Post Info TOPIC: 11-11-12: Wootton Becomes 14th Member To Join 'Ambassador To Phantom Hockey' Hall Of Fame
Press Release

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11-11-12: Wootton Becomes 14th Member To Join 'Ambassador To Phantom Hockey' Hall Of Fame
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For over the past ten years, one individual has managed to not only play a very large role as the goaltender for the West Michigan Phantoms, but has managed to lead and be the architect for a franchise that has played 557 games as a team.  This individual has played in more games (over 500) than any other player in Phantom Hockey History and has been the glue that has bonded this team as one of the greatest recreational teams in the area.  It goes without saying, that Kevin Wootton has given every possible ounce of energy, creativity and heart that he has to the West Michigan Phantoms and it goes without question that he deserves to be inducted into the teams Ambassador to Phantom Hockey Hall of Fame.  The Ambassador to Phantom Hockey program was launched in the Spring of 2011 in an effort to honor an individuals positive benefit to the team. As a recreational team, this program is not based on stats, but rather based on those who have made a strong commitment to keep the rich tradition of Phantom Hockey alive and who have went above and beyond the course of an average player.  Wootton, who along with two other now-inactive members, started what would become the Phantoms back in 2002 and has remained with the team through the shifts from Rivertown Sports, Cedar Rock Sports Plex and Walker Ice & Fitness and during the teams transition from inline to Ice hockey.  As an original member, Wootton has helped guide the Phantoms to seven league championships over the past ten years and has done it all while operating as the teams General Manager.  Wootton is a great leader, he shows support to the whole team (not just one individual) and brings a sense of humor to the team which helps everyone relax, said longtime member Kyle Clark.  Woottons leadership and goaltending didnt come easy or early, as it wasnt until after he was out of high school when he first became involved in playing organized hockey.  His skill as a goaltender has come a long way from day one, he has learned a lot, Clark said.  By becoming a better goalie/player has made him a better team leader, always encouraging his players, Clark said. He definitely treats the team as his family, aside from all the parties and speeches, his passion for the team cannot be measured, the things he does for this team is unbelievable and everyone is to be grateful, Clark said. Team Co-Captain Trent Kik also echoed the words from his fellow teammate when talking about Woottons induction into the teams Hall of Fame.  He's a cross between Marty Turco and Domink Hasek; he doesn't have a 'style' per say It's just Woot, Kik said.  I will say he plays his best in big games and thats when it counts, Kik added.  Woottons talents just arent focused on his goaltending or leadership, but also span to the internet as the teams webmaster and Facebook administrator.  Even though some people may think the website is over the top, most, if not all the players enjoy seeing all that stuff, said Clark.  The play-by-play makes it feel like youre playing in the game, the videos/movies are always fun to watch, seeing our team in action from the other side is great to see and Im sure each player likes to know how they are doing from game to game, year to year, which is why the stats page is good fun, Clark said.  While Woottons passion and heart is focused on the team and its members, when the spotlight is shifted to him, he is rather humble.  Phantom Hockey is comprised of some of the greatest friends I have become to know, I think of all of them as my brothers, said Wootton.  It is a great honor to join such a great cast of individuals who have become such an important role and life to the history of this team, however, my success and my memories of Phantom Hockey would not be possible without the support and help from my teammates, Wootton said. Wootton becomes just the 14th member to join the Ambassador to Phantom Hockey group, which is comprised of players throughout the ten year history of the team.  Its about time, said Kik.  He should have been the first inducted, but being a humble person he didn't do that, he'll never put himself above the team, Kik added.  Kik continued by saying, He is the back bone of our organIzation and he prides himself in putting the best product he can on the ice every week.  Wootton joins the likes of Matt Zehr, Nate Tyler, Casey Rosenberg, Brian Doctor, Matt Mead, Kyle Clark, Brad Zehr, Darren Skuse, Jason Schemmel, Chris Benedict, Justin Calkins, Gordie Anderson and Trent Kik into the Hall of Fame. Woots passion is there every Sunday and you don't have a team last 10 years without it, Kik said.  The Phantoms would like to congratulate Kevin Wootton for his hardwork over the past decade and to welcome him into the teams Hall of Fame.



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Woot4Prez

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LoL Skuse and Schemmel being in the HoF takes the honor down a notch. j/k j/k j/k



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Anonymous

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that championship gwg for me sealed the deal for the hof!

 

 

lol

# 26

 



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abby.l.mead@gmail.com

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When in the h**l did Matthew join the Hall of Fame



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Woot

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Everyone except Clark and Myself joined during the team's 30th season when the program was launched. 



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