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FROM DAY ONE TO SEASON 62—MATT ZEHR RIDES AGAIN!
Original Phantom and No. 5 Forward Returns for the Fall/Winter 2026–27 Campaign
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — He was there when the story began. He has played through every era, skated in every Phantoms home rink and watched a team become a West Michigan hockey institution.
Now, one of the originals is officially coming back for another chapter!
The West Michigan Phantoms have re-signed veteran forward Matt Zehr for the Fall/Winter 2026–27 season.
Zehr recorded one assist during limited action last season and did not spend a single minute in the penalty box. That contribution increased his Phantoms career totals to 124 goals, 109 assists and 233 points, accompanied by only 62 penalty minutes.
But Zehr’s importance to the Phantoms cannot be explained by numbers alone.
He is one of only two remaining original members of the organization, providing a direct connection between the team that began in 2002 and the Phantoms preparing to enter their 62nd season nearly a quarter-century later.
Different teammates. Different opponents. Different jerseys. Different buildings.
Matt Zehr has seen them all!
Zehr is also one of only a handful of active Phantoms who have competed at all three of the team’s primary home rinks: Rivertown Sports, Cedar Rock Sports Plex and Walker Ice & Fitness Center. Those three buildings represent three distinct eras of Phantoms hockey—and No. 5 has left his mark in each one.
A Muskegon native who now resides in Walker, Zehr graduated from Mona Shores High School in 2001 alongside longtime Phantoms goaltender. Their hockey journey would continue well beyond graduation and eventually become part of the foundation upon which the Phantoms were built.
The upcoming season will also feature two members of the Zehr family wearing the Phantoms crest. Matt is the older brother of previously announced forward Brad Zehr, giving West Michigan another campaign with the brothers together in black and yellow.
Brad supplies the offense. Matt brings the history. Together, the Zehr brothers return with a combined 558 career Phantoms points!
For Matt, however, the story has always been about more than goals and assists. It is about commitment, friendship and continuing to answer the call for a team he helped establish more than two decades ago.
From Rivertown to Cedar Rock to Walker, he has remained part of the Phantoms.
From the opening chapter to Season 62, he is still here.
The original rides again—and No. 5 is not finished yet!
WELCOME BACK, MATT ZEHR!
FEAR THE EYES!
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