The Morning Call's Exclusive

EXCLUSIVE: Philadelphia Phantoms still want to relocate to Lehigh Valley

Rob Brooks, one of the principals of the Brooks Group, the new owner of the Philadelphia Phantoms, announced Wednesday morning that his group is still set on finding a long-term home for the Phantoms in the Lehigh Valley.

"I'm calling to let everyone know not to panic," Brooks said during an exclusive phone call about Tuesday's news that the Phantoms will play in Glens Falls, N.Y., next season as a temporary home until a permanent one can be completed in the Lehigh Valley.

"As you know, we were approved as ownership by the American Hockey League, and we wanted to take make sure the franchise remained operating. Our long-term goal is to be involved in the Lehigh Valley. We're down to a couple of sites and we're still looking at both [Northampton and Lehigh] counties."

-- Reporting by Gary R. Blockus of The Morning Call




Given that it takes time to build an arena, this seems like it isn't a huge issue. I hope that city officials and the Mayor are taking this very seriously and that behind closed doors events are already in motion that will set up a new hockey arena down on the RiverFront.