The West Michigan Phantoms put the seal on yet another successful season on May 22nd, as the Men of Phantom Nation closed out the team's unprecedented 30th season of hockey. The Phantoms, who have graced the rinks of Cedar Rock Sports Plex, Rivertown Sports and now Walker Ice & Fitness since 2002, added another 'check mark' of their nearly nine year accomplishments as the Phantoms reached the 485th franchise game played in the season finale at Cedar Rock. Since a September 13, 2002 battle against the Rage in Grandville, the Phantoms have grown and continue to be represented as one of the elite teams and most recognizable teams in the region. For Team General Manager Kevin Wootton, the Phantoms have lived up to and exceeded any bar set by the team in the early stages of the franchise and continue to amaze him with a dedicated blood-line of members which continue to keep the Phantom tradition going. Kevin Wootton went on to mention the following about Phantom Hockey:

"The past 30 seasons has been an absolutely amazing experience. I have met so many people and have become good friends with people who I would have never met if it wasn't for Phantom Hockey. From Trent Kik to Chad Manning, Jason Schemmel to John Dykehouse, from new players to old veterans and Cedar Rock players to Rivertown Sports players, Phantom Hockey has been a dream come true for me and there is no way for myself to express or show the members who play on this team how honored and thankful I am for being apart of it. As a goaltender and manager of this team, I (along with others) have given a ton of work and hours over the years to make Phantom Hockey so successful and to keep this team going. I don't think there could be a better payoff as there has been in the past several years to watch this team continue with very little behind the scenes work and to experience the friendships that have been created over the seasons. I know there are people who despise of the Phantoms, dislike us for our attitudes, hate us for our outspoken style and mock us for our dedication and creativity. To them I say...**** You. We are a solid group of individuals that continue to grow and expand over the seasons....now 30 of them. When it comes to the comments made against the team, I take them as complements as our extended run and dedication is something that other teams can only dream of. In my honest opinion, we must be doing something right to continue playing as a group after 485 games. During my nearly nine years as a Phantom, I think fellow member Gordie Anderson said it best "You need to run it like a business." I think our strength in allowing this team to survive for 485 games is a three-fold-result...the players, the organization and the fun we have.  When I started this team in 2002, I had no intentions of this team surviving into 2011. I owe it to my teammates for your support and dedication to the yellow & black for your continued desire to keep the Phantoms alive. Thanks Guys...we are truly brothers!--Kevin Wootton, Team General Manager