The History of the Phantoms
The Phantoms Zone was officially formed in 1987. The founding meeting took place at the Union Centre with the following members in attendance:
- Bev Dale – Holiday Park
- Bernie Gurash – Fairhaven
- Bob Naconeschny – Montgomery
- Leroy Evanson – Pacific Heights
- Barry Quiring
- Don Burfit – elected as the first Commissioner of the Phantoms
At the time, the Fairhaven boys’ team was already known as the Phantoms, coached by Wally McGowan and Terry Gusikoski. They had achieved great success, including several provincial titles as the Fairhaven Phantoms.
The girls’ division in Pacific Heights was originally called the Sliders, coached by Ted Lester and Leroy Evanson. After discussion, it was decided that both the girls’ and boys’ teams would share the same name — Phantoms — uniting the zone under one identity.
Over the years, the Phantoms have built a proud legacy, capturing 35+ Provincial Titles and 10 Western Canadian Titles.
Commissioners of the Phantoms Zone
| Commissioner | Years Served |
|---|---|
| Don Burfit | 1987 |
| Ida Nerbas | 1988–1990 |
| Bernie Gurash | 1990–1992 |
| Earle Woodside | 1992–2003 |
| James Southam | 2003–2006 |
| Lyndon Downey | 2006–2007 |
| Clayton Fehr | 2007–2009 |
| Cory Gariepy | 2009–2011 |
| Kevin Melnyk | 2011–2013 |
| Greg Witter | 2013–2015 |
| Troy Souster | 2015–2016 |
| Gwen Boutique | 2016–2017 |
| Marty Burgess | 2017–2019 |
| Brooks Penrod | 2019–2021 |
| Tyler McKay | 2021–2022 |
| Derek McDonald | 2022–2025 |
| Tim Hamilton | 2025-Present |