The Phantoms have had several brother pairings since the team started back in the Fall of 2002. From Mike and Josh Strandfest, to Adam, James and Dave Trahan to Mike and Matt Mead, the Phantoms have always seemed to have a family element in place on the team's roster. Yet, the brother pair that stands out the most in the history of the Phantoms is a pair of brothers that have been apart of Phantom Hockey from the early beginning. Matt (#5) and Brad (#21) Zehr continue to be involved in the Yellow and Black and have brought the Phantoms to new heights this season. The two brothers have combined to record 10 points in the team's first two games. With the oldest brother, Matt, recording 3 goals and 1 assist for 4 points and the younger brother, Brad, recording 4 goals and 2 assists for 6 points, the Zehr Connection seems to be strong and very beneficial to the Phantoms. Matt Zehr is one of only three Phantoms to have been apart of the team since the Fall of 2002. This 24 year old offensemen has been apart of 17 Phantom seasons, only missing one due to injury. Brad joined the Phantoms during the Spring 2004 season and has played non-stop since on the Phantom blueline. The 21 year old defensemen and his older brother played large roles in both team championships and have played a large part in keeping the Phantom team going. The Mona Shores Grads have always been active in the Greatest Game on Earth. Each of the two brothers played nearly 8 years of Norton Shores Recreational Ice Hockey and played together for three years during Spring Leagues at Lakeshore Ice Arena in Muskegon.
While the two brothers do not have any children yet, they do have a nephew and Austin enjoys watching his uncles when he is able to make a game. Both Matt and Brad have teamed up to purchase ice hockey equipment for the little tyke. Austin already has a children's Phantom jersey, so it won't be long before the Zehr Connection increases by one. Again, you can out the Zehr Connection during any of the remaining 12 Phantom games this season. It's Matt Zehr and Brad Zehr that make the Zehr Connection possible. Thanks Guys for Your Dedication!