Community Corner

Giving Back Beyond the Ice

The Phantoms are proud to be more than just a hockey team; we’re a part of the Lehigh Valley community. Through player visits, charity drives, and local partnerships, we strive to make a positive impact on the lives of fans and families across the region. Explore some of the ways we’re giving back and connecting with the community we call home.

Reading with the Phantoms

Throughout the past month, Phantoms players have been visiting Allentown schools to encourage reading and teach students about hockey. As a reward for academic excellence, classrooms welcomed players including Adam Brooks, Garrett Wilson, Kevin Connauton, Ronnie Attard, Zayde Wisdom, Wyatte Wylie, and Bobby Brink to read My First Book of Hockey to kindergarten through second-grade students.

After reading, players handed out Phantoms pencils, signed autographs, and answered questions about the game before taking photos with each class. Many stayed longer than expected to meet teachers and students throughout the schools. These visits are part of a growing collaboration between the Lehigh Valley Phantoms and Phantoms Charities presented by Air Products, with more reading visits planned throughout the 2023–24 season to reward improved academic performance and promote literacy.

A Mountain of Socks for a Great Cause

In collaboration with the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the PPL Foundation, the Phantoms collected 3,577 pairs of socks through their “Be a Housing Hero” campaign. The initiative supports homeless and financially unstable families across the region, where more than 44% face difficult daily decisions like whether to pay rent or buy groceries.

Socks are one of the most needed but often overlooked items in shelters, providing warmth and comfort to those in need. Thanks to the generosity of Phantoms fans, thousands of local residents will benefit from this simple but essential act of kindness.

Rolling in Kindness

The Phantoms, alongside Air Products, hosted a toilet paper drive at the January 14 game to benefit Valley Youth House. Fans were encouraged to bring wrapped rolls in exchange for raffle tickets and a chance to win prizes. Together, the community donated 4,430 rolls of toilet paper, along with soap and other essentials, to support Valley Youth House’s programs.

Players Adam Karashik and Adam Brooks, joined by meLVin and front office staff, delivered the donations to Valley Youth House’s Camp Fowler on January 23. Four cars packed with supplies filled multiple rooms at the facility, providing a much-needed resource for families and youth in the Lehigh Valley.

A VIP Night for Naimlynne

The Phantoms and Phantoms Charities, presented by Air Products, were honored to welcome Naimlynne Kirk as their Very Important Phantom (V.I.P.) on January 13. Naimlynne, a ninth grader at Northampton Area High School, is courageously battling High-Risk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and continues to inspire those around her with her strength and positivity.

Her special day began with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Phantoms’ locker room and facilities, where she was surprised with her own personalized jersey and nameplate. That evening, she took the ice for the ceremonial puck drop and received an enthusiastic standing ovation from fans at PPL Center. The Phantoms are proud to celebrate Naimlynne’s spirit and continue to cheer her on in her fight.

Smiles at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital

Phantoms players Louie Belpedio, Troy Grosenick, Cooper Marody, and mascot meLVin visited Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital on January 24 to bring joy to young patients. Together, they delivered gift bags filled with stickers, a meLVin trading card, and a special meLVin hat — a giveaway item from the team’s upcoming game on January 28.

“It’s amazing. The kids here are fighting hard and are so inspirational,” said Marody. “We just want them to smile, see meLVin, and have fun.” Community Relations Manager Caitlin Burns added, “Visits like these are an important part of what we stand for. Seeing the kids’ excitement when the players and meLVin walk in makes it all worth it.”

2025-26 Regular Season

4^th

8^th

Record 3-2-0-0

Points 6

Home 1-1-0-0

Away 2-1-0-0

GF 13

GA 12

PP% 29.4%

PK% 81.5%

Last 10 3-2-0-0