FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WALKER, MI – As the United States prepares to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Independence, the West Michigan Phantoms Hockey organization is proud to announce the release of two patriotic music videos, “USA! USA!” and “God Bless The USA,” honoring the nation, its freedoms, and the generations of Americans who have defended them. The videos feature Phantoms mascots Zam (#02) and Skates (#00) standing among some of America’s most iconic landmarks while

Gang Green 4, Zombies 2 Wednesday, June 17, 2026 • Walker Ice & Fitness Center The final score may not have reflected the way the game was played, but the Zombies turned in one of their strongest offensive performances in months Wednesday night against Gang Green at Walker Ice & Fitness Center. From the opening faceoff, the Zombies displayed a level of speed, puck movement, and offensive pressure that had been missing for much of the season. The forward group consistently pus

West Michigan Phantoms 8, Team English 7 Sunday, June 14, 2026 • Walker Ice & Fitness Center • Walker, Michigan If Sunday’s game proved anything, it’s that no lead is safe and no game is over until the final horn sounds. The West Michigan Phantoms survived a wild back-and-forth battle against Team English, earning an 8-7 victory in one of the highest-scoring games in recent franchise memory. The game featured 15 total goals, multiple momentum swings, a furious Team English co

WALKER, MI – Each of the past three seasons, Ezra Gennello has lifted a championship trophy over his head. For the West Michigan Phantoms, adding the New Jersey native was a no-debate decision as the team looks to return to the top of the Sunday League standings. “There is a familiarity with Ezra (Gennello) that allows him to enter the lineup and make an impact from day one,” said Phantoms General Manager Kevin Wootton. Currently the voice of the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the U

The Zombies went toe-to-toe with the defending Wednesday Summer League champion Beer Hawks and nearly pulled off a late comeback before falling 2-1 at Walker Ice & Fitness Center. The opening period was a defensive battle, with neither team able to break through. Zombie goaltender Kevin Wootton (#35) was outstanding early, turning aside several quality opportunities and frustrating the reigning champions throughout the night. The deadlock was finally broken in the second peri

Bent Shafts 5, West Michigan Phantoms 1 Sunday, June 7, 2026 • Walker Ice & Fitness Center • Walker, Michigan The West Michigan Phantoms returned to Walker Ice & Fitness Center on Sunday evening looking to build on the momentum from their season-opening victory. Despite a competitive effort and several bright spots throughout the lineup, the Phantoms dropped a 5-1 decision to Bent Shafts in Sunday Men’s League action. The Phantoms entered the contest without Nate Skoboda (#44

Phantoms Open Season #61 By Routing Defending Champion Gun Ru 9-2 The West Michigan Phantoms opened Season #61 with authority Sunday night, storming past defending champion Gun Ru in a dominant 9-2 victory to begin the new season. Despite missing several regulars — including Sam Schaab (#4), Andrew Erickson (#91), Matt Zehr (#5), and Natalie Nemes (#6) — the Phantoms rolled offensively from the opening puck drop and never looked back against the defending champs. 1st Period T

The West Michigan Phantoms saw their playoff run come to an end Sunday night with a 4-1 loss to Gun Ru at Walker Ice & Fitness Center. Despite the final score, the Phantoms battled hard from start to finish and continued pushing late into the third period. After a scoreless first period that featured strong defensive play and steady pressure on both ends, Gun Ru broke through in the second with three goals in just over four minutes to take control of the game. The Phantoms st

Walker, MI- The West Michigan Phantoms are proud to announce the signing of defenseman Natalie Nemes from Merrimack College. Nemes joins the Phantoms after a five-year collegiate career with the Warriors, where she developed into a dependable, defense-first blueliner known for her shot-blocking ability and steady presence. Over her collegiate career, Nemes appeared in 143 games, recording 6 goals and 13 assists for 19 points while consistently contributing in key defensive si

On Saturday, April 4, 2026, the Phantoms make their second journey to the State of Ohio and the first to Cleveland for a Black vs. Yellow game at Rocket Arena, home of the Cleveland Monsters (AHL). Kyle Swansegar (Black team) and Justin Saunders (Gray team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Black capture a 10-7 victory. Brian Ostwald and Jack Tackett would be the referees for the contest. Following the Black vs. Gray game, the group would stay and wat

On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Phantoms make their first trek north of the border for a Black vs. Yellow game in Windsor, Ontario and the WFCU Centre, home of the Windsor Spitfires. Trent Kik (Black team) and Sam Schaab (Gray team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Black capture a 7-2 victory. Todd Male and Cailean Lenover, both from Windsor, would be the referees for the contest. Following the Black vs. Gray game, the group would stay and watch

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Phantoms returned to Trinity Health Arena and Muskegon for the team's annual Muskegon Black vs. Yellow game. The Phantoms again pulled out all of the stops for the Muskegon game with a public address announcer, music dj, special effect lighting and the use of the arena's center ice video board. Brad Zehr (Black team) and Matt Zehr (Gray team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Gray capture a 10-6 victory. Brian Ostwal

On November 1, 2025 the Phantoms traveled to Rockford, Illinois and the BMO Center for a Black vs. Gray game at the Home of the Rockford IceHogs (AHL). In a game that featured plenty of new skaters to the team's network, the offense was fast and furious on the IceHogs ice as Team Gray rallied back in the second half to secure a 10-7 victory over Team Black. Trent Kik (Gray team) and Sam Schaab (Black team) would pilot their teams in a classic battle. Brian Ostwald and Walt

On March 22, 2025, the Phantoms returned to Trinity Health Arena and Muskegon to close out the 2024-2025 season of Black vs. Yellow game games. The Phantoms again pulled out all of the stops for the Muskegon game with a public address announcer, music dj, special effect lighting and the use of the arena's video board. Trent Kik (Black team) and Brad Zehr (Yellow team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Black capture a 9-3 victory. Brian Ostwald and Wal

On February 22, 2025, the Phantoms finally made it to Ohio to play in the city that housed several members of the team during their college years at the University of Toledo as well as Bowling Green. The event took two years to bring to life and the team made the most of it during an all-out scoring fest that featured 19 goals scored. Zack Kinney (Black team) and Ryker Baber (Yellow team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Black rally back to capture a

On February 8, 2025, the Phantoms would make the team's first trip to Wisconsin and play in a Black vs. Gray game at the home of Milwaukee Admirals, the UWM Panther Arena. The event took two years to bring to life and the team made the most of it during a three-day, two-night-stay in the Cheese State with a fun weekend of hockey, beer and friends. Trent Kik (gray team) and Keith Moorman (black team) would pilot their teams to a battle that would see Team Gray capture a 10-6

On November 9, 2024, the Phantoms would finally make a trip to Saginaw, Michigan after an injury forced the cancelation of the Saginaw event a year ago. Wendler Arena at the Dow Event Center would be the site to host a Black vs. Gray game. During the Saginaw Battle, Team Gray would jump out to a slim lead before Team Black would rally in the second half to secure a 8-5 victory at the home of the Saginaw Sprit (OHL). Trent Kik (Gray) and Keith Moorman (Gray) would be pitted

On April 6, 2024, the Phantoms would return to Kalamazoo, Michigan, however, would shift to the other rink in the city for a Black vs. Yellow game. Lawson Ice Arena, home of the Western Michigan Broncos, would be the site to host the special game. During the Bronco Battle, both team's would crank up the scoring and display the highest scoring game to date in a Black vs. Yellow/Gray series with a total of 21 goals being scored. Despite a back and fourth battle for much of t

On March 2, 2024, the Phantoms returned to Trinity Health Arena for a Black vs. Gray game at the home of the USHL's Muskegon Lumberjacks. The Phantoms raised the bar to the highest level yet in Muskegon with Lee Andrews serving a Public Address Announcer, Jeremy Bos as Music DJ and honorary coaches Ezra Gennelo and Nick Howard. During the 'Battle at the House that Walker Built', Team Gray would capture a pair of goals in the first, three goals in the middle period and four

The Phantoms traveled to Genesee county and the Dort Financial Center in Flint, Michigan on February 24, 2024 and played a Black vs. Gray game at the Ontario Hockey League's Flint Firebirds. The battle in Flint, Michigan would witness Team Gray hang onto a 7-6 victory over Team Black. Both teams were filled with 13 skaters and a goaltender. The group was split into a Black Team and a Gray Team prior to the game and despite a early multi-goal lead by Team Gray, Team Black w