PHANTOMS BATTLE BACK, BUT GUN RU SPOILS SUNDAY AFTERNOON SHOWDOWN, 5-3

Laux and Barber spark second-period comeback as Mike Gennello and Ethan Ring make their Phantoms debuts in hard-fought contest at Walker.

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Walker Ice & Fitness Center | Walker, Michigan

WALKER, Mich. — The West Michigan Phantoms showed plenty of fight, battled back from an early two-goal deficit, and twice pulled even with Gun Ru, but a late third-period surge by the opposition ultimately handed the Black and Yellow a disappointing 5-3 defeat Sunday afternoon at Walker Ice & Fitness Center.

With several regulars unavailable, including Hunter Tuggle, Kyle Swansegar, Matt Zehr, Nate Skoboda, Natalie Nemes, Andrew Erickson, and Shawn DeBoer, the Phantoms turned to a reshuffled lineup that featured two new faces.

Mike Gennello and Ethan Ring made their West Michigan Phantoms debuts, adding another chapter to the organization’s growing history. Gennello’s arrival was particularly special, as he joined younger brother Ezra in the Phantoms organization, continuing the club’s tradition of family connections.

But once the puck dropped, the newcomers and veterans alike found themselves facing an uphill battle.

Gun Ru struck first with 7:21 remaining in the opening period when #11 converted a feed from #6 to give the visitors a 1-0 advantage. The situation worsened with 3:35 remaining when #82, again assisted by #6, doubled the lead to 2-0.

West Michigan headed into the first intermission looking for answers.

And in the second period, the Phantoms found them.

With 11:47 remaining, veteran forward Chris Laux ignited the comeback, finishing a play set up by Ryker Barber to cut Gun Ru’s lead in half.

Just 45 seconds later, the roles reversed.

At 11:02, Barber buried the equalizer off a setup from Laux, completing a lightning-quick two-goal explosion that erased the deficit and brought the Phantoms roaring back into the contest.

In less than a minute, a two-goal disadvantage had disappeared.

The momentum had shifted, but Gun Ru refused to surrender.

With 2:31 remaining in the second period, #82 scored his second goal of the afternoon, assisted by #24, restoring the visitors’ one-goal advantage at 3-2 heading into the final frame.

The Phantoms weren’t finished.

With 8:59 remaining in regulation, West Michigan struck again. The scoresheet credited #46 with the goal, but the scorer was actually Ryker Barber, who finished a play assisted by Chris Laux and Jason Young.

Barber’s second goal of the afternoon brought the Phantoms even at 3-3, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.

Unfortunately, Gun Ru had the final answer.

With 6:28 remaining, Zach Watkins scored off an assist from #4, giving the visitors a 4-3 advantage and forcing West Michigan to chase the game once again.

Then, with 2:26 remaining, Gun Ru’s #82 completed his hat trick, scoring his third goal of the contest with an assist from #11 to seal the 5-3 victory.

For the Phantoms, Chris Laux led the offensive charge with a goal and two assists, while Barber contributed two goals and an assist.

Jason Young added a helper in the losing effort.

Gun Ru’s #82 proved to be the difference, recording a hat trick, while #6 contributed two assists.

The game featured just one recorded penalty, a first-period tripping minor assessed to Adam Porczynski with 7:21 remaining.

Despite the defeat, West Michigan demonstrated its ability to respond under pressure. Twice the Phantoms erased deficits, and twice they gave themselves an opportunity to take control.

The loss marked the club’s second consecutive defeat following the previous Sunday’s narrow 1-0 setback against the Chefs.

For the Black and Yellow, the afternoon was another reminder that strong comebacks mean little without the finishing touch.

Still, with two newcomers making their debuts, an offense that rediscovered its scoring touch, and a veteran core determined to turn things around, the Phantoms have plenty to build upon as their Fall/Winter 2026-27 campaign continues.

FINAL SCORE: GUN RU 5 — PHANTOMS 3

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’.