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Draft:Phillip Barski

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Phillip Barski Occupation: Ice Hockey Coach

Team: Bloomington Bison (ECHL)

Position: Head Coach

Career Overview

Phillip Barski is a Canadian ice hockey coach currently serving as the head coach for the Bloomington Bison in the ECHL. [1] Barski was introduced as the Bison’s first head coach in 2024, leading the team into its inaugural season and playing a central role in establishing the team’s strategic direction and identity. Barski's coaching career has spanned multiple leagues, including notable roles in junior and professional hockey. Before joining the Bison, he developed his coaching skills in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and in various coaching and development positions across North America and Europe.

Barski is recognized for his focus on player development and team building, with a coaching philosophy that emphasizes skill growth, resilience, and competitive integrity. He was instrumental in establishing the Bloomington Bison’s identity as the team entered its first season, and his leadership has been key in setting a high standard for the team’s performance.

Background and Playing Career

Before his coaching career, Barski had a notable playing journey through Canadian junior and collegiate leagues. He played in the Ontario Provincial Junior Hockey League (OPJHL) for teams like the Newmarket Hurricanes, Mississauga Chargers, and Stouffville Spirit. His standout season came in 1998-99, when he scored an impressive 75 points in 42 games with the Spirit, demonstrating his skill as a forward​.[2] [3]

Barski then transitioned to collegiate hockey, starting at Bowling Green State University in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) before moving to the University of Calgary, where he continued to contribute to the team in the Canada West Universities Athletic Association (CWUAA).[4]

These experiences on the ice informed Barski’s later approach to coaching, giving him a deep understanding of player development and the demands of competitive hockey.

Coaching Experience

Phillip Barski brings over 15 years of diverse coaching experience to his role as head coach and general manager of the Bloomington Bison in the ECHL. His career spans several leagues, including recent coaching roles in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and U SPORTS, as well as professional hockey leagues in North America and Europe.[5]

Notably, Barski served as an assistant coach and later associate coach with the OHL's Barrie Colts during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 season. Prior to that he also an assistant coach for the Greenville Swamp Rabbits (2020-22) and video coach with Brampton for one season (2016-17) in the ECHL.[6][7]

Barski’s journey also includes coaching in the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL) with the Pickering Panthers, contributing to his strong background in Canadian junior hockey.

Coaching Philosophy

His player-focused approach is often attributed to his own experiences as a player, where he developed a strong understanding of the game’s technical and strategic elements.

Barski emphasizes both individual player growth and team cohesion. He encourages a high-energy playing style, adapting strategies to maximize team strengths and to counter specific opponents. His impact on the Bison has been particularly noted in the team's emphasis on disciplined play, breakouts, and forechecking strategies.[8]

Recent Role with Bloomington Bison

In 2024, Barski took on the head coach position with the Bloomington Bison, an ECHL team affiliated with the New York Rangers. Since his appointment, Barski has worked to build a competitive and cohesive team, focusing on long-term development and aiming to make the Bison a recognized name in the league.

References

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