CANONSBURG, Pa. — Youngstown Phantoms defenseman Chase Pietila is going to be back on the blueline this year with an expanded role.

As the team enters a new era, led by coach Ryan Ward, Pietila is expected to be a key shutdown member of not just the team’s defensive core, but the team’s leadership core as well.

When asked about his expanding leadership role as an 18-year old, Pietila mentioned accountability first and foremost. He got the first chance to do that at the team’s main camp this past weekend outside of Pittsburgh.

“I’m just trying to hold guys a little bit accountable,” Pietila said. “Since I know how it’s supposed to be, how things should be (in the USHL), I just want to hold guys accountable and help keep guys in line. No nonsense going on, basically.”

Pietila was acquired back in April of 2021 in a trade with the Lincoln Stars that sent three players to Nebraska in exchange.

“Chase is an intelligent, competitive and rangy defenseman that makes plays with his stick and his brain,” co-general manager Jason Deskins said in the trade announcement last year. “He skates very well and is responsible defensively. … He can be an impact player every night in this league, and we are happy he is a Phantom.”

Going up the ranks of the hockey world, players are bound to cross paths with one another.

Pietila played with Frank Nazar, the Chicago Blackhawks first round selection (13th overall) in this past draft on the Little Caesars 14U AAA and Honeybaked 15U AAA teams.

Both are Michigan natives and are attending college in their home state. Nazar will be attending the University of Michigan this fall, and Pietila will be attending Michigan Tech the following year.

The Pietila family is very familiar with Michigan Tech as two of Pietila’s brothers, Logan and Blake, both attend.

“I have a lot of family up there, so it’s basically another home,” Pietila said. “I’m from downstate Michigan, but my grandma lives up there. I got a bunch of a bunch of family out there and my two of my brothers play there right now. Hopefully I get to play with them. I’m excited to see what’s going on out there.”

Being a Michigan native, Pietila grew up a Red Wings fan. When naming players he modeled his game after, a rising Detroit star was fresh in his mind.

“I’m a Detroit Red Wings fan because that’s the hometown team,” Pietila said. “I like Moritz Seider, the Calder (rookie of the year) winner. I like watching him. He plays physical, but also has a skilled game. I like to watch him and see what he does and kind of model after that.”

Fans can get their first taste of the new-look Phantoms at the team’s first preseason game Sept. 3 against the Maryland Black Bears.

With the week at the team’s camp in the books, Pietila is ready to see what the Phantoms can do this year.

“He’s been great,” Pietila said about his new coach. “Obviously he hasn’t been on the bench behind us. But he’s been there, super nice, really good guy. I feel like he’s gonna really turn this team around with all the good guys coming back and all the young guys who have come in. I think he’ll be great for us and I’m really excited to see what he does.”

byauger@tribtoday.com