 objectives, 5 assists) and added some a lot wanted toughness to the lineup.
His affect was felt instantly, and never simply on the ice.
Referred to as an offensive defenseman throughout his time in NCDC, scoring 43 factors (7 objectives, 36 assists) in 39 video games, the defenseman they name “the hammer” does just a little little bit of the whole lot.
“When he got here in, he actually modified the dynamic of our locker room final 12 months,” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward mentioned. “He does just a little little bit of the whole lot, clearly he blocks lots of pictures. He's already blocked like 15 pictures (up to now) in coaching camp. He's robust, he'll assist his teammates, he's a frontrunner, guys need to wrestle with him and I feel it's vital (that he) pulls guys into it together with his vitality, enthusiasm and juice. We’re delighted that he’s again and clearly he can be an entire defender for us and tackle a a lot greater position this 12 months. We’re excited to have Hanrahan again within the purple, orange and white.”
Making the transition from the NCDC to the USHL like he did is a stretch, however Hanrahan has dealt with it effectively, cementing himself as a core member of the Phantoms for the foreseeable future.
“I can't actually overstate how vital Coleson is,” Ward mentioned after a postseason recreation towards Madison. “Coleson comes from NCDC, and other people overlook that he was the perfect participant from that NCDC, so it's not like Coleson is a nasty hockey participant. This isn’t the Ronald McDonald Home to offer an opportunity to a man like Coleson an excellent hockey participant who will proceed to develop and develop and be superb for the following 12 months or two for us in Youngstown.”
A 19th-round choice within the 2023 USHL Part II Draft, Hanrahan rapidly turned a fan favourite for his on-ice depth and bodily play. Whereas he's not the most important participant on the ice — he's 5-foot-10 and 170 kilos — the previous Longmeadow Excessive College lacrosse star positive performs prefer it.
That fierce fashion of play endeared itself to the fanbase virtually in a single day.
“It's superior,” Hanrahan mentioned of the love he's obtained from Phantom followers since his arrival in February. “From taking part in in entrance of no person to having followers that basically such as you. It’s unbelievable.”
Since becoming a member of the Phantoms, Hanrahan has been each a relaxing and energizing presence on the ice. Having that protector on the ice, particularly one who can even add that offensive contact, can solely enhance the boldness of a younger participant as he seems to be to seek out his recreation on the USHL stage.
“I simply attempt to be a frontrunner, like stick up for the blokes in the event that they want it,” he mentioned. “In addition to locking it down defensively and making an attempt so as to add extra offense to my recreation this 12 months.
“I attempt to allow them to play as comfy as they need, particularly the youthful guys, and allow them to know there's any person there in the event that they want it.”
Anticipated to be a core chief on the Phantoms this season and tackle an expanded position, there’s a sense of strain concerned, however largely pleasure.
“I'm positively nervous and excited on the identical time,” he mentioned. “Clearly, there are lots of expectations as a result of it's such a terrific program and also you don't need to allow them to down, nevertheless it's thrilling.”
Throughout the 12 months, Hanrahan had but to decide on a college, however when UMass got here round, there was no different alternative.
“It's proper subsequent to me,” Hanrahan mentioned. “It's been my dream college my entire life. It was a straightforward resolution.”
Earlier than making that leap, nevertheless, there stays one objective to beat first: a Clark Cup.
Expectations are excessive this season, and the Phantoms imagine they’ve the roster to make it occur. It's only a matter of getting on the market and doing it.
“Now we have the boys. It's simply the mindset and sticking collectively all 12 months lengthy,” Hanrahan mentioned.
Regardless of leaving the Islanders in early February, Hanrahan was nonetheless named the 2023-24 NCDC Atlantic Division Defenseman of the Yr. He had 64 factors in 88 profession video games, this system tied for third in PAL group historical past amongst defensemen.
The Phantoms unveiled their season schedule on Tuesday, with the group's residence opener on Oct. 18 towards Lincoln.
Do you could have an fascinating story? Contact Brian Yauger by e-mail at byauger@tribtoday.com. Observe X ex-Twitter @_brianyauger.