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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 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
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 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
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HAIL TO THE CHAMPIONS
PERFECT ENDING TO CAPTURE CHAMPIONSHIP
SEASON #22 (SPRING 2008) PLAYER STATS:
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
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.
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
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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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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 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
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.
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:
SPRING 2008 CHAMPIONSHIP PAGE
