For 29 years, the organization has focused on teaching the fundamentals of hockey while helping young athletes grow through discipline, competitiveness, respect, sportsmanship, and positive reinforcement. That philosophy remains at the heart of the Phantoms program as the club prepares to field 13 teams and 213 players this season.

At every age level, the goal is bigger than wins and losses.

The Phantoms want players to leave the rink better than they arrived — not only as hockey players, but as teammates and people.

A New Beginning at 6U

One of the biggest developments for Delco this season is the addition of a 6U program, giving the organization a complete developmental pathway from 6U through 18U.

The new age level represents an important investment in the future of the club by giving younger players an opportunity to learn the game in an environment built around skill development, confidence, and fun.

That pathway is central to the Phantoms’ philosophy.

Rather than measuring success solely by standings and championships, Delco emphasizes strong hockey fundamentals, discipline, sportsmanship, and steady progression through each stage of a player’s development.

Teams Ready to Make an Impact

With 13 teams throughout the organization, the Phantoms expect competitive hockey across multiple divisions this season.

Two teams in particular enter the year with high expectations.

The 12U group led by Shaun Billingsley is expected to make an impact, while Stephane Charbonneau’s 16U teamwill also be one to watch as the season develops.

Both represent the type of program Delco continues to build — teams that are expected to compete while remaining focused on long-term player improvement.

Investing Behind the Bench

The Phantoms will also welcome several new coaches to the organization in 2026–27.

Mike Burr joins the new 6U program, Brian Henry will coach at 8U, Jason Travaglini joins the 10U level, and Larry Besa comes aboard at 16U.

For Delco, coaching is one of the most important components of development.

The organization believes that young players improve when coaches teach the game properly, communicate clearly, lead by example, and create an environment where players are encouraged to compete without being afraid to make mistakes.

Players First

What makes the Delco Phantoms unique is the simplicity of their philosophy:

Player development comes first.

The organization wants every athlete to have a place to grow, regardless of age or current ability. The club’s 6U-to-18U pathway provides players with continuity and the opportunity to develop within the same organization throughout their youth hockey careers.

That approach also shapes the culture surrounding the teams.

Delco strives to create a positive environment through open communication, strong leadership, and a commitment to making sure every player feels valued.

Those principles extend beyond the players themselves.

Families, coaches, and volunteers all play a role in creating an atmosphere built on respect and shared responsibility.

Growth With Purpose

Like many youth hockey organizations, Delco understands that growth brings challenges.

Maintaining competitive teams, navigating the rising costs associated with youth sports, and ensuring every player feels important to the organization will remain priorities throughout the year.

Those challenges, however, don’t change the club’s larger mission.

Under the leadership of Club President Larry Sechuk and Hockey Director Stephane Charbonneau, the vision is to continue growing the organization while helping young athletes develop into strong adults.

The Phantoms believe hockey provides an opportunity to teach lessons that last well beyond a player’s final game.

Discipline.

Accountability.

Confidence.

Respect.

Teamwork.

Those are ultimately the qualities Delco hopes its players carry with them.

Looking Toward 2026–27

The Phantoms enter the season with more players, more coaches, and more opportunities throughout the organization.

But the measure of success won’t simply be found on a scoreboard.

When the final game of the 2026–27 season is played, the organization hopes its impact will be evident in every player who wore a Phantoms jersey.

“When the 2026–27 season is over, we hope people say the Delco Phantoms made every player better — not just as a hockey player, but as a teammate and a person.”

For an organization approaching three decades of youth hockey, that mission continues to define what it means to be a Delco Phantom.

Delco Phantoms at a Glance
Teams: 13
Players: 213
Home Rink: IceWorks
Club President: Larry Sechuk
Hockey Director: Stephane Charbonneau
Years in Existence: 29
New for 2026–27: 6U hockey
Teams to Watch: Shaun Billingsley’s 12U team and Stephane Charbonneau’s 16U team
2025–26 Highlight: Continued organizational growth in players, coaches, and opportunities