Staff file photo / Brian Yauger. Phantoms forward Jack Hextall awaits a pass during an October contest against Sioux City at the Covelli Centre in Youngstown.

YOUNGSTOWN — Being a tender signing in the USHL comes with some added pressure.

The team that signs you loses a high-end draft pick, and your name gets added to an exclusive list.

In the case of Youngstown Phantoms signees, your name gets thrown in the mix with names like Sascha Boumedienne (2023), Trevor Kuntar (2017) and Kyle Connor (2012).

Even more recently, Jack Hextall, who was tendered in 2024.

Hextall knows a little about the pressure, coming off his first year in the league. He’s already taken 2025 tender Logan Anderson under his wing early on, and that connection is expected to grow as the season approaches.

“I’ve been trying to just get to know the younger guys, and being a leader for them to get them comfortable with the guys,” Hextall said. “I’m actually staying with the new tender Logan Anderson, so I’ve been kind of answering his questions.

“It’s been fun, he’s a really good kid. I really like him, and I’m excited to play with him next year.”

It was a promising rookie year for Hextall, who finished with 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) in 53 games with the Phantoms.

As he heads into year two, which is also the first year he becomes draft eligible, watch for Hextall to improve his game all over the ice now that he’s used to the USHL game.

“I’m looking to add more offense. I think I can be better in the defensive zone. I’m just trying to get faster and stronger, always. I’m just trying to shape my game and be an all-around player,” Hextall said. “I’m definitely really excited just to (get back out there). I think our team can be really good, so I’m really excited.”

Hextall and the coaching staff have discussed NHL players that he should watch to help grow his game. One name that came up in those talks was longtime Chicago Blackhawks forward Jonathan Toews.

That wasn’t a big ask for Hextall, who was wearing a Blackhawks hat around camp when not on the ice.

“Someone that my coaches have been talking about is kind of like Jonathan Toews,” Hextall said. “Just being like a two-way center, and on the ice and being a leader off the ice. I like to watch (Florida Panthers forward) Carter Verhaeghe. I think he’s got a really good stick, really good forecheck, he’s a two-way player also, so watching him in the playoffs is fun.”

Anderson also fits that two-way mold that Hextall is trying to strengthen in his own game. Described as a power forward with shades of Matt Boldy (Minnesota Wild) and Sam Reinhart (Florida Panthers) in his game, Anderson is expected to bring some grit and nastiness along with elite-level skills.

With guidance from Hextall along the way, Anderson is excited for the chance to get out on the ice.

“He’s really been taking me under his wing,” Anderson said. “He’s just been through all of this last year and coming in as the young guy, he’s really been helping me throughout the week.”

Last season with the Florida Alliance AAA program, Anderson recorded 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 16 games.

While acknowledging the jump to the USHL is a vast one, Anderson is more excited than anything. He wants to get out and play above all else.

“I’m looking forward to just skating with these guys,” Anderson said. “I mean, like going from AAA juniors. It’s a big jump, it’s going to be fun, it’s going to be a grind and going against these good players. It’s going to be a real battle and make me a lot better.”

Though Florida isn’t exactly a quick drive from the Covelli Centre, there’s a chance Anderson is still close to family.

Also attending camp last week was Anderson’s cousin, Spencer, who was taken in the third round of the Phase I Draft back in May. Spencer Anderson is another high-level player who could make an impact as soon as this season in Youngstown alongside his cousin, should he make the team.

“It’s awesome,” Logan said. “When I heard his name on the TV get called, and saw he was going to Youngstown, it was awesome. I gave him a call right away, and I congratulated him.”

The USHL announced its schedule on Tuesday with the Phantoms set to open the season at the Fall Classic in Cranberry Township, Pa., during the week of Sept. 15. Their home slate begins on Oct. 10 when they play host to Cedar Rapids.