The Youngstown Phantoms Youth Hockey Association entered the PAHL in 2006 and became the first PAHL program in the state of Ohio.  The Phantoms nickname came from the North American Hockey League (NAHL) team in Youngstown bearing the same nickname.   It originates from the Youngstown-based Phantom Fireworks corporation, whose CEO was an original owner of the junior team.

The NAHL squad in Youngstown moved up to the United States Hockey League (USHL) in 2012, and after many lean years, captured a league championship in 2023.  That achievement is expected to have a positive impact on the growth of youth hockey in eastern Ohio, and in particular, the Phantoms youth program.

The Phantoms teams play primarily out of the Deep Freeze Ice Arena in Boardman, OH.  They also use the Covelli Centre, a 5200-seat arena in downtown Youngstown, where the USHL team plays its games.