Thursday, March 13, 2014

Troy and Aafke Loney Join Phantoms Ownership and Operational Group

Press Release

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Former Pittsburgh Penguins forward Troy Loney and his wife Aafke have partnered with Phantoms Owner & CEO Bruce Zoldan to become members of the club’s ownership and operational group, the team announced today.

Under the agreement, which is dependent upon league review and approval, Loney will oversee the day-to-day business and hockey operations of the Youngstown Phantoms.

“I am excited for the opportunity to build upon the foundation that the Phantoms have laid in the Steel Valley, Western Pennsylvania, and the USHL as a whole,” said Loney. “I have seen firsthand how the USHL has become a breeding ground for Division I talent, as well as the NHL. I continue to be enthused with the development of the league and its players, and I can’t wait to get started in Youngstown.”

“This is a tremendous move for the Phantoms and for the Youngstown community,” added Zoldan. “Troy brings a true historical hockey figure to our team. His connection to both Pittsburgh and Youngstown, and the Stanley Cups that he has won—including one under Edward DeBartolo, Sr.’s ownership—speak for themselves. The credibility he brings is immense, and his interest in this team further shows that the USHL is recognized by the NHL and the NCAA as the most talented developmental system in the nation.”

Loney possesses both a wealth of NHL experience and deep connections to the Pittsburgh Penguins’ front office. A veteran of over 600 NHL games, Loney was drafted by the Penguins in 1982 and spent ten seasons with the club, winning the Stanley Cup in 1991 and 1992. He was also named the first-ever captain of the expansion Mighty Ducks of Anaheim for the 1993-94 season.

“This is a great day for hockey in Youngstown,” said David Morehouse, CEO and President of the NHL’s Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Troy was a valuable player for the Penguins, contributing to two Stanley Cup championships and many exciting moments on the ice, but he also forged a very successful post-hockey career as a corporate executive in the Pittsburgh area. The Phantoms organization and their fans will benefit from his considerable experience in both the hockey and business worlds. We are big fans of the Phantoms, and we look forward to great things from Troy and his team.”

Since retiring from the NHL in 1995, Loney entered the business world, and for the past 15 years, has been a senior executive at various levels. Most recently, he served as the president of a division in a Fortune 250 company. He has continued to make his home in the Pittsburgh area since retirement from his playing career.

“Having someone of Troy’s caliber in our team’s management is a great move for this organization,” said Phantoms coach Anthony Noreen. “This helps solidify the Phantoms as a top USHL franchise, as well as adds to the long-term stability of our team in the Youngstown community.”

Adding to his ties to the Youngstown community, Loney’s son, Ty, spent two seasons playing for the Phantoms before moving on to the University of Denver. As a Phantom, Ty Loney registered 46 points in 71 games played. Currently in his junior season with the Pioneers, he has 65 points in 111 career games at the Division I level.

“When my son, Ty, played in Youngstown a few years ago, I got a firsthand view of the city and the Phantoms organization,” continued Loney. “I know that Ty had a great on- and off-ice experience in Youngstown, and he was able to develop his skills to the point where he is now playing Division I college hockey at Denver. I look at coming here as an opportunity to invest not only in the Youngstown community, but also in the Phantoms organization.”

Both Zoldan and Loney anticipate this new partnership will further solidify the commitment to the existing fan base and are hopeful that potential season ticket holders and new fans will experience Phantoms hockey firsthand. Season tickets and premium seating are available at the Covelli Centre.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)

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