In only his third Phantom game of the season, Kevin Groothuis netted what would eventually become the game winning strike on Sunday night to lift the Phantoms to their fifth straight victory. The opening period strike by Groothuis would not only mark his first point of the season, but his first point since his first stint with the team back in 2003. The Phantom goal by the Twin Lake resident would be the game winner, as the yellow shirts edged Roman Empire by the final of 3-1. The Phantom's would apply pressure hot and heavy right from the opening face-off, as the yellow shirts would open the scoring just 2:18 into the contest. Tim Vanoverloop's early first period goal would be his first of the season, as the former Stick Head defenseman would capture the unassisted tally to catapult the Phantoms into an early 1-0 lead. Minutes later, the Men of Phantom Nation would keep their flare going, as Kevin Groothuis would stage his first goal of the campaign with 8:01 remaining in the opening period to increase the Phantom lead to 2-0. The Phantom's two goal grip would be erased 1:30 later, as a Roman Empire stuff attempt from the right corner would find traffic in front and the puck would slip in past the Phantom goalkeeper to narrow the Phantom lead to 2-1. The Phantoms, with their 10-skater arsenal primed and pumping, would not be able to cash in on another red-lighter until the 6:11 mark of the second period. Trent Kik would climb one inch closer to his quest of 100, as the Sparta native would tally Phantom-Cedar Rock career goal 99 off a Tim Vanoverloop set-up to regain the Phantom two-goal grip at 3-1. Despite numerous Phantom point-blank chances, Roman Empire's netminder Jeff Pacific would keep the white shirts in contention into the third period. Despite the Empire's defensive success, their offensive support would be a little suspect, as they would not be able to penetrate a very strong and healthy Phantom defensive core. Late in the third period with the Roman Empire goaltender lifted for an extra-attacker, their hope for a motivation building goal would be declined. With the eyes of the Phantom World on him, Trent Kik would fail to connect on an empty net attempt with under a minute remaining, as Kik would wrist a shot for the 100-goal mark off the top crossbar. The countdown now stands at a skat singleton. The 3-1 victory by the Phantoms increases their overall season record to 6-2. On the game, the Phantoms out shot Roman Empire 30-20. Both teams failed to capitalize on their two respective power-play opportunities. The Phantoms will return to the lights of Cedar Rock Sports Plex on Sunday, March 14th to entertain Team Chowder. Phantom Hockey...27 Seasons Long, 27 Seasons Strong!