Now Taking the Ice — the Lehigh Valley Phantoms?

The Philadelphia Phantoms may be flying north next season.

The Lehigh Valley has been targeted as a possible landing place, as the Phantoms in Philadelphia become only an apparition, NBC 10 News has learned.

In a power play the Brooks Group (out of Pittsburgh, Pa.) purchased the Flyers' minor-league affiliate Phantoms from Comcast-Spectacor. The sale is effective at the end of season, according to early reports.

"[Brooks Group] are convinced the Lehigh Valley is a hot market," said Brooks Group lawyer Joseph Fitzpatrick.

The Brooks family has been touring towns in the Lehigh Valley including spots in Allentown, Bethlehem and other areas, according to Fitzpatrick.

The Brooks' plan is to build an 8,000-seat arena that will be used for not only hockey but also concerts and shows as well, said Fitzpatrick.

The new owners may be tempted to land the Phantoms in the Lehigh Valley after looking at the recent success of the Phillies minor-league affiliate Lehigh Valley IronPigs after they moved to Allentown.

It remains to be seen if the Phantoms will keep their name after the move is made.

The sale of the Phantoms and move became a necessity because their current home, the Philadelphia Spectrum, is slated to be demolished before the end of the year.

No official word on the future of the Phantoms is expected this week.

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