Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, the Phantoms Returned to the Rink, Only to Beat You! On the most romantic weekend of the year, the West Michigan Phantoms laced up the skates and dressed to impress during their Valentines Weekend clash against the Junkyard Dawgs. This contest marked the second time this season that these two well established teams met under the lights of the Cedar Rock Sports Plex. During the previous clash back on November 30, 2008, the Phantoms defeated the Blue Shirts 4-2. Historically, the Phantoms and Junkyard Dawgs have combined to play some greatest defensive games in Cedar Rock history. On this love-filled weekend, the Phantoms would appear to have their defensive work cut out for them, as two of the teams regular defensemen would be scratched. Luckily for the Good Guys, Trent Kik would display his love for the Yellow and Black and step-up to help fill the voids left in the line-up with the absence of Chuck McCloud, Matt Mead and Darren Skuse. Trent Kik would make his presence felt early, as the legendary member of the Phantoms Meat Lover Line would strike on an unassisted tally 3:15 into the contest to put the Phantoms in the lead 1-0. The Junkyard Dawgs would manage to get a little lovin from Cupid roughly 2:20 later, as a shot from the point would just sail like a slow moving arrow over the blocker of Phantom netminder Kevin Wootton to tie the game at 1-1. Late in the opening period, the Phantoms Keith Mooreman would get high-sticked for the second straight contest. With former Phantom sub Ryan Hopkins being banished to the sin-bin for a two-minute minor, the Phantom Power-Play would wait just 11 seconds to capitalize, as the Phantom Crew would notch their second lead of the night at 2-1 (Justin Calkins with the goal, Brad Zehr and Trent Kik with the assist). In the second period, the Phantoms would continue their spirited assault up the scoreboard, as longtime Phantom veteran Brad Zehr would tally an unassisted strike of his own to equal that of fellow Silver teammate Trent Kik, to push the Phantom lead to 3-1. Just shy of two minutes later, the Men of Phantom Nation would swell their lead to 4-1, as Tim Czycyk would connect on a Jason Schemmel pass to continue the offensive juggernaut for the Yellow Shirts. With 7:11 remaining in the middle period, the Phantoms would climb into a 5-1 lead, as Chad Manning would light the lamp (assisted by Jason Schemmel and Tim Czcyk) to continue the pounding of the puppies. In the third period, the Number 18s would each strike with a goal. The Phantoms Trent Kik would begin the third period duel with his second of the night, 35 seconds into the period, as Brad Zehr and Justin Calkins would caulk up the assists. The Junkyard Dawgs and former Phantom Kraig Brown (also #18), would answer right back 1:20 later as the Dawgs would narrow the contest to a 6-2 Phantom lead. Despite having 14:05 remaining in the game, the offensive flare of both teams would be muted for the balance and the Phantoms would go on and be victorious by the final of 6-2. In achieving another very important two points in the standings, the Phantoms have improved their season record to 6-3. With only a single game remaining on the regular season docket, the Phantoms have again achieved another winning regular season which has been the norm since the Phantom franchise debuted back in the Fall of 2002. The victory will also push the Phantoms into sole control of the lifetime series against the Junkyard Dawgs at 3-2. The Phantoms have been victorious against the Junkyard Dawgs in three out of the last three meetings. For the second consecutive game and third time this season, the Phantoms complete a contest without a single penalty. As mentioned, the Junkyard Dawgs were responsible for the lone penalty during the game. On the night, the Phantoms out shot the Dawgs by the margin of 25-16. The Phantoms will return to action on February 22nd to seek revenge against the Donkey Punch. Back on February 8th, the Donkeys marooned the Phantoms 5-2. This game against the Junkyard Dawgs featured the Phantoms playing without two defensemen, next week against the Donkeys the Phantoms will play without two offensemen, Jason Schemmel and Tim Czycyk. The Phantoms continue to gear up for the teams 25th Anniversary season. If you are interested in the joining the longest consecutively operating in-line team in West Michigan , contact Kevin Wootton. The Phantoms will feature both a Bronze and Silver team and spots are available and open on both Phantom squads next season. Phantom HockeyWe Are The Phantoms.
