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| During the season, the Phantoms went 1-3 against Howies. In the championship game the Phantoms would come out on top. The Phantoms defeated Howie's 8-7 in Overtime to Capture the teams fourth championship. |
#5 Matt Zehr
#9 Nate Tyler
#10 Casey Rosenberg
#14 Scott VanDonkelaar
#18 Trent Kik
#9 Nate Tyler
#10 Casey Rosenberg
#14 Scott VanDonkelaar
#18 Trent Kik
#21 Brad Zehr
#22 Chris Benedict
#31 Kevin Wootton
#87 Gordie Anderson
#22 Chris Benedict
#31 Kevin Wootton
#87 Gordie Anderson
Spring 2008 Championship Roster
It was exactly 28 years, 4 months ago to the day that the
United States Hockey team asked everyone if they
believed in miracles when they defeated the Soviets 4-3
in the medal round at the Olympics in Lake Placid. On
Sunday, June 22, 2008 another miracle would take
place, only this time it wasn’t for a trip to the next round,
but rather for a championship. In a game that featured
so many similarities to the USA/Soviet game of 1980, the
Phantoms and Howie’s would meet one more time and
the winner would become the Silver division champion at
the Lazerskate Sports Plex. Howie’s entered the contest
United States Hockey team asked everyone if they
believed in miracles when they defeated the Soviets 4-3
in the medal round at the Olympics in Lake Placid. On
Sunday, June 22, 2008 another miracle would take
place, only this time it wasn’t for a trip to the next round,
but rather for a championship. In a game that featured
so many similarities to the USA/Soviet game of 1980, the
Phantoms and Howie’s would meet one more time and
the winner would become the Silver division champion at
the Lazerskate Sports Plex. Howie’s entered the contest
 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
HAIL TO THE CHAMPIONS
PERFECT ENDING TO CAPTURE CHAMPIONSHIP
SEASON #22 (SPRING 2008) PLAYER STATS:
having won the previous three championships at Lazerskate and owned the
Phantoms with a 4-0-0-1 record during the season. According to many around
the rink, the Phantoms were considered the underdogs. However, to the eight
skaters and goaltender that proudly wore the Phantom crest, they knew this
was their time.
The Phantoms would open the games scoring 5:16 into the opening period as
Trent Kik would bring the large number of Phantom fans to their feet, as the
Sparta native received a pass from Brad Zehr to put the Phantoms on top at 1-
0. That lead would not last long, as a bad break-down deep inside the
Phantom zone would allow Howie’s to capitalize and tie the game at 1-1. As the
period continued, both the Phantoms and Howie’s would play an all-out style of
hockey and that intensity would come to play a huge role in the game as
Special Teams would capture numerous goals by nights end. With Howie’s
being called on a tripping infraction, the Phantom power-play would be sent into
action. It would take the Yellow Shirts 40 seconds to connect, as Chris Benedict
would set-up Casey Rosenberg for a goal, reinstalling the Phantom lead at 2-1.
With the clock ticking down, Howie’s would even the contest with just over a
minute remaining in the period to tie the game at 2-2 after one period of play.
Howie’s would out-shot the Phantoms 15-11 in the opening period.
As the puck dropped to begin the second period, the Phantoms again came
through. Casey Rosenberg (assists to Trent Kik, Chris Benedict) would tally his
second of the night on the power-play to again re-install the Phantom lead at 3-
2, a mere 23 seconds into the period. Howie’s would answer back roughly three
minutes later as Jason Koole would match Rosenberg’s efforts with his second
of the night to tie the game at 3-3. Howie’s would not be done, as with the
Phantom’s Gordie Anderson in box for hooking, the Howie powerplay would
connect on a strike giving Howie’s their first lead of the night at 4-3. As if the
Phantom lesson was not learned, Howie’s would get another crack of the power-
play minutes later as the Phantom’s Scott Vandonkelaar would be stewed with a
high-sticking penalty. With just 11 seconds left on their powerplay, Howie’s
would come through again to climb into a 5-3 lead. The powerplay marathon
would continue, only this time the Phantom’s would be presented the extra
attacker, as Howie’s would be inflicted with a hooking penalty. It would take the
Phantom Crew 1:05 to connect, as Gordie Anderson would strike with an
unassisted tally to narrow the Howie lead to 5-4. Just like Howie’s displayed in
the first period, the Phantoms would answer late in the second. Trent Kik would
knock home his second of the night (assist to Scott Vandonkelaar) with 3:29
remaining in the second period to tie the game at 5-5 for the Phantoms.
Following the first period, the game was tied. Following the second period, the
game was still tied. Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 13-11 during the second
period.
In the third period, the Phantoms would climb out to a two lead early. Trent Kik
would connect on a Chris Benedict pass 5:05 into the third period giving the
Phantoms a 6-5 lead. Roughly 1:30 later, the Phantom’s Matt Zehr would
connect (assists to Nate Tyler and Gordie Anderson) on his first of the night
giving the Phantoms a 7-5 lead. However, as was displayed in the second
period, no two-goal lead was safe. Howie’s would come roaring back. The
Calvin College kids would connect on two goals 1:11 apart to tie the game at 7-
7. With just the 7:23 remaining in the game both teams knew the next goal
could very well crown a champion. The Phantoms would get their chances early
and then Howie’s would get theirs late in the period. With the clock down to
roughly two minutes, the Phantom netminder who has had struggled against
Howie’s this season would play his very best frame of the season. The
Phantom crease defective would not allow Howie’s to steal the show as Wootton
would remind everyone that is hard to beat a train. The netminder would use
his head, skate, stick and other necessary equipment to deny Howie’s on 4
perfect scoring chances. The first period ended up tied, the second period
ended up tied and it would be only fitting for the third period to end in a tie.
Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 16-7 in the third period.
The energy and enthusiasm was extremely thick at the rink. Another 16:00 was
added to the scoreboard for the overtime stanza. The next goal would set up a
perfect hockey scenario, an overtime goal for a championship. As the Phantom’
s prepared their lines and players for the attack, they were ready. With the
drop of the puck, all four players raced like a speeding train towards the Howie’
s goal. A loose puck and a perfect stick would be all it took for the Phantoms as
none other than Chris Benedict would find the biscuit and tap it over the goal
line, giving the Phantom’s an 8-7 win and the championship. The celebration
was on and the Phantoms made the most of their championship celebration.
The championship is the fourth in the team’s 22 season history and the second
at Lazerskate. On the game, Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 44-30. The
Phantoms were ticketed on five penalties for ten minutes, while Howie’s
received four for eight minutes.
Phantoms with a 4-0-0-1 record during the season. According to many around
the rink, the Phantoms were considered the underdogs. However, to the eight
skaters and goaltender that proudly wore the Phantom crest, they knew this
was their time.
The Phantoms would open the games scoring 5:16 into the opening period as
Trent Kik would bring the large number of Phantom fans to their feet, as the
Sparta native received a pass from Brad Zehr to put the Phantoms on top at 1-
0. That lead would not last long, as a bad break-down deep inside the
Phantom zone would allow Howie’s to capitalize and tie the game at 1-1. As the
period continued, both the Phantoms and Howie’s would play an all-out style of
hockey and that intensity would come to play a huge role in the game as
Special Teams would capture numerous goals by nights end. With Howie’s
being called on a tripping infraction, the Phantom power-play would be sent into
action. It would take the Yellow Shirts 40 seconds to connect, as Chris Benedict
would set-up Casey Rosenberg for a goal, reinstalling the Phantom lead at 2-1.
With the clock ticking down, Howie’s would even the contest with just over a
minute remaining in the period to tie the game at 2-2 after one period of play.
Howie’s would out-shot the Phantoms 15-11 in the opening period.
As the puck dropped to begin the second period, the Phantoms again came
through. Casey Rosenberg (assists to Trent Kik, Chris Benedict) would tally his
second of the night on the power-play to again re-install the Phantom lead at 3-
2, a mere 23 seconds into the period. Howie’s would answer back roughly three
minutes later as Jason Koole would match Rosenberg’s efforts with his second
of the night to tie the game at 3-3. Howie’s would not be done, as with the
Phantom’s Gordie Anderson in box for hooking, the Howie powerplay would
connect on a strike giving Howie’s their first lead of the night at 4-3. As if the
Phantom lesson was not learned, Howie’s would get another crack of the power-
play minutes later as the Phantom’s Scott Vandonkelaar would be stewed with a
high-sticking penalty. With just 11 seconds left on their powerplay, Howie’s
would come through again to climb into a 5-3 lead. The powerplay marathon
would continue, only this time the Phantom’s would be presented the extra
attacker, as Howie’s would be inflicted with a hooking penalty. It would take the
Phantom Crew 1:05 to connect, as Gordie Anderson would strike with an
unassisted tally to narrow the Howie lead to 5-4. Just like Howie’s displayed in
the first period, the Phantoms would answer late in the second. Trent Kik would
knock home his second of the night (assist to Scott Vandonkelaar) with 3:29
remaining in the second period to tie the game at 5-5 for the Phantoms.
Following the first period, the game was tied. Following the second period, the
game was still tied. Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 13-11 during the second
period.
In the third period, the Phantoms would climb out to a two lead early. Trent Kik
would connect on a Chris Benedict pass 5:05 into the third period giving the
Phantoms a 6-5 lead. Roughly 1:30 later, the Phantom’s Matt Zehr would
connect (assists to Nate Tyler and Gordie Anderson) on his first of the night
giving the Phantoms a 7-5 lead. However, as was displayed in the second
period, no two-goal lead was safe. Howie’s would come roaring back. The
Calvin College kids would connect on two goals 1:11 apart to tie the game at 7-
7. With just the 7:23 remaining in the game both teams knew the next goal
could very well crown a champion. The Phantoms would get their chances early
and then Howie’s would get theirs late in the period. With the clock down to
roughly two minutes, the Phantom netminder who has had struggled against
Howie’s this season would play his very best frame of the season. The
Phantom crease defective would not allow Howie’s to steal the show as Wootton
would remind everyone that is hard to beat a train. The netminder would use
his head, skate, stick and other necessary equipment to deny Howie’s on 4
perfect scoring chances. The first period ended up tied, the second period
ended up tied and it would be only fitting for the third period to end in a tie.
Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 16-7 in the third period.
The energy and enthusiasm was extremely thick at the rink. Another 16:00 was
added to the scoreboard for the overtime stanza. The next goal would set up a
perfect hockey scenario, an overtime goal for a championship. As the Phantom’
s prepared their lines and players for the attack, they were ready. With the
drop of the puck, all four players raced like a speeding train towards the Howie’
s goal. A loose puck and a perfect stick would be all it took for the Phantoms as
none other than Chris Benedict would find the biscuit and tap it over the goal
line, giving the Phantom’s an 8-7 win and the championship. The celebration
was on and the Phantoms made the most of their championship celebration.
The championship is the fourth in the team’s 22 season history and the second
at Lazerskate. On the game, Howie’s out shot the Phantoms 44-30. The
Phantoms were ticketed on five penalties for ten minutes, while Howie’s
received four for eight minutes.
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| . |
SPRING 2008: SEASON IN REVIEW
hard fought battle against Howies would not be decided in regulation, but rather
by an overtime goal. Since the Phantoms arrived at Lazerskate back in
October of 2006, the team has been among the best in the Silver division. In
the team’s five-season history in Cedar Springs, the Men of Phantom Nation
have been involved in three championship games and have captured the
coveted cup twice.
This season was a true test for the Phantoms. The team started out the
season with two losses in the team’s first two games. The group was plagued
by several roster issues that hampered the team’s success at the start of the
season. However, as the team has displayed for several years, the team was
able to overcome the shaky start and begin to climb in the standings. The
arrival of Chris Benedict was in fact a re-birth to the team in terms of the player’
s mindsets. Chris was able to use his prior coaching knowledge and skill to turn
the Phantoms around. With the group now playing as a team, Chris worked on
correcting minor errors and worked with everyone to not give up until the final
buzzer sounded.
This season’s Phantom team was able to put pucks into the net. Through 14
games, the team combined for 98 goals, only a mere 11 goals shy of the Winter
2006 season when the team captured their first Lazerskate championship. On
the season, Chris Benedict was not only able to capture the team lead in
scoring, but finished the Spring 2008 season as the highest scoring player in
both the Silver and Bronze league with 34 goals. As if that wasn’t enough,
Chris was able to break the team record for most goals in a game with 8 goals
during the June 8th meeting against Howies. Casey Rosenberg (18 goals),
Brad Zehr (10 goals) and Scott Vandonkelaar (9 goals) rounded out the top
end of the Phantom offense.
On the defensive side, the Phantoms saw the return of Scott Vandonkelaar to
the team’s blueline. Scott provided a large role for the team and with fellow
teammate Casey Rosenberg shifting back to the blueline around the mid-
season mark, the Phantom defense combined with Brad Zehr and Nate Tyler
began to deny opposition chances. While the team’s goals against will go down
as the worst since the team arrived at Lazerskate (89 goals against), this is not
a reflection of anyone on the Phantoms. The Phantom’s and Howies met six
times during the 14 game season, more than any other team in the league.
During those 6 meetings, Howies etched 61 goals on the Phantoms. During the
other eight games on the season, the Red Devils and Missiles combined to tally
only 28.
During the must-win game against the Missiles on June 15th, Brad Zehr
delivered the game-winning goal to send the Phantoms to the Championship
with just 3:54 remaining in the game. One week later, Chris Benedict would tally
only a single goal against Howies, but that goal would be the biggest of the
season as it gave the Phantom’s a 8-7 overtime win against Howies for the
championship.
On the season, every Phantom player posted great numbers. Chris Benedict
led the team in points with 51, followed by Casey Rosenberg (32), Scott
Vandonkelaar (22), Gordie Anderson (20), Brad Zehr (19), Trent Kik (16), Matt
Zehr (10), Nate Tyler (8), Jason Devroy (5), Ty Coon (4), Brian Doctor (2) and
Mike Devore (2).
On the Nauty’s Penalty Minute Board, the Phantoms led the Silver division in
penalty minutes with 132. For the team, Mike Devore and Scott Vandonkelaar
finished tied for the team lead with 34 minutes each, followed by Nate Tyler
(19), Gordie Anderson (10), Trent Kik (8), Casey Rosenberg (8), Matt Zehr (8),
Chris Benedict (5), Brad Zehr (4), Brian Doctor (2), Ty Coon (0) and Jason
Devroy (0).
The Phantoms completed the season with a 2-4 record against Howies, a 3-1
record against the Red Devils and a perfect 4-0 record against the Missiles.
Overall, the Phantoms finished with a 9-5 record.
by an overtime goal. Since the Phantoms arrived at Lazerskate back in
October of 2006, the team has been among the best in the Silver division. In
the team’s five-season history in Cedar Springs, the Men of Phantom Nation
have been involved in three championship games and have captured the
coveted cup twice.
This season was a true test for the Phantoms. The team started out the
season with two losses in the team’s first two games. The group was plagued
by several roster issues that hampered the team’s success at the start of the
season. However, as the team has displayed for several years, the team was
able to overcome the shaky start and begin to climb in the standings. The
arrival of Chris Benedict was in fact a re-birth to the team in terms of the player’
s mindsets. Chris was able to use his prior coaching knowledge and skill to turn
the Phantoms around. With the group now playing as a team, Chris worked on
correcting minor errors and worked with everyone to not give up until the final
buzzer sounded.
This season’s Phantom team was able to put pucks into the net. Through 14
games, the team combined for 98 goals, only a mere 11 goals shy of the Winter
2006 season when the team captured their first Lazerskate championship. On
the season, Chris Benedict was not only able to capture the team lead in
scoring, but finished the Spring 2008 season as the highest scoring player in
both the Silver and Bronze league with 34 goals. As if that wasn’t enough,
Chris was able to break the team record for most goals in a game with 8 goals
during the June 8th meeting against Howies. Casey Rosenberg (18 goals),
Brad Zehr (10 goals) and Scott Vandonkelaar (9 goals) rounded out the top
end of the Phantom offense.
On the defensive side, the Phantoms saw the return of Scott Vandonkelaar to
the team’s blueline. Scott provided a large role for the team and with fellow
teammate Casey Rosenberg shifting back to the blueline around the mid-
season mark, the Phantom defense combined with Brad Zehr and Nate Tyler
began to deny opposition chances. While the team’s goals against will go down
as the worst since the team arrived at Lazerskate (89 goals against), this is not
a reflection of anyone on the Phantoms. The Phantom’s and Howies met six
times during the 14 game season, more than any other team in the league.
During those 6 meetings, Howies etched 61 goals on the Phantoms. During the
other eight games on the season, the Red Devils and Missiles combined to tally
only 28.
During the must-win game against the Missiles on June 15th, Brad Zehr
delivered the game-winning goal to send the Phantoms to the Championship
with just 3:54 remaining in the game. One week later, Chris Benedict would tally
only a single goal against Howies, but that goal would be the biggest of the
season as it gave the Phantom’s a 8-7 overtime win against Howies for the
championship.
On the season, every Phantom player posted great numbers. Chris Benedict
led the team in points with 51, followed by Casey Rosenberg (32), Scott
Vandonkelaar (22), Gordie Anderson (20), Brad Zehr (19), Trent Kik (16), Matt
Zehr (10), Nate Tyler (8), Jason Devroy (5), Ty Coon (4), Brian Doctor (2) and
Mike Devore (2).
On the Nauty’s Penalty Minute Board, the Phantoms led the Silver division in
penalty minutes with 132. For the team, Mike Devore and Scott Vandonkelaar
finished tied for the team lead with 34 minutes each, followed by Nate Tyler
(19), Gordie Anderson (10), Trent Kik (8), Casey Rosenberg (8), Matt Zehr (8),
Chris Benedict (5), Brad Zehr (4), Brian Doctor (2), Ty Coon (0) and Jason
Devroy (0).
The Phantoms completed the season with a 2-4 record against Howies, a 3-1
record against the Red Devils and a perfect 4-0 record against the Missiles.
Overall, the Phantoms finished with a 9-5 record.
In just shy of 400 games played, the West Michigan
Phantoms have always been in the thick of the
competition and in the hunt for league championships.
On Sunday, June 22, the Phantoms were able to etch
another championship into their near six year history
as a team. The stage could not have been prepared
any better. A very close and.
Phantoms have always been in the thick of the
competition and in the hunt for league championships.
On Sunday, June 22, the Phantoms were able to etch
another championship into their near six year history
as a team. The stage could not have been prepared
any better. A very close and.
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PHANTOMS HONOR BRAD ZEHR
Beginning with the team's first championship back in
2003, the team believes strongly that rewarding
players with the championship trophy is a way to
recognize a players devotion to the team and a way to
say thanks for their longtime commitment to Phantom
Hockey. This year, as was the case following the
team's second championship back in 2006, their were
two players that were in line for the trophy. Both Brad
Zehr and Gordie Anderson have been a strong part
2003, the team believes strongly that rewarding
players with the championship trophy is a way to
recognize a players devotion to the team and a way to
say thanks for their longtime commitment to Phantom
Hockey. This year, as was the case following the
team's second championship back in 2006, their were
two players that were in line for the trophy. Both Brad
Zehr and Gordie Anderson have been a strong part
and important part of Phantom Hockey since the Spring of 2003. Well before
the Spring 2008 post-season started, the team quietly asked members on the
team who they would like to see rewarded with the trophy in the event the
Phantoms won. Everyone mentioned Brad or Gordie. With both players
joining the team during the same Spring 2003 season, the only way to decide
which player would capture it, would be decided the same way it was done
during the Spring 2006 season; a coin toss. With the Phantoms gathered
together at Summer Celebration for the Bucky Covington and Montgomery
Gentry concert, Casey Rosenberg tossed the coin and Gordie Anderson called
it. Brad Zehr was decided the winner as the result of the coin toss and will
receive the replica 2008 Silver Championship trophy. Gordie Anderson will
capture the trophy during the team's next championship. The entire Phantom
team would like to say thanks to Brad and Gordie for their longstanding
commitment to remain with the Phantoms. These two players are just another
example why the Phantoms have been able to play 23 consecutive seasons as
a team. Thanks again Brad and Gordie.
the Spring 2008 post-season started, the team quietly asked members on the
team who they would like to see rewarded with the trophy in the event the
Phantoms won. Everyone mentioned Brad or Gordie. With both players
joining the team during the same Spring 2003 season, the only way to decide
which player would capture it, would be decided the same way it was done
during the Spring 2006 season; a coin toss. With the Phantoms gathered
together at Summer Celebration for the Bucky Covington and Montgomery
Gentry concert, Casey Rosenberg tossed the coin and Gordie Anderson called
it. Brad Zehr was decided the winner as the result of the coin toss and will
receive the replica 2008 Silver Championship trophy. Gordie Anderson will
capture the trophy during the team's next championship. The entire Phantom
team would like to say thanks to Brad and Gordie for their longstanding
commitment to remain with the Phantoms. These two players are just another
example why the Phantoms have been able to play 23 consecutive seasons as
a team. Thanks again Brad and Gordie.
| Trophy Note: This season marks the first season in which the Phantoms have won a league championship and the rink does not hand out a trophy. A few seasons ago, Lazerskate switched the practice of giving out a single team trophy to giving out t-shirts for every winning player. Everyone's views at the rink differ on this topic, but as a Phantom team we will continue our team's tradition on handing out a trophy to the next Phantom player in line who has been apart of Phantom hockey the longest. The trophy that we are handing out is an exact replica of the trophy Lazerskate gave us following the Winter 2006 season. (We always match the trophy to the one the rink hands out). |
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CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO ACTION:
