Staff photo / Brian Yauger Phantoms defenseman Jack Willson (3) scans the ice for an open teammate during his 175th career game with the team against Des Moines on Friday at Covelli Centre.

Following Friday’s 4-3 victory over the Des Moines Buccaneers, Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Jack Willson had a surprise waiting for him in his Instagram messages.

Among them was a video message sent by former Phantom Kyle Connor congratulating him. Earlier that night, Willson surpassed Connor, playing in his 175th game as a Youngstown Phantom, setting a new club-high.

Willson joined the team for the 2022-23 season, playing in 56 games. He also suited up in nine playoff games, and is the last remaining member of the team from the Clark Cup Championship roster. Four years later, he cemented his legacy in Youngstown for years to come.

“It’s just been an unbelievable ride,” Willson said. “I’m so thankful for this organization. Everyone that has helped me along the way, coaches, parents, everyone. This organization has given me so much, given me so many memories and just has been able to let me grow as a man. All thanks to them.”

Many players don’t stay this long with a junior hockey team for one reason or another, but having that lengthy tenure has made Willson a major presence in the locker room. Staying longer than he may have expected has had its challenges, but Willson has become one of the team’s biggest leaders.

“He’s the heartbeat of the team,” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said after the game. “He holds a special place in all of our hearts. We won a championship together, and he’s been a good leader. I think he’s done a really good job this year. He had a tough year last year, and for his ability to bounce back and continue to lead this team, it’s not easy to play in the same place for multiple years, and I think (Willson has) done a really, really good job.”

Willson missed the first half of last season after sustaining a lower-body injury, but returned to the ice in a larger role.

This season has seen his role grow even further. Through 31 games this year, Willson has tallied 20 points (7 goals, 13 assists), career highs in each category.

“These have been the best four years of my life,” Willson said. “There’s no complaints, no regrets. (I’ve loved) just hanging with the guys, getting along with the coaches, just all the memories of my friends that I’ve been rolling with.”

This is Willson’s last season before moving on to college. Back in November, the blueliner committed to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. With one last season in Youngstown, Willson hopes to go out with a bang and end the way he started, as a champion. He’s confident in his group, but it all comes down to execution.

“We’ve just got to play our game,” Willson said. “Keep it simple, and we’ll win games.”