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When it comes to recreational sports, rarely is there a team that is able to remain together for a long period of time. One
of those rare occurrences is the success that the West Michigan Phantoms have enjoyed since the team began playing
during September of 2002. While the first game under the Phantom banner did not occur until September 13, 2002, the
group that originally made up the yellow and black dates back nearly three years prior. It started out as drop-in hockey at
the Fun Spot in Muskegon. For nearly three years, every Sunday night would be a gathering place for a selected group of
players to come and enjoy the game of hockey. The Fun Spot, now known as Jumpin' Jupiter Skating Center, created an
indoor location for Muskegon area players to play in-line hockey. While the skating rink did not feature a scoreboard, did
not feature a clock and did notfeature a very competitive arsenal of talent, it was a location that allowed several friends the
ability to play hockey and meet others. One of those friendships that was created was between Nate Tyler and Kevin
Wootton.
During the Fun Spot period, some of the players also played outdoor hockey at Seyferth's Park in Muskegon. During the
Seyferth's battles, a group of neighborhood kids and adults would play against each other on the SportCourt rink. Art
Dorsey, a Phantom Founding Father, was instrumental in developing a large group of Seyferth Regulars. Eventually, that
group would see an increase in talent and that talent would be pooled together to create a team that would tangle with
Ground Zero. Ground Zero was a group of high school students (mostly from Mona Shores), which played inline hockey as
a team at Westwood Ranch in Grand Rapids. Despite the constant losses, the neighbor group would continue to battle
and play hockey. Art Dorsey, Kevin Wootton, Randy Lawson, Keith Mooreman are just a few of those neighborhood kids
and adults that use to be defeated by the likes of Gordie Anderson, Casey Rosenberg, Brett Smith, and the rest of Ground
Zero team (also known as the Dragons in the earlier days).
Back at the Fun Spot, the condition of playing in-door hockey during the summer months always saw a dramtic fall in the
amount of skaters showing up each week. During the Summer of 2002, that reduction in players would create less income
for the roller skating rink and despite Fun Spot employees playing hockey, it was decided that all the work and time was
not worth continuing hockey during the summer. The stoppage of Sunday hockey at the Fun Spot created a problem for
those players that still wanted to play a somewhat organized brand of hockey.
Under the organization from Art Dorsey and Kevin Wootton, the two found out about Rivertown Sports in Grandville and
figured this would be the cure for the sudden loss of hockey. During the summer, the two contacted several former Fun
Spot players and decided to create a team for the upcoming fall season at Rivertown Sports. Prior to the start of
Rivertown hockey, Art Dorsey sealed an agreement with the L.C. Walker Arena to allow the players to practice on the
arena's concrete floor. That practice would be the perfect start to develop the team and prepare it for much stronger
competition in the Grand Rapids suburb. During the several practices that took place, the players all voted on a team
name and team jerseys and Kevin Wootton used those final tallies to create the look that the newly formed team displayed
at Rivertown Sports during the September 13, 2002 season opener. During that game, the new Copper League team fell
to the Rage 6-2. Despite the loss, the team did finish the eight-game-season with a record of 5-3 and even advanced to
the championship game in the team's inaugural season, yet fell to Off the Wall by the final of 1-0.
Following the first season of Phantom Hockey at Rivertown Sports, the team decided to return for a second. During the
Winter 2002 season, the team did not meet expectations and finished the 10 game season with a 4-5-1 record. The team
would not qualify for the post-season. During nearly the entire season attitudes would not be the greatest and tension
among players would increase. There was mounting pressure from some to make player changes and leadership
changes. Despite the pressure, Art Dorsey and Kevin Wootton would not give in to certain calls for change and as a result
several players decided to not return for the team's third season. This sudden loss created numerous openings on the
team's roster. From the Fun Spot, only Nate Tyler and Rob Brown would continue to hang with the Phantoms.
Within a matter of weeks, several players interested in joining the Phantoms were calling. Players like Mike Shaver (who
was underage for his first two Phantom seasons) and Matt Mead joined the team. Art and Kevin then returned to their
roots of Seyferth's Park and picked up former Ground Zero players Gordie Anderson and Brett Smith. Matt Zehr, who
played during the first two seasons, talked to his younger brother Brad about playing and Brad signed up without
hesitation. Brian Doctor, who graduated with Matt and Kevin in 2001 from Mona Shores, agreed to return for his third
season. Before the team knew it, the roster was full and during that third season the Phantoms cruised to a perfect 10-0
regular season record. Despite the new powerhouse in the league, the Phantoms suffered an opening round play-off
defeat to the players that left the Phantoms. The Vipers won the game 2-1, yet they fell in the championship game. The
loss by the Phantoms was hard, but the following season the team returned and captured revenge from the Vipers,
defeating them 4-0 in the championship game to capture the first Phantom Championship. Ironically, following the play-off
loss to the Vipers during the third season, the Phantoms captured the next 4-0 games against the Vipers, two of which
were in the play-offs.
During the third, fourth and fifth seasons of Phantom Hockey at Rivertown Sports, the team cruised to a 33-3-1 record for
that three-season period, outscoring the opponents 258-102. Because of the very successful statistics for the team,
Rivertown Sports forced the Phantoms into the Bronze League for the Winter 2003 Season (Phantoms 6th Season). The
Phantoms finished 7-3-1 in their first Bronze season, yet fell to Creekside Gardens (now known as Bolthouse Farms) 3-2
in the opening round of the play-offs.
From that point, the team continued playing hockey at Rivertown Sports and even featured two teams (Bronze and
Copper) for a couple of those seasons. New players kept on being brought into the system. The team continued to grow
and gain talent. Other teams at Rivertown also continued to grow in talent and that increased competition only made the
players on the Phantoms better. Some seasons were good for the Yellow and Black; others were not so good.
The idea of playing recreational in-line hockey was only a short-term goal. Yet during the Winter 2004 season, the
Phantoms marked the team's Tenth Anniversary Season. Because of school, work and conflicts with everyday life, the
Phantoms experienced occasional problems with skilled players being able to play. That lack of talent would create some
forgetful seasons for the Phantoms, yet the team of friends would continue to play.
During the Fall 2005 season (Phantoms 13th), the team did not make the play-offs. For that season, as well as the next
two, the team would not be in the play-offs and finished the period with an overall 13-16 record. With the Copper league
being so strong, the team decided to drop down to Brass (one league down). That move would create the final three
seasons that the Phantoms would play at Rivertown Sports. In that first Brass Season, the Phantoms finished 8-1-0-1 and
defeated DeKleine Builders 4-0 in the championship game for the team's second championship. The life and heart of the
Phantom team was back. During the following season, the team fell victim to Dynamo in the opening round of the
play-offs. During the next season (Phantoms 17th), the team fell to BioHazard 4-3 in overtime during the championship
game. While the Phantoms enjoyed much success during the Brass seasons, there appeared to many on the Yellow and
Black that numerous teams and forces were against the team that was the longest consecutive running team at Rivertown.
That tension against the Phantoms created several situations in which other players were taking advantage of the
Phantoms by fighting, cheap shots and playing extremely rough against the Yellow Squad. Added to the mix, were
numerous penalties and questionable calls that were granted to the Phantoms, yet it appeared the Phantoms were the
only group that was being 'singled-out'.
During the Fall 2006 Phantom season (Phantoms 17th), the team started discussing its plans for the following season. Of
the main core of players, several stated they would not return to Rivertown as a result of what they considered an unfair
treatment to the Phantoms. An announcement was made on September 24th that announced the team would leave
Rivertown Sports and play a season at Lazerskate Sports Plex in Cedar Springs.
That announcement created a very large boost of energy and ultimately brought the entire Phantom Family back together.
Several players, including Gordie Anderson, Casey Rosenberg and Matt Zehr, agreed to return from 'in-line retirement'
and return to the Phantoms. The change in playing nights from Friday to Sunday allowed Mike Shaver and Matt Myers to
again return to the Phantom lineup. The Phantoms also contacted Ty Coon and Andy Roseart, who played against the
Phantoms for several seasons at Rivertown Sports, about joining the Yellow Squad. On Sunday, October 15th the
Phantoms made their Lazerskate debut. During that opening game, the entire Phantom team had nothing but positive
words for the rink, the competition and Lazerskate in general. The team is very proud to have made the move to
Lazerskate and proud that the team that is now on the rink again with several players that have been such a large part of
the success of the Phantoms for over the past four years.
Despite no active Phantom teams playing at Rivertown following that Fall 2006 departure from Rivertown to Cedar Rock,
many Phantoms and former teammates continued to play on and off again at Rivertown prior to the start of what became
of the Good Ole Boys in the Winter of 2008. The Good Ole Boys captured three championships in the Aluminum division
from the Winter of 2008 through the teams last season Spring 2010. With the Good Ole Boys splitting up to play ice
hockey in the Spring of 2010, the half that remained at Rivertown took on a group of Phantom members that were playing
on the main Phantom squad at Cedar Rock and formed 'Phantom South'. 'Phantom South,' played three seasons at
Rivertown Sports and earned a trip to the championship game in each of the team's three seasons. In the spring of 2011,
the team decided to shift out of Rivertown Sports and begin a new era for the team at Walker Ice & Fitness. In May of
2011, the Phantoms began their first season ever on the Ice and continued to also keep their Cedar Rock team going
strong. In that first Ice Season, the Phantoms were able to post a terrific 11-3-0-1 record. In July 2011, Cedar Rock Sports
Plex announced that they were converting the inline rink that the Phantoms and many other teams have skated on since
2006 to Ice beginning in the Fall of 2011. After listening to the members of the Phantoms, it was decided that the team
would not return to Cedar Rock in the Fall of 2011, but rather shift and merge both Phantom teams (ice and inline) into one
team at Walker Ice and Fitness for the Winter 2011 season beginning in October 2011.
In closing, Kevin Wootton would like to especially thank Nate Tyler and Matt Zehr, for playing with the team since the team
was started back in 2002. Also, thanks to Brian Doctor, Gordie Anderson, Brad Zehr, Art Dorsey, Brett Smith, Matt Mead
and Adam Trahan for their service both on the rink and in helping make important decisions and giving input that was used
to keep the team going during various stages of the teams past. Everyone who has worn the Yellow and Black plays a very
important part of the history of this team. We are all a group of players that are playing a game we all enjoy and not only
are we friends, We Are The Phantoms!
Note: In June 2008, Lazerskate Sports Plex changed its name to Cedar Rock Sports Plex. Same Rink, Same Owners,
Different Name.
of those rare occurrences is the success that the West Michigan Phantoms have enjoyed since the team began playing
during September of 2002. While the first game under the Phantom banner did not occur until September 13, 2002, the
group that originally made up the yellow and black dates back nearly three years prior. It started out as drop-in hockey at
the Fun Spot in Muskegon. For nearly three years, every Sunday night would be a gathering place for a selected group of
players to come and enjoy the game of hockey. The Fun Spot, now known as Jumpin' Jupiter Skating Center, created an
indoor location for Muskegon area players to play in-line hockey. While the skating rink did not feature a scoreboard, did
not feature a clock and did notfeature a very competitive arsenal of talent, it was a location that allowed several friends the
ability to play hockey and meet others. One of those friendships that was created was between Nate Tyler and Kevin
Wootton.
During the Fun Spot period, some of the players also played outdoor hockey at Seyferth's Park in Muskegon. During the
Seyferth's battles, a group of neighborhood kids and adults would play against each other on the SportCourt rink. Art
Dorsey, a Phantom Founding Father, was instrumental in developing a large group of Seyferth Regulars. Eventually, that
group would see an increase in talent and that talent would be pooled together to create a team that would tangle with
Ground Zero. Ground Zero was a group of high school students (mostly from Mona Shores), which played inline hockey as
a team at Westwood Ranch in Grand Rapids. Despite the constant losses, the neighbor group would continue to battle
and play hockey. Art Dorsey, Kevin Wootton, Randy Lawson, Keith Mooreman are just a few of those neighborhood kids
and adults that use to be defeated by the likes of Gordie Anderson, Casey Rosenberg, Brett Smith, and the rest of Ground
Zero team (also known as the Dragons in the earlier days).
Back at the Fun Spot, the condition of playing in-door hockey during the summer months always saw a dramtic fall in the
amount of skaters showing up each week. During the Summer of 2002, that reduction in players would create less income
for the roller skating rink and despite Fun Spot employees playing hockey, it was decided that all the work and time was
not worth continuing hockey during the summer. The stoppage of Sunday hockey at the Fun Spot created a problem for
those players that still wanted to play a somewhat organized brand of hockey.
Under the organization from Art Dorsey and Kevin Wootton, the two found out about Rivertown Sports in Grandville and
figured this would be the cure for the sudden loss of hockey. During the summer, the two contacted several former Fun
Spot players and decided to create a team for the upcoming fall season at Rivertown Sports. Prior to the start of
Rivertown hockey, Art Dorsey sealed an agreement with the L.C. Walker Arena to allow the players to practice on the
arena's concrete floor. That practice would be the perfect start to develop the team and prepare it for much stronger
competition in the Grand Rapids suburb. During the several practices that took place, the players all voted on a team
name and team jerseys and Kevin Wootton used those final tallies to create the look that the newly formed team displayed
at Rivertown Sports during the September 13, 2002 season opener. During that game, the new Copper League team fell
to the Rage 6-2. Despite the loss, the team did finish the eight-game-season with a record of 5-3 and even advanced to
the championship game in the team's inaugural season, yet fell to Off the Wall by the final of 1-0.
Following the first season of Phantom Hockey at Rivertown Sports, the team decided to return for a second. During the
Winter 2002 season, the team did not meet expectations and finished the 10 game season with a 4-5-1 record. The team
would not qualify for the post-season. During nearly the entire season attitudes would not be the greatest and tension
among players would increase. There was mounting pressure from some to make player changes and leadership
changes. Despite the pressure, Art Dorsey and Kevin Wootton would not give in to certain calls for change and as a result
several players decided to not return for the team's third season. This sudden loss created numerous openings on the
team's roster. From the Fun Spot, only Nate Tyler and Rob Brown would continue to hang with the Phantoms.
Within a matter of weeks, several players interested in joining the Phantoms were calling. Players like Mike Shaver (who
was underage for his first two Phantom seasons) and Matt Mead joined the team. Art and Kevin then returned to their
roots of Seyferth's Park and picked up former Ground Zero players Gordie Anderson and Brett Smith. Matt Zehr, who
played during the first two seasons, talked to his younger brother Brad about playing and Brad signed up without
hesitation. Brian Doctor, who graduated with Matt and Kevin in 2001 from Mona Shores, agreed to return for his third
season. Before the team knew it, the roster was full and during that third season the Phantoms cruised to a perfect 10-0
regular season record. Despite the new powerhouse in the league, the Phantoms suffered an opening round play-off
defeat to the players that left the Phantoms. The Vipers won the game 2-1, yet they fell in the championship game. The
loss by the Phantoms was hard, but the following season the team returned and captured revenge from the Vipers,
defeating them 4-0 in the championship game to capture the first Phantom Championship. Ironically, following the play-off
loss to the Vipers during the third season, the Phantoms captured the next 4-0 games against the Vipers, two of which
were in the play-offs.
During the third, fourth and fifth seasons of Phantom Hockey at Rivertown Sports, the team cruised to a 33-3-1 record for
that three-season period, outscoring the opponents 258-102. Because of the very successful statistics for the team,
Rivertown Sports forced the Phantoms into the Bronze League for the Winter 2003 Season (Phantoms 6th Season). The
Phantoms finished 7-3-1 in their first Bronze season, yet fell to Creekside Gardens (now known as Bolthouse Farms) 3-2
in the opening round of the play-offs.
From that point, the team continued playing hockey at Rivertown Sports and even featured two teams (Bronze and
Copper) for a couple of those seasons. New players kept on being brought into the system. The team continued to grow
and gain talent. Other teams at Rivertown also continued to grow in talent and that increased competition only made the
players on the Phantoms better. Some seasons were good for the Yellow and Black; others were not so good.
The idea of playing recreational in-line hockey was only a short-term goal. Yet during the Winter 2004 season, the
Phantoms marked the team's Tenth Anniversary Season. Because of school, work and conflicts with everyday life, the
Phantoms experienced occasional problems with skilled players being able to play. That lack of talent would create some
forgetful seasons for the Phantoms, yet the team of friends would continue to play.
During the Fall 2005 season (Phantoms 13th), the team did not make the play-offs. For that season, as well as the next
two, the team would not be in the play-offs and finished the period with an overall 13-16 record. With the Copper league
being so strong, the team decided to drop down to Brass (one league down). That move would create the final three
seasons that the Phantoms would play at Rivertown Sports. In that first Brass Season, the Phantoms finished 8-1-0-1 and
defeated DeKleine Builders 4-0 in the championship game for the team's second championship. The life and heart of the
Phantom team was back. During the following season, the team fell victim to Dynamo in the opening round of the
play-offs. During the next season (Phantoms 17th), the team fell to BioHazard 4-3 in overtime during the championship
game. While the Phantoms enjoyed much success during the Brass seasons, there appeared to many on the Yellow and
Black that numerous teams and forces were against the team that was the longest consecutive running team at Rivertown.
That tension against the Phantoms created several situations in which other players were taking advantage of the
Phantoms by fighting, cheap shots and playing extremely rough against the Yellow Squad. Added to the mix, were
numerous penalties and questionable calls that were granted to the Phantoms, yet it appeared the Phantoms were the
only group that was being 'singled-out'.
During the Fall 2006 Phantom season (Phantoms 17th), the team started discussing its plans for the following season. Of
the main core of players, several stated they would not return to Rivertown as a result of what they considered an unfair
treatment to the Phantoms. An announcement was made on September 24th that announced the team would leave
Rivertown Sports and play a season at Lazerskate Sports Plex in Cedar Springs.
That announcement created a very large boost of energy and ultimately brought the entire Phantom Family back together.
Several players, including Gordie Anderson, Casey Rosenberg and Matt Zehr, agreed to return from 'in-line retirement'
and return to the Phantoms. The change in playing nights from Friday to Sunday allowed Mike Shaver and Matt Myers to
again return to the Phantom lineup. The Phantoms also contacted Ty Coon and Andy Roseart, who played against the
Phantoms for several seasons at Rivertown Sports, about joining the Yellow Squad. On Sunday, October 15th the
Phantoms made their Lazerskate debut. During that opening game, the entire Phantom team had nothing but positive
words for the rink, the competition and Lazerskate in general. The team is very proud to have made the move to
Lazerskate and proud that the team that is now on the rink again with several players that have been such a large part of
the success of the Phantoms for over the past four years.
Despite no active Phantom teams playing at Rivertown following that Fall 2006 departure from Rivertown to Cedar Rock,
many Phantoms and former teammates continued to play on and off again at Rivertown prior to the start of what became
of the Good Ole Boys in the Winter of 2008. The Good Ole Boys captured three championships in the Aluminum division
from the Winter of 2008 through the teams last season Spring 2010. With the Good Ole Boys splitting up to play ice
hockey in the Spring of 2010, the half that remained at Rivertown took on a group of Phantom members that were playing
on the main Phantom squad at Cedar Rock and formed 'Phantom South'. 'Phantom South,' played three seasons at
Rivertown Sports and earned a trip to the championship game in each of the team's three seasons. In the spring of 2011,
the team decided to shift out of Rivertown Sports and begin a new era for the team at Walker Ice & Fitness. In May of
2011, the Phantoms began their first season ever on the Ice and continued to also keep their Cedar Rock team going
strong. In that first Ice Season, the Phantoms were able to post a terrific 11-3-0-1 record. In July 2011, Cedar Rock Sports
Plex announced that they were converting the inline rink that the Phantoms and many other teams have skated on since
2006 to Ice beginning in the Fall of 2011. After listening to the members of the Phantoms, it was decided that the team
would not return to Cedar Rock in the Fall of 2011, but rather shift and merge both Phantom teams (ice and inline) into one
team at Walker Ice and Fitness for the Winter 2011 season beginning in October 2011.
In closing, Kevin Wootton would like to especially thank Nate Tyler and Matt Zehr, for playing with the team since the team
was started back in 2002. Also, thanks to Brian Doctor, Gordie Anderson, Brad Zehr, Art Dorsey, Brett Smith, Matt Mead
and Adam Trahan for their service both on the rink and in helping make important decisions and giving input that was used
to keep the team going during various stages of the teams past. Everyone who has worn the Yellow and Black plays a very
important part of the history of this team. We are all a group of players that are playing a game we all enjoy and not only
are we friends, We Are The Phantoms!
Note: In June 2008, Lazerskate Sports Plex changed its name to Cedar Rock Sports Plex. Same Rink, Same Owners,
Different Name.
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
PHANTOMS HISTORY; TEAM HISTORY
Funspot in Muskegon
Seyferth's Park in Muskegon
Rivertown Sports in Grandville, MI.
Rivertown Sports in Grandville, MI.
First Phantom Championship
Lazerskate Sports Plex in Cedar Springs, MI.
