CANONSBURG, Pa. — Early in the season, the Youngstown Phantoms made two moves that could make them a threat in the league for years to come.

Defenseman Sascha Boumedienne and forward Zachary Morin were inked to USHL tender deals for the upcoming 2023-24 season and similar to players like Kyle Connor (Winnipeg), tendered in 2012, both Boumedienne and Morin appear to have bright futures ahead.

The pair of 2007-born players got their first taste of USHL hockey at the team’s camp in Canonsburg, and both are excited to hit the ground running.

“Being up here was a great experience for me,” Boumedienne said. “Just seeing what the future holds for me in the USHL and obviously, just seeing what it takes to win a cup really helps me for the next couple years seeing how hard they worked. (It’s been great) getting started with my junior career and just opening up to the team.”

Luckily for the young defenseman, he’s had the benefit of being close by with the Phantoms this past season. His father Josef is a scout with the Columbus Blue Jackets, so he’s been in Ohio for the past two years. Boumedienne played with the Ohio Blue Jackets 16U AAA squad and was on-hand to see the decisive third game of the Clark Cup Finals.

Staying close to his home for this season has been incredibly helpful, as he’s gotten a head start on acclimating himself to the locker room. Building chemistry early can only help down the road.

“It helped a lot. Getting to know some of the guys who were staying and the returners really helped,” Boumedienne said. “Just to build relationships and build chemistry, (it was important). Obviously, we have a great group of guys so it was pretty easy.”

The Swedish defender has a strong two-way game, and had no issues putting points on the board with the AAA Blue Jackets last season. Boumedienne racked up 42 points (11 goals, 31 assists) in 49 games with the program.

Stylistically, the blueliner compares his game to that of Roman Josi (Nashville) and Cale Makar (Colorado). Both strong defenders that can do a ton of damage in the offensive zone and in transition. Reaching the level of those two is a very high bar, but Boumedienne is up for the challenge of playing like the guys he looks up to.

Boumedienne has racked up a ton of praise and a ton of hype in leadup to his first junior season. While not eligible for the NHL Draft until 2025, he’s already being talked about as one of the elite talents of that class.

While that’s a lot of pressure to live up to, Boumedienne wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I would say it’s both pressure and motivation, but to be honest, I really like the pressure,” he said. “I love playing with some pressure on me, otherwise I don’t play as well I feel. I love (the pressure) and I’m just looking forward to next year.”

The soft spoken Morin prefers to let his game speak for itself, and his game is quite the talker. Last season with Little Caesars 15U AAA, Morin racked up 130 points (58 goals, 72 assists) in 77 games.

The Little Caesars hockey program is one of the top AAA programs in North America, producing such talent as Zach Werenski (Columbus), Jason Robertson (Dallas) and Jakob Chychrun (Arizona).

Morin could add his name to this list.

“Zach’s a power forward that can do everything. He’s got every tool in his toolbox, he can make plays, he can score, he can play heavy down low, he’s a quintessential power forward,” Phantoms coach Ryan Ward said upon Morin’s signing. “I think Zach will charge his own path right from the get go.”

Born in Lachenaie, Quebec, the 6-foot-2 forward already has great size for a 16-year old, and he’s not afraid to use it.

“I think my style fits perfectly (with the Phantoms),” Morin said. “I play strong, fast, and I have a lot of grit.”

Morin was also on-hand for Game 3 of the Clark Cup Finals. While not at the rink as much as Boumedienne, getting that time with the players a little early has really helped him get ready for this upcoming year.

“I only went to Youngstown once and I feel like I got a lot closer from the boys,” Morin said.

So what are the Phantoms getting in Morin?

“My soul,” Morin said. “When I play hockey, I play passionately and I try to do the best I can and I’m here to win.”

Phantom fans will get their first taste of both Morin and Boumedienne on home ice on Sept. 30 for a game against the US National Team Development Program.

byauger@tribtoday.com