The Youngstown Phantoms have announced the hiring of Jeff Cox as the Assistant General Manager of Personnel while promoting Tim Parkos to the Assistant General Manager of Scouting. 

Cox comes from the Omaha Lancers of the USHL where he spent 3 years as a regional scout before being promoted to the Assistant General Manager position. Cox also is the program director for the Neponset Valley River Rats youth hockey organization based in Mansfield, Massachusetts, which is one of the top Tier 1 programs in the Northeast. Jeff brings high level expertise in scouting and personnel at the youth and junior level which makes him a commodity in the USHL.

Cox states “I am extremely excited to join the Youngstown Phantoms organization and thrilled to work with Jason Deskins, Ryan Kosecki, and the staff. I look forward to assisting in the process of building Youngstown into one of the premier junior hockey programs in the world. I would like to thank Murry Gunty and Bruce Zoldan for allowing me this opportunity.”

Phantoms Co-GM, Jason Deskins stated “We are excited to welcome Jeff to the Phantoms. I have years of personal experience working with Jeff in hockey, and specifically, in the USHL. He is a tireless worker, loyal team member, and an all-around great person. Jeff has a great eye for talent while also understanding and valuing what a Youngstown Phantom player and person exemplifies. He also has great relationships in the Northeast which is saturated with elite players that can play in the USHL. The Northeast market is a high priority for the Phantoms. He is a trusted friend and excellent hockey mind, and we are fortunate to have him”  

In conjunction with the hiring of Cox, the Phantoms also promoted Tim Parkos to the position of Assistant General Manager of Scouting. Tim was hired as the Phantoms head scout prior to the start of the season and has been responsible for overseeing the scouting staff, and draft operations. Tim also coaches for Totino-Grace High School and the Minnesota Blizzard, which is a pre- and post-season Tier 1 youth hockey program in Minnesota.

Parkos noted “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Youngstown and am thankful to collaborate with the executive staff, scouts, coaches, and administration. Youngstown is running a first-class operation and I am very excited to not only be a part of it, but also to be promoted to the Assistant GM of Scouting position.”

Phantoms Co-GM, Ryan Kosecki, stated “We are ecstatic to announce the promotion of Tim Parkos to Assistant General Manager of Scouting. Tim is diligent, detailed, and methodical in his approach. He knows and understands the Minnesota hockey landscape which is one of the best hockey markets in the world. He is phenomenal at what he does and is a great fit for our long-term future in Youngstown.”

Source:  Youngstown Phantoms