Glens Falls’ best hope for future is still to support the team it has now

By Tim McManus
Posted on 01/11/2013 at 8:00 am

When the Phantoms announced last week they’d remain in Glens Falls for another season, their release contained a caveat that struck an unusual note to those not attuned to the unique rhythms of the drawn out dance between city and team. Fairly high in the Phantoms’ statement, Glens Falls’ mayor Jack Diamond trumpeted the franchise’s pledge to step aside for parts unknown next season should another franchise pledge to move to Glens Falls. “Why announce that part,” the Flyers own inside reporter Anthony SanFilippo wrote on Twitter. “Doesn’t instill confidence for fans for next season.” That was a pretty typical reaction outside …

Phantoms announce additional season in Glens Falls

By Casey Lumbra
Posted on 01/04/2013 at 4:40 pm

Due to the delays in constructing the new Allentown, PA arena, the Phantoms were virtually homeless for the 2013-14 season. That changed today when the Phantoms and the city of Glens Falls made a joint announcement that they have come to an agreement for the Phantoms to play one more season at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Despite the fans being loyal to what ever team is playing in Glens Falls at the time, there was immediate concern that another season of Phantoms hockey would impede the search for another team. The co-owners of the Phantoms, Rob and Jim Brooks, …

Public address announcer Dan Miner and his wife, Lisa, work in the press box late in the third period of Saturday's game.

Going for the hockey, staying for the people

By Tim McManus
Posted on 12/07/2012 at 8:00 am

By the time I made it to the front of the line outside of the Glens Falls Civic Center box office, my nose was cold, my boots were covered in a layer of slush, and I could have really used a beer. Then I found out I was in the wrong line. Will call was inside. When I finally got my ticket, I handed the whole package — stapled envelope included — to the guy at the door. If there was any doubt I’m new to this ticket stuff — translation: I’m used to being a spoiled reporter — that …

Let’s talk about Allentown. Really, it’s OK.

By Tim McManus
Posted on 11/16/2012 at 8:00 am

The Phantoms made a major announcement Wednesday afternoon about the future of their franchise. Once they move to Allentown at the start of the 2014-15 season, they’ll be known as the Lehigh Valley Phantoms. There’s a new logo, some tweaked colors, and of course, merchandise for sale. Wait, you missed the big hullabaloo? Me too. As far as I can tell, the news release went out to an Allentown-specific media list that bypassed the usual sources to disseminate information. I find no mention on the team’s official Twitter or Facebook or web pages, and none of the reporters I checked …

The ultimate Adirondack Phantoms road trip guide

By Tim McManus
Posted on 10/19/2012 at 8:00 am

They aren’t playing hockey in Philadelphia anytime soon, or so it seems. But it’s business as usual for the Adirondack Phantoms, and the lockout is a perfect excuse to visit beautiful upstate New York, a place I fell in love with during my six years there. If you make the 4 1/2-hour trek north to get your hockey fix this winter, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised. There are no big cities to be found, but there are plenty of gems to discover, if you know where to look. There are two main options to anchor your stay: Glens Falls, where …

The Phantoms player I’m most interested to follow during the lockout may surprise you

By Tim McManus
Posted on 10/12/2012 at 8:00 am

In three seasons covering the Adirondack Phantoms, only two players made me stop and say, “Wow.” Brayden Schenn and Matt Read belonged in a different league from their first shifts. Instead of rookies, they looked like 16-year-olds with forged birth certificates who faked their way into some 13-and-under house league. They were the only sure things. And you didn’t need to be a hockey genius to see it. If you asked me, however, who was the third most impressive forward I covered, I bet you’d be surprised by the answer. This time last year, Matt Ford was a third-liner for the …

Minor League Update: 4/9-4/16

By Craig F
Posted on 04/16/2012 at 9:00 am

The Adirondack Phantoms finished 10th in the Eastern Conference for the 2011-2012 regular season, as the club missed a playoff berth by five points. As they headed into the final week of the campaign with an outside chance to make the postseason, the Phantoms dropped two of their final three tilts to miss an opportunity to win the Calder Cup. On Friday night, the Phantoms traveled to the MassMutual Center and lost 4-2 to the Springfield Falcons (Columbus Blue Jackets). Wade MacLeod potted two goals in the midst of the Falcons’ three-goal third period including the game-winner at the 12:33 …

Minor League Update: 3/19-3/25

By Craig F
Posted on 03/26/2012 at 9:00 am

In response to their three-game losing streak last week, the Adirondack Phantoms came out and won all three of their contests this week. After they allowed one goal in their first two wins, the Phantoms allowed four goals last night, but were able to come up with a one-goal win against a team they have struggled against all year. Although the Phantoms only moved up to 11th place in the standings, they are now four points behind the Syracuse Crunch (Anaheim Ducks’ AHL affiliate) for eighth in the Eastern Conference. Jason Akeson’s 11th goal of the season was all Michael …

Minor League Update: 2/13-2/19

By Craig F
Posted on 02/20/2012 at 9:00 am

The Adirondack Phantoms won half of their games this week, as they ended their lengthy road losing streak in the process. After they went without a single road win in the months of December and January, the Phantoms finally earned a win away from home. Adirondack will try to climb back into the playoff picture this week, as they finish their four-game road trip before they return home on Sunday. The Phantoms extended their losing streak to four games on Tuesday night, as they dropped a 2-1 decision to the Toronto Marlies (Toronto Maple Leafs’ AHL affiliate) in overtime. Mike Zigomanis …

Minor League Update: 2/6-2/12

By Craig F
Posted on 02/13/2012 at 9:00 am

The Phantoms continue to struggle, as they dropped their pair of games this week to extend their losing streak to three games. Adirondack has only won one out of their last nine games and are currently on an eight-game losing streak away from the Glens Falls Civic Center. They will have a chance to end both skids with three away games and four games overall in the next seven days. Dustin Tokarski recorded his third shutout of the season on Friday night, as the Norfolk Admirals (Tampa Bay Lightning’s AHL affiliate) beat the visiting Phantoms 2-0. Tokarski stopped all 17 …