Phantoms Add Championship Pedigree; Mid-Season Addition Looks to Make Immediate Impact

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 USHL, Gennello is fresh off an Eastern Conference Championship with the Jacks, adding to an already impressive trophy case. The 2025 Clark Cup Champion also captured back-to-back Tuesday Night Championships with the Lakeside Locomotives in 2024 and 2025.

Gennello brings a defensive-minded, two-way style of play to the Phantoms lineup. His ability to move the puck efficiently, play responsibly in all three zones, and contribute offensively makes him a valuable addition to the club.

“Ezra (Gennello) will help shore up our back end, allowing our weapons up front the confidence to go to work,” added Wootton.

A native of East Windsor, New Jersey, Gennello’s hockey journey has taken him from youth and junior hockey in the United States to professional opportunities overseas. During his development years, he skated for the Igloo Jaguars 16U AA, where he posted 5 points in 19 games, before moving on to the prestigious Mercer Chiefs 16U AAA program. He later joined the New Jersey Renegades of the EHLP, recording 4 points in 21 games over two seasons while continuing to develop his defensive-first style of play.

His hockey career eventually expanded internationally, spending time in Israel with both the Haifa Mariners and HC Tel Aviv organizations. Combining his junior and professional experience, Gennello accumulated 5 goals, 15 assists, 20 points, and 26 penalty minutes prior to arriving in West Michigan.

Since joining the West Michigan hockey community, Gennello has continued to make an impact while helping build championship-caliber teams. During his time with the West Michigan Phantoms, he has recorded 1 goal and 3 assists for 4 points while adding 4 penalty minutes. His offensive production increased even further with the Lakeside Locomotives, where he collected 1 goal and 10 assists for 11 points while adding 6 penalty minutes during the club’s back-to-back championship runs.

When those accomplishments are added to his previous junior and professional totals, Gennello’s overall career numbers now stand at 7 goals, 28 assists, and 35 points to go along with 36 penalty minutes, reflecting a player whose contributions extend far beyond the scoresheet.

Due to a commitment with the Muskegon Lumberjacks, Gennello’s Phantoms season debut will be delayed until Week 4 following the Father’s Day break. When he arrives, the Phantoms expect his championship experience, leadership, and steady presence on the blue line to make an immediate impact as the club pursues another title.

“For a team looking to climb back to the top of the Sunday League, adding a player who has become accustomed to winning championships was an easy decision,” Wootton said. “Welcome back to the Phantoms family Ezra,” Wootton added.

The West Michigan Phantoms are a men's league hockey organization founded in 2002 and based along the eastern shores of Lake Michigan near Grand Rapids, Michigan. The team has competed in more than 1,000 league games thoughout the team's history. Known for their bold idenity and 'Fear The Eyes' mentality, the Phantoms are committed to building a winning tradition while fostering a strong passion for adult recreational hockey. Additional information can be found at www.WMPHANTOMS.com.