The West Michigan Phantoms closed out the regular season on Sunday with an impressive 5-2 victory against the Sharkies. The victory was the second straight against the Sharkies this season, as the Phantoms complete the regular season with an impressive 8-2 overall record. The hard-fought battle would see the Sharkies strike with the opening goal of the contest, as a miscue by the Phantom netminder would allow the Sharkies to jump into a 1-0 lead just 7:03 into the contest. However, less than two minutes later the co-league leaders would charge back as the Phantom's leading scorer Tim Czycyk would record his first of the contest to even the duel at 1-1. The Phantoms would advance into their first lead of the night late in the opening period, as Chad Manning would bring his numerous fans to their feet with just 36 seconds remaining in the opening period, as the longtime Bronze member would net his first of the contest to give the Phantoms a 2-1 lead after the opening 16 minutes (assisted by Tim Czycyk). The Sharkies would manage to out shoot the Phantoms 10-8 in the opening period. In the second period, both of these fast skating and highly skilled teams would create a very exciting contest and keep both benches on the edge of their seats. The Phantom's Tim Czycyk would manage to again beat the Sharkies goalkeeper Jeff Pacific for Czycyk's second of the evening with just 18 seconds remaining in the contest to give the Phantoms their first multi-goal lead of the night (unassisted). In the second period, both team's would register 8 shots on goal. In the third period, the Phantoms would continue to play great hockey, as Tim Czycyk would complete the three-goal hat-trick just 1:05 into the final stanza, as Czycyk would continue to add to his team leading red lighters. Despite trailing the Phantoms late in the period, the Sharkies would take advantage of some great passing and capitalize late in the period to narrow the Phantom lead to 4-2 with 4:46 remaining in the period. The Sharkies would continue to fight strong in an attempt to seek a rally. With the Phantoms stationed deep in their zone, the Sharkies would net what appeared to be their third goal of the contest with roughly three minutes remaining in regulation, as a point shot would beat the screened Phantom netminder. However, the goal would be disallowed as the Sharkies would be called on a too many men on the ice penalty as the goal was scored. The extra attacker would not be noticed by either team or official until seconds after the goal was scored. Following a small discussion from the officials, the goal would be disallowed despite protests by the Sharkies. On the ensuing Phantom powerplay as a result of the too many men on the ice call, the Phantom's Chad Manning would yield his second of the night (assisted by Tim Vanoverloop) with 54 seconds remaining in the game to secure the Phantom's 5-2 victory. On the game, both the Phantoms and Sharkies would connect on 25 shots on goal. On the 96KBPS.com Internet Radio's Crime Watch, the Phantoms would be ticketed with three minors for six minutes, while the Sharkies were sentenced on two minors for four minutes. The Phantoms played with just eight skaters during the contest, as Trent Kik was a scratch celebrating his son's one year birthday, Darren Skuse absent due to Lumberjack hockey withdraws and Dan Craveling was scratched due to fire arms opening day. The Phantoms will return to action on November 22nd to begin the first of four play-off games.
