The Lehigh Valley Phantoms have officially named John Snowden the next head coach of the team, replacing Ian Laperriere, who became an Advisor to Hockey Operations earlier this offseason.

Snowden will be a first-time AHL head coach. He had been with the Phantoms for the previous two seasons as an assistant, the same title he held with the Toronto Marlies from 2021-23. Before that, Snowden was the head coach of the Newfoundland Growlers in the ECHL from 2018-2020, lifting the Kelly Cup in 2019.

Prior to his stint with Newfoundland, Snowden was an assistant with the Orlando Solar Bears from 2015-18.

As a player, Snowden was a career AHL, ECHL, and international league player.

With the significant influx of youth heading for the Phantoms over the next few seasons, it was important to get a coach who can develop young players. Let’s see what he can do.

Read More: PhHN Daily: Top Prospects, Flyers Mailbag, Shutting Down Rumors

Joining Snowden’s Phantoms Staff

Snowden will not be alone with the Phantoms. Joining his staff are Nick Shultz and Terrance Wallin.

Shultz should be a familiar name for Flyers faithful. The defenseman played his final three professional seasons in Philadelphia. In 2019, he rejoined the organisation as a development coach and was most recently the assistant director of player development.

Shultz will join Snowden’s staff in a critical era for the Phantoms and the development of the Flyers’ youth. The Flyers PR release cited the development of players like Noah Cates, Tyson Foerster, and Bobby Brink as players Shultz played a “key role” in developing.

He will likely play a massive factor in the development of Oliver Bonk, one of the Flyers’ top prospects. That is, assuming he is in Lehigh this season.

Terrance Wallin will also be on Snowden’s staff. Wallin is a bit more of an unknown when it comes to his background. At just 33 years old, Wallin has great experience. Previously, he was the head coach of the Maine Mariners in the ECHL from 2022 to 2025. He was the team’s GM in the 2023-24 season.

Maine had relative success under Wallin, who will now leap to the AHL as an assistant.

With that, the Phantoms’ bench looks to be complete.

Read More: Flyers Offseason Mailbag: Leave Your Questions Below

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