The West Michigan Phantoms have taken a bold step as the team prepares to enter the historic 30th season of Phantom Hockey. On this day, Team General Manager Kevin Wootton has announced that the club has signed and agreed to terms with a member to replace the now-departed Tim Czycyk. Chris Benedict will be the tenth and final skater to round out the team's roster for the Spring 2011 season which will begin in early February. The move, which has been nearly 18 months in the making, is sure to create waves across the Bronze division at Cedar Rock Sports Plex but the team is confident that this move is the right decision for the team and for the growing Bronze division. Chris Benedict, who will be entering his fourth season as a Phantom, has amassed 83 goals and added 39 assists in his previous three Phantom seasons. "It feels great to be able to pull the Phantom sweater over my head again," Benedict said. "What excites me the most about returning is getting back in the locker room with the boys," Benedict added. Chris's return to Phantom Hockey has been nearly 18 months in the making. Despite his efforts to return to the yellow and black in previous seasons, the team has refused to allow the powerful forward into the Aluminum or Bronze league due to his skill. However, following the news that multi-season point-leader Tim Czycyk was departing the team to take a break from hockey, the team felt that now was the opportunity to bring Chris back in. "We are very excited to have Benny back in our line-up," Wootton said. "Not only is Benny able to score goals and play defense, he is one of the best coaches of the game and is able to teach our players how to improve on their position," Wootton said. Benedict will take over the captain control from Trent Kik on the Phantom squad and is excited and ready to meet the challenge. "My goal for this team first and foremost is to win hockey games. I want to see this team continue to improve, not only as a team but as individuals. I think I can accomplish this based on my resume, as player for 25 years, college coach for 3 years and a high school coach for 3 years, I bring some knowledge to the table," Benedict said. The signing of Benedict brings to eleven players the Phantoms have signed for the upcoming 30th season of Phantom Hockey. Trent Kik (assistant captain), Brian Doctor, Justin Calkins, Jason Schemmel, Tim Vanoverloop, Chad Manning, Gordie Anderson, Darren Skuse, John Dykehouse and Kevin Wootton have already signed and inked deals for the upcoming 30th season of Phantom Hockey. Not only will Benedict be rejoining the Phantoms this season, but will be reunited with longtime team-mate Gordie Anderson. Both Gordie and Benedict were members of the nearly untouchable Ground Zero and Dragon teams that controlled the former Westwood Ranch Hockey scene well before the start of the Phantom franchise in 2002. Benedict holds numerous records for the Phantoms including most goals scored by a Phantom in a single game at 8 goals, most goals scored by a Phantom in a single season at 39 and most points by a Phantom in a single season at 52. Benedict, a graduate of Mona Shores High School, has been in the United States Navy since 2003 and since being stationed in Grand Rapids as a recruiter, has taken up Elementary Education as a study at Grand Rapids Community College. Benedict will be discharged from the Navy in April 2011 and looks forward to focusing more on his teaching career, hockey coaching, raising his family and of course Phantom Hockey. ";It's going to be a great 30th season, I'm blessed to be able to lead this team into battle for it," Benedict said. "Let's go get some W's!" he added.