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Since 2002 the West Michigan Phantoms have been apart of in-line hockey in West Michigan. Over the now 454 games
played with the yellow sweaters, several players have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the
Phantom legacy continues to grow. With the start of the team’s unprecedented 30th season, the Phantoms would like to
honor select members for their hard work both on and off the rink. Spanning the length of more than eight years, several
members in the team’s history have made contributions to keep the rich tradition of Phantom Hockey alive. Recreational
hockey is more than just scoring goals and capturing victories, it is about having fun, teaching others how to excel,
become better players and being able to play with great friends. It is with great pride that the West Michigan Phantoms
have announced an honoree group of ‘Ambassadors to Phantom Hockey’.
Our ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey’ concept is sort of a Hall of Fame for West Michigan Phantom Hockey. Being
that we are a recreational team, we did not want to focus on an individual’s skill or statistics, but rather focus on one’s
positive benefits to the team. This ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey’ section will honor and pay tribute to select
members who have went above and beyond the course of an average player and have shown commitment to the team.
played with the yellow sweaters, several players have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that the
Phantom legacy continues to grow. With the start of the team’s unprecedented 30th season, the Phantoms would like to
honor select members for their hard work both on and off the rink. Spanning the length of more than eight years, several
members in the team’s history have made contributions to keep the rich tradition of Phantom Hockey alive. Recreational
hockey is more than just scoring goals and capturing victories, it is about having fun, teaching others how to excel,
become better players and being able to play with great friends. It is with great pride that the West Michigan Phantoms
have announced an honoree group of ‘Ambassadors to Phantom Hockey’.
Our ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey’ concept is sort of a Hall of Fame for West Michigan Phantom Hockey. Being
that we are a recreational team, we did not want to focus on an individual’s skill or statistics, but rather focus on one’s
positive benefits to the team. This ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey’ section will honor and pay tribute to select
members who have went above and beyond the course of an average player and have shown commitment to the team.
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AMBASSADORS TO PHANTOM HOCKEY
#5 Matt Zehr
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Starting a bench clearing brawl vs. Rouge River in the championship game at Cedar Rock.
2. Going undefeated in our first season at Cedar Rock.
3. Kevin Groothuis's ex-wife drunk at our game at Rivertown Sports
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Fun.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Best thing about playing on the Phantoms is the people that play on the team.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I'm Honored!
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
Neighborhood Friends.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Starting a bench clearing brawl vs. Rouge River in the championship game at Cedar Rock.
2. Going undefeated in our first season at Cedar Rock.
3. Kevin Groothuis's ex-wife drunk at our game at Rivertown Sports
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Fun.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Best thing about playing on the Phantoms is the people that play on the team.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I'm Honored!
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
Neighborhood Friends.
#9 Nate Tyler
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Scoring the winning goal at Cedar Rock in the championship game Silver 2006
2. The Carload Special Night about 3.5 years ago when my wife was pregnant and drove all 20 or
of us to the Muskegon Fury Game
3. The last Griffins Game I went to and our party afterwards...Don't remember much but I had a
good time.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Glad to be apart of the team and look forward to playing every game with a great group of friends.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
My Teammates.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Happy and Old.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My parents for supporting me when I was speedskating and Jeff & Erika for the many Sundays of
fun at the FunSpot/Jumpin' Jupiter.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Scoring the winning goal at Cedar Rock in the championship game Silver 2006
2. The Carload Special Night about 3.5 years ago when my wife was pregnant and drove all 20 or
of us to the Muskegon Fury Game
3. The last Griffins Game I went to and our party afterwards...Don't remember much but I had a
good time.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Glad to be apart of the team and look forward to playing every game with a great group of friends.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
My Teammates.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Happy and Old.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My parents for supporting me when I was speedskating and Jeff & Erika for the many Sundays of
fun at the FunSpot/Jumpin' Jupiter.
#10 Casey Rosenberg
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. The every game ritual of calling Woot to tell him we weren't going to make it to the game.
2. Derek Reid showing up with a garbage bag full of his equipment only to kicked out 10 intos the game
for tomahawking some dude.
3. My closest near-death experience with Gordon on the drive back from the game when we list it and
nearly flipped his damn tuck over.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Good Times and good hockey when the refs would let us play. Hope to one day again be apart of the
team.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The camaraderie has got to the best thing about it. You many not see someone for 4 months and when
you walk into that locker room, we know what gets everyone going..and that is to start tearing into Woot.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel very privileged to be one of the elite on such a historic team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My granda taught me how to skate when I was 4 years old. He got me started in the Rec. league down at
the
L.C. Walker Arena.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. The every game ritual of calling Woot to tell him we weren't going to make it to the game.
2. Derek Reid showing up with a garbage bag full of his equipment only to kicked out 10 intos the game
for tomahawking some dude.
3. My closest near-death experience with Gordon on the drive back from the game when we list it and
nearly flipped his damn tuck over.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Good Times and good hockey when the refs would let us play. Hope to one day again be apart of the
team.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The camaraderie has got to the best thing about it. You many not see someone for 4 months and when
you walk into that locker room, we know what gets everyone going..and that is to start tearing into Woot.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel very privileged to be one of the elite on such a historic team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My granda taught me how to skate when I was 4 years old. He got me started in the Rec. league down at
the
L.C. Walker Arena.
#11 Brian Doctor
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Galaxy Pizza
2. Championships (Years Ago)
3. The one time that Steph came and watched our game
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Very rewarding. It is fun to be part of a team that most are jealous of, which they show by saying they
don't like us.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Dedication of everyone. We have a full bench every week, while other team's usually have 5 or 6 guys.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I am honored to be selected into this group. No other teams are even close to having such a long run in
roller hockey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My Dad-100%.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Galaxy Pizza
2. Championships (Years Ago)
3. The one time that Steph came and watched our game
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Very rewarding. It is fun to be part of a team that most are jealous of, which they show by saying they
don't like us.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Dedication of everyone. We have a full bench every week, while other team's usually have 5 or 6 guys.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I am honored to be selected into this group. No other teams are even close to having such a long run in
roller hockey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My Dad-100%.
#12 Matt Mead
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. The first championship win at Rivertown. It was great to join up with a good group of guys and pull off
a win after watching the team miss out on it a couple seasons.
2. Championship win at Cedar Rock. Things seemed to click for us that season and we were on fire, it
was a blast to play that season.
3. All of the great people I have got to meet and befriend through Phantom Hockey over the years,
hanging around after Sunday games and drinking a few beers in the summer was a blsat. Going to Phantom
group events at the Van and breaking out into 'Don't Stop Believing' and just all around fun we have as a
team.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
I would say it's been a blast and very enjoyable. I know I am getting older but its fun to keep playing with
a bunch of great people who enjoy playing just as much as I do.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
We play hard, but we try to not take ourselves to seriously. I have seen us get frustrated one game and
then around and play some of our best hockey the next game.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I would say I feeling stunned and a little humble. I guess I have been around a while with the team, either
playing with us or against us. There has never been a point I regretted putting on the yellow jersey and
when I didn't have it on and I was playing against the Phantoms it was always just an enjoyable
experience. The Phantoms are great guys and all class acts.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I didn't get into hockey until my college years and I would say that it was going to WMU CCHA hockey
games and seeing the passion of the sport along with turning on the TV and watching the Red Wings
struggle through the early 90's and eventually become champions that turned me on to the game.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. The first championship win at Rivertown. It was great to join up with a good group of guys and pull off
a win after watching the team miss out on it a couple seasons.
2. Championship win at Cedar Rock. Things seemed to click for us that season and we were on fire, it
was a blast to play that season.
3. All of the great people I have got to meet and befriend through Phantom Hockey over the years,
hanging around after Sunday games and drinking a few beers in the summer was a blsat. Going to Phantom
group events at the Van and breaking out into 'Don't Stop Believing' and just all around fun we have as a
team.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
I would say it's been a blast and very enjoyable. I know I am getting older but its fun to keep playing with
a bunch of great people who enjoy playing just as much as I do.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
We play hard, but we try to not take ourselves to seriously. I have seen us get frustrated one game and
then around and play some of our best hockey the next game.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I would say I feeling stunned and a little humble. I guess I have been around a while with the team, either
playing with us or against us. There has never been a point I regretted putting on the yellow jersey and
when I didn't have it on and I was playing against the Phantoms it was always just an enjoyable
experience. The Phantoms are great guys and all class acts.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I didn't get into hockey until my college years and I would say that it was going to WMU CCHA hockey
games and seeing the passion of the sport along with turning on the TV and watching the Red Wings
struggle through the early 90's and eventually become champions that turned me on to the game.
#21 Brad Zehr
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Nate Tyler dropping a guy on his head.
2. Brian Doctor's 7 goals in a game
3. As always...winning championships.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
A Winner.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Playing with Friends.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
A little werid being it is a men's league roller hockey team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My mom. She was the one who always brought me to my games and practice.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Nate Tyler dropping a guy on his head.
2. Brian Doctor's 7 goals in a game
3. As always...winning championships.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
A Winner.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Playing with Friends.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
A little werid being it is a men's league roller hockey team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My mom. She was the one who always brought me to my games and practice.
#26 Darren Skuse
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Playing my 1st ever Copper game (against the Phantoms) after being called up by the Prairie Dogs. And
yes...the Phantoms beat us.
2. Scoring my first goal as a Phantom.
3. Scoring a goal in the championship game that we won.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
It has been great. The team is a very organized team and well put together. At times I feel like I don't belong
due to my talent level, but I have to remind myself that this is really all for friendships and having fun..so I then
dismiss my thoughts until Wootton reminders me why I am here! lol. But its been great and I hope to play till I
am 70!
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
It is such an organized franchise. It is very well put together and you always know that everybody is going to
give 100% each game. The franchise is a winner and you know everyone cares very much about the team.
That is what I enjoy playing on the Phantoms the most
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I am honored. It is such a great franchise and even though I don't have the stats to be among the leaders in
stats, I really enjoy playing for the Phantoms and I give it 110% every game win or lose. I feel very honored
to be considered an Ambassador to Phantom Hockey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My dad. He took me to my first hockey game in 1976 (Muskegon Mohawks vs. Saginaw Gears) and I was
hooked. He also took me to as many Mohawk games as a boy, including my first road which took place in
the post-season in Saginaw and watched the Mohawks fall in overtime.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Playing my 1st ever Copper game (against the Phantoms) after being called up by the Prairie Dogs. And
yes...the Phantoms beat us.
2. Scoring my first goal as a Phantom.
3. Scoring a goal in the championship game that we won.
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
It has been great. The team is a very organized team and well put together. At times I feel like I don't belong
due to my talent level, but I have to remind myself that this is really all for friendships and having fun..so I then
dismiss my thoughts until Wootton reminders me why I am here! lol. But its been great and I hope to play till I
am 70!
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
It is such an organized franchise. It is very well put together and you always know that everybody is going to
give 100% each game. The franchise is a winner and you know everyone cares very much about the team.
That is what I enjoy playing on the Phantoms the most
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I am honored. It is such a great franchise and even though I don't have the stats to be among the leaders in
stats, I really enjoy playing for the Phantoms and I give it 110% every game win or lose. I feel very honored
to be considered an Ambassador to Phantom Hockey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My dad. He took me to my first hockey game in 1976 (Muskegon Mohawks vs. Saginaw Gears) and I was
hooked. He also took me to as many Mohawk games as a boy, including my first road which took place in
the post-season in Saginaw and watched the Mohawks fall in overtime.
#28 Jason Schemmel
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Winning the championship at Rivertown in my first season as a Phantom.
2. Winning the championship at Cedar Springs a few seasons ago.
3. At Rivertown when I scored 4 goals to mount a comeback and win in regulation against BioHazard with
my good friend Wade subbing in net (for BioHazard).
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My time as a Phantom has been memorable. Having played with them at Rivertown and Cedar Rock, I've
been able to play with a log of different, yet skilled players. My hockey skills continue to group and it
wouldn't be possible if not for my teammates.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best about playing on the Phantoms is that we all get along quite well. We can give each other a hard
time and have it taken lightly. Example: Trent sent me a pass along the board and went for change, he saw
that I missed his easy pass and yelled at me as he was changing...I picked up the puck and shot it at a sharp
angle off the boards and scored. Trent was then pleased.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel honored to be an Ambassador to Phantom Hockey. Every game I put on my yellow jersey and try to
play my best each and every game. It feels great to be part of this team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My best friends, Alex and Zach, in 5th grade. Before then, I had no interest in hockey. Whenever I would
go to either of their houses, whey would watch the Wings play. Ever since, we'd play street hockey all the
time in the driveway. Growing up, a lot of people didn't think I'd ever be good enough to play on a team. I
was certain to prove them wrong. It eventually lead to me playing rec. league hockey after high school and
I've consistently gotten better and better. Now my life is practically surrounded by hockey.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Winning the championship at Rivertown in my first season as a Phantom.
2. Winning the championship at Cedar Springs a few seasons ago.
3. At Rivertown when I scored 4 goals to mount a comeback and win in regulation against BioHazard with
my good friend Wade subbing in net (for BioHazard).
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My time as a Phantom has been memorable. Having played with them at Rivertown and Cedar Rock, I've
been able to play with a log of different, yet skilled players. My hockey skills continue to group and it
wouldn't be possible if not for my teammates.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best about playing on the Phantoms is that we all get along quite well. We can give each other a hard
time and have it taken lightly. Example: Trent sent me a pass along the board and went for change, he saw
that I missed his easy pass and yelled at me as he was changing...I picked up the puck and shot it at a sharp
angle off the boards and scored. Trent was then pleased.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel honored to be an Ambassador to Phantom Hockey. Every game I put on my yellow jersey and try to
play my best each and every game. It feels great to be part of this team.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My best friends, Alex and Zach, in 5th grade. Before then, I had no interest in hockey. Whenever I would
go to either of their houses, whey would watch the Wings play. Ever since, we'd play street hockey all the
time in the driveway. Growing up, a lot of people didn't think I'd ever be good enough to play on a team. I
was certain to prove them wrong. It eventually lead to me playing rec. league hockey after high school and
I've consistently gotten better and better. Now my life is practically surrounded by hockey.
#47 Chris Benedict
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Scoring the OT winner against Howies to win the championship
2. Shooting the Puck at the referee and getting suspended
3. When Woot had to put on a Red Wings jersey
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My times as a Phantom has been filled with fun times, hardships and heartbreak, but a lot of great times
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best thing about playing with the Phantoms is that the GM usually puts together a great group of guys that
get along great.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
It's a complete honor to be named an Ambassador to Phantom hockey, I couldn't have set single season
scoring records with my teammates. So I thank everyone I have played with.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I credit my parents, they didn't know how to skate but they brought me to old school Lumberjacks games
and I was hooked. Many thanks to them for endless hours on the road, early mornings in cold ice arenas and
of course my first pair of skates.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Scoring the OT winner against Howies to win the championship
2. Shooting the Puck at the referee and getting suspended
3. When Woot had to put on a Red Wings jersey
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My times as a Phantom has been filled with fun times, hardships and heartbreak, but a lot of great times
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best thing about playing with the Phantoms is that the GM usually puts together a great group of guys that
get along great.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
It's a complete honor to be named an Ambassador to Phantom hockey, I couldn't have set single season
scoring records with my teammates. So I thank everyone I have played with.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I credit my parents, they didn't know how to skate but they brought me to old school Lumberjacks games
and I was hooked. Many thanks to them for endless hours on the road, early mornings in cold ice arenas and
of course my first pair of skates.
#75 Justin Calkins
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Great Hockey Team
2. Friends
3. Galaxy Pizza
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Fabulous!
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Playing with great teammates
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Good, but I'm not really sure what that means. lol
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My dad. He brought me to the Muskegon Lumberjack games when I was little.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Great Hockey Team
2. Friends
3. Galaxy Pizza
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
Fabulous!
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Playing with great teammates
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Good, but I'm not really sure what that means. lol
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My dad. He brought me to the Muskegon Lumberjack games when I was little.
#87 Gordie Anderson
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Our brawl at the end of the championship game with Rouge River
2. When I scored 5 goals against Brian Dudek and Howies
3. All of the fights I've been in
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My time as a Phantom has been fun. We have had some great seasons.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best thing about playing for the Phantoms is the fact that we always have a great team and are always in
the running for a championship.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel great and why shouldn't I be int he Hall-of-Fame. Look at my goals, assists, points and penalty
minutes, fights, face-offs won, penalties I draw and all of the little things that go into making everyone else
around me better, you can't get any better than wearing a 87 jersey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I credit myself and all of the time spend in the road and driveway trying to be like Gretzky with an attitude.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Our brawl at the end of the championship game with Rouge River
2. When I scored 5 goals against Brian Dudek and Howies
3. All of the fights I've been in
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
My time as a Phantom has been fun. We have had some great seasons.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
The best thing about playing for the Phantoms is the fact that we always have a great team and are always in
the running for a championship.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
I feel great and why shouldn't I be int he Hall-of-Fame. Look at my goals, assists, points and penalty
minutes, fights, face-offs won, penalties I draw and all of the little things that go into making everyone else
around me better, you can't get any better than wearing a 87 jersey.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
I credit myself and all of the time spend in the road and driveway trying to be like Gretzky with an attitude.
#88 Trent Kik
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Doctor's right hand to the face of the guy jumping Matt Zehr in our championship game vs. Rouge River
2. The 9-8 Championship victory against Howies (the stacked version).
3. Nate's overtime goal in my first championship at Rivertown with the Phantoms
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
The good times have out weighed the bad. Pretty cool to stay with one team for 4 years..Stevie Y like.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Have a competitive team with guys who share the same common goals.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Makes me feel old.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My Uncle Chris for bringing me to a Muskegon Fury game when I was 6 and Sergei Fedorov.
What are your top 3 favorite memories of Phantom Hockey?
1. Doctor's right hand to the face of the guy jumping Matt Zehr in our championship game vs. Rouge River
2. The 9-8 Championship victory against Howies (the stacked version).
3. Nate's overtime goal in my first championship at Rivertown with the Phantoms
How would you describe your time as a Phantom?
The good times have out weighed the bad. Pretty cool to stay with one team for 4 years..Stevie Y like.
What is the best thing about playing on the Phantoms?
Have a competitive team with guys who share the same common goals.
How do you feel about being named as ‘Ambassador to Phantom Hockey?
Makes me feel old.
As a child, who do you credit the most for getting you involved in hockey?
My Uncle Chris for bringing me to a Muskegon Fury game when I was 6 and Sergei Fedorov.
