Laux Leads Phantoms’ Season 62 Charge with Four Goals

Season 62 opened with a back-and-forth battle at Walker Ice & Fitness Center, and Chris Laux turned it into a memorable start for the West Michigan Phantoms.

Laux struck first with 7:54 remaining in the opening period, scoring off a pass from Hunter Tuggle. Puck Norris answered when Norm Farr scored unassisted with 6:05 left. The Phantoms reclaimed the lead at 2–1 with 2:24 remaining, as Laux scored again, assisted by Tuggle and Adam Porczynski. But the first period had one more turn: with just 30 seconds left, Wayne Vredenberg tied it for Puck Norris on a feed from Pete Noto. The teams went to the break even at 2–2.

Shawn DeBoer changed the game in the second. With 7:43 remaining, he scored unassisted to put the Phantoms ahead 3–2. It was the only goal of the period, but it gave the Phantoms a lead they would not surrender.

The Phantoms pulled away in the third. Laux completed his hat trick with 10:51 remaining, assisted by Kyle Swansegar. Adam Porczynski followed at 8:42, with Sam Schaab earning the assist. Then, with 5:52 left, Laux scored his fourth of the night on a setup from Clay Potochny and Tuggle, sealing the 6–2 win.

The victory kicks off the Phantoms’ Season 62 campaign and leaves the organization nine wins away from its 600th team victory. Nemes, Matt Zehr, Zenas, Young, Barber and Erickson were out of the lineup. The scoresheet credits Zack Kinney on two assists; those assists belong to Hunter Tuggle.

Founded in September 2002, the West Michigan Phantoms Hockey organization is one of West Michigan’s longest-running adult recreational hockey teams, providing a competitive, team-first environment for players of varying experience levels. The Phantoms proudly call Walker Ice & Fitness Center in Walker, Michigan home, competing primarily on Sunday afternoons and evenings. Beyond league play, the organization has become known for its special events, road games at professional and collegiate arenas, community events, and its commitment to creating memorable hockey experiences for its players. For team news, schedules, history, statistics, and more, visit the team’s website at www.WMPhantoms.com or on Facebook at ‘West Michigan Phantom Hockey’.