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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group that originally made up the yellow and black dates back nearly three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
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group that originally made up the yellow and black dates back nearly three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 not
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 not
feature 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
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).
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
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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.
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
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
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,
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
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
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
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.
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.
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
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