The West Michigan Phantoms kicked off the teams unprecedented 22^nd consecutive season on Sunday, yet were completed alienated by Howies to the tune of a 12-3 ass whopping.  Despite the Phantoms capturing the games first goal a mere 52 seconds into the contest, the rest of the game would be plagued by Phantom defensive issues in which the team completely left the teams netminder out-to-dry as the defending champions riffled off 42 shots on the Phantom goal.  The all-out Howie assault on the Phantoms would be the second straight contest in which the Hockey Tape Boys undressed the Phantoms.  Following tonight, the Phantoms have surrendered a dismal 22 goals against Howies in the past two outings and have mustered only 3 goals for.  The Phantoms, who in the past have had very close games against Howies at Lazerskate, have been far from making the games anywhere near competitive during the past two.  In the opening period, Jason Devroy would strike with an early goal just 52 seconds into the game to give the Phantoms a 1-0 lead.  Yet, during the remaining 15:08 of the opening period, Howies would mount their comeback with four straight to seize a lead in which the Phantoms could not rally.  In the first period alone, Howies man-handled the Phantoms, outshooting the Boys of Phantom Nation 18-6.  The second period would continue the same way that the first ended, with Howies adding a two-goal cushion to their lead.  With the Phantoms trailing 6-1 at the mid-point of the second period, Matt Zehr would stop the massacre momentary with an assist from Gordie Anderson with 6:39 remaining.  Yet, little more than a minute later Howies would answer back to regain a 6 goal lead.  Nate Tyler would score with 3:23 remaining in the second period to close out the second period with Howies enjoying a 7-3 lead.  The third period would continue to see the Phantoms running a muck and a lackluster defensive performance as Howies would add 5 goals on 12 shots in the third to seal the victory for Howies at 12-3.  There is no way to sugar-coat the game, the Phantoms completely lacked the skill to compete.  On the game, the Phantoms were out shot by Howies 42-22.  The Phantoms were ticketed for two penalties for four minutes, Howies called for a mere one singleton for two minutes.  The Phantoms were without the services of Brian Doctor and Chris Benedict and Ty Coon was not called into action for the Phantoms.  Mike Devore returned to the Phantoms after a several year absence.  The Phantoms must shake off the rust and come prepared for the next game next Sunday.  The Phantoms will be entertained by the Red Devils on Sunday, during the early 1:00pm contest.  On the financial side, a descent showing by the Phantoms, but no where near what was expected.  To date, $730 has been paid by the team of the now $1100 that is owed.  $370 is due by the remaining players by the teams fourth game, or those who have not paid will not be allowed to play for the Phantoms.