An assistant coach for the Lehigh Valley Phantoms has been named as the team’s new head coach.
John Snowden, who has been an assistant coach the last two seasons, is taking on the new role, the organization announced Monday in a news release. He is the fifth coach since the team moved to the Lehigh Valley, and the team’s 12th overall since it began in 1996.
“Over the last two seasons, John has played an instrumental role behind the bench while mentoring and building strong relationships with our players,” Phantoms co-owners Jim and Rob Brooks said in a team news release. “His commitment to growth, player development, and shaping the culture of the Phantoms organization has helped lay the foundation for future success on the ice while embracing the Lehigh Valley community.”
Snowden, 43, replaces Ian Laperrière, who in May was named as an adviser for hockey operations with the Flyers. Laperrière served as the Phantoms’ head coach for four seasons.
Snowden worked primarily with forwards and power-play units, according to the announcement. He had a previous assistant coach role with the Toronto Marlies from 2021-23, and was the head coach of their affiliate Newfoundland Growlers for two seasons in 2018-20. He led the Growlers to a Kelly Cup championship during their inaugural campaign.
Outside of coaching, Snowden played professionally 2003-14, including with the Reading Royals, as well as in other leagues, including the CHL, IHL and AHL. He began coaching in the 2015-16 season with the Orlando Solar Bears.
“I’m honored to be named the next head coach of the Lehigh Valley Phantoms,” Snowden said in the release. “I’d like to thank Keith, Danny, Alyn, and Rob and Jim Brooks for this opportunity. It’s an exciting time to lead this group with the talent the Flyers have in their prospect pool. I look forward to building on the foundation that’s been laid and continuing to help our young players grow and succeed.”
The Phantoms also announced two new assistant coaches: Nick Schultz and Terrance Wallin.
Schultz spent the last six seasons with the Flyers organization as the assistant director of player development, and played more than 1,000 games in the NHL from 2001 to 2017, the release states. He played for the Flyers during his last three seasons, and retired after the 2016-2017 season. He is from Saskatchewan, Canada.
Wallin comes from the ECHL’s Maine Mariners, where he was the head coach for three years, according to the release. Before he was coach, he played there 2018-20. Wallin, a native of Yardley, Bucks County, played professionally for five years in leagues including the SPHL, ECHL and AHL.
Originally Published: July 14, 2025 at 12:16 PM EDT