Can friends really change the life of those around them? Yes, but the true question is are those friends good or bad influences? Lets examine the role that several Phantoms have had on the team's netminder Kevin Wootton. Nearly six years ago at the former pad of Brian Doctor's, a group of Phantoms exposed their 'goalie' to alcohol. Now many people drink underage and it really isn't anything big. But, prior to the Henry Street days, Wootton lived a very sheltered life. A straight A student all through High School and one that never really considered beer to be a great way to have fun. Yet, Brian Doctor, Matt Zehr and Kevin Groothuis convinced Wootton to try some and that is when it all started. Several times a week the group would gather, watch hockey and drink. Despite being underage, the group found that getting beer was pretty easy. It was nice knowing that several of their friends including Ian and Michelle were of legal age and getting a refill wasn't that hard. Within months Wootton moved in with Doctor and Groothuis and partied nearly every weekend. The week was also filled with drunken days and several nights of 'Fred Bear' being blasted through the entire house. The parties continued and the beer kept flowing. A little while later, the entire house became 21 years old. Now it was time for the bars, Muskegon Summer Celebration and Muskegon Fury. When Matt Zehr purchased a condo in downtown Muskegon and just blocks away from Walker Arena, the entire group thought oh yeah! Numerous walks down Western Avenue, many of which to this day we have no idea how we got back to the pad. An 11-day festival known as Muskegon Summer Celebration created more days of drunken walks and slurred speech. The condo era continues to this day, yet Gordie Anderson's is also another place filled with beer. Beer Pong, Keg parties, Bonfires are all too frequent at Norton Shores home of #87. The Phantoms are not the only group responsible for Wootton's change in personalities. Current RT teammate Darren Skuse continues to pass on his 'negative influences' to his goalie as well. Why pay outrageous prices for beer at hockey games when you can just selectively pocket your own into the arena? Thanks Matt Myers for my enjoyment of Southern Comfort and Coke! Professional Hockey games have a totally different feel when your drunk on SoCo even before the first period ends! We won't even mention the reason that Wootton can no longer drink Jagger Bombs. Lets get say its amazing that he did not get run over on 28th Street near Buffalo Wings. (Thanks Kurt Boeske, Tim Welch and Joe Weiland!). So, to answer the original question are friends good or bad influences? I would have to say good. It brought myself into a whole new experience and one that allows me to get more out of life. Thanks Guys and like the saying goes...What Are Friends For! BTW: Brad, congrats on not being a minor anymore! I know, I know, I suppose I will hear something about that.
