Phantoms Raise Over $37,000 in Game-Worn Jersey Auction

The Philadelphia Phantoms raised $37,800 in the team's first post-game jersey auction of the season on Sunday, a new high total in franchise history. The Phantoms auctioned off the team's purple third jerseys from the 2003-04 season, with a portion of the proceeds to be donated to the Phantoms Wives Charities.

Silent bidding for the game-worn jerseys was held in the Wachovia Spectrum concourse and ran through the second intermission. The highest silent bids were then used as the starting point for the live auction at Bullies Sports Bar and Restaurant following the game. All Phantoms players and coaches who were on last season's team helped to personally auction off their own jerseys.

The highest bid was a remarkable $9,600 for goaltender Neil Little's jersey, eclipsing the previous record of $7,100 established in November, 2001 also for Little's. The next highest bid was for current assistant coach Craig Berube ($2,400) while 2003-04 leading scorer Kirby Law's jersey sold for an even $2,000. Overall, 12 jerseys sold for at least $1,000.

"This jersey auction was a huge success, as they always are," said Phantoms Vice President Jim Garino. "The fact that we raised more than we ever have before just shows us the dedication of our fan base. We are thrilled that we are able to raise money for charity."

This was the 15th jersey auction in team history, with the total eclipsing the previous high of $37,700 that was collected in March, 2001 when the team wore and auctioned off Richmond Robins AHL throwback jerseys. Over $380,000 has been raised since the first Phantoms jersey auction drew $15,885 in April, 1998.

The Phantoms Wives will hold two more jersey auctions this season on Friday, March 18 for special St. Patrick's Day jerseys and Friday, April 8 when the team dons special Philadelphia Blazers replica jerseys.