After sweeping the Union Jr. Thunder to start 2023, the Huntsmen headed north for the EHL Premier All-Star Game and the final Showcase of the year. In the All-Star Game, the Huntsmen were represented by Forward Ryan Arendes, Defenseman Daniil Diukin, Goaltender Ty Jones, and Head Coach Blaise Kilroy. Then Sunday-Monday was the big Showcase against some of the top teams in the league, the Boston Jr. Rangers, and Railers Hockey Club.

**Showcase Format 2-25 minute periods

Sunday vs Rangers

The Rangers would get on the board as (G) Serbin made the initial save, but the rebound was sent in for the 1-0 lead. The Huntsmen were looking to get the puck deep, but the Rangers cut the play off at their own line, and in transition would increase the lead 2-0. The game remained at a good pace and a few minutes after that goal, Pennsylvania would head to the powerplay. Daniil Diukin would put PA on the board as he fired a shot near the top of the faceoff circle making it 2-1. In the 2nd period the Huntsmen faced another big challenge and were on the penalty kill. The Rangers were moving the puck at the point, then shot from the point. It was blocked by Jacob Chow, and he raced to it for the shorthanded breakaway chance. Chow was caught from behind and fell to the ice. While on his stomach he hit the puck back to the slot and Gavin Wilson ripped a shot past (G) Mutschler tying the game 2-2. Late in the game the Rangers would have another powerplay and this time they were successful on a rebound chance to take the lead 3-2. Late in the game the Huntsmen brought pressure with the extra attacker but couldn’t tie the game and would lose 3-2.

“We didn't start the game off well. Overall, I thought we played well, and physical. We moved the puck well but couldn’t get the win.” Cody Draves

“We took a late penalty in the game, and it decided the outcome. If it took till there was four minutes left in the game to decide the game, that’s a loss I’ll take because we competed and played hard.” Head Coach Blaise Kilroy

Monday vs Railers

Unlike the Rangers game, the Huntsmen got off to a great start. Landon German started off the scoring for PA to take the early 1-0 lead. Less than 5 minutes later the Huntsmen were threatening again and had an offensive zone faceoff. Chow won the draw to Latshaw, his shot was saved by (G) Healey, but Gavin Wilson was there for the rebound and a 2-0 lead. PA would go up 3-0 on the power play as Daniil Diukin flew by the Railers defense and sent a beautiful backhander to the back of the net. Just when you thought the Huntsmen were rolling, the Railers would respond. Shortly after the PA third goal, the Railers would score twice in about a minute, and it was a 3-2 game at intermission. In the opening minutes of the 2nd, the Railers would tie the game 3-3. Pennsylvania kept battling and answered the call a few minutes later. Finkeldey sent a pass cross ice to Jaeger Daniels, he skated into the zone and sent a rocket to the net and gave the Huntsmen a 4-3 lead. The Railers kept up the pressure, but the Huntsmen would put the game away with empty net goals by Gavin Wilson and Jacob Chow and win by a score of 6-3. Goaltender Ty Jones made 22 saves in his 14th win of the season.

 “We showed them that we are a good team and that we can compete against the best teams. The Railers are a good team, but we are ready for any team.” Diukin

“We were able to have our third and fourth lines come out and play hard. All of our lines were rolling and that was a key factor. I think this was a statement win for us.” Arendes

“We came into this game with a different attitude. We knew they were the best team in the league, but we know that we are a top team too. We kept hammering away at them. This is one of the biggest wins of the year for us, and it shows that we can run with any team in the league.” Draves

“Coming into the game I told them that it would be similar to the Rangers game. I think the biggest issue we have is that we don’t have confidence when playing northern teams even though they are in the same league as us. I think, when they (northern teams) look at us they're just as scared because we are a brand-new organization with new players to juniors. We are a good team, and now they know how good we actually are.” Kilroy

All Star Game

Saturday was a big night for the Eastern Hockey League Premier. It was the All-Star Game, and the Huntsmen were well represented. Head Coach Blaise Kilroy, forward Ryan Arendes and defenseman Daniil Diukin were on Team Gray, while goaltender Ty Jones was on Team White. This created a really fun dynamic, especially for the players. The game had great pace as players were trying to showcase their talent in front of a lot of fans, and scouts. The question is, will Arendes or Diukin score on their teammate Ty Jones? Jones didn't start the game, there were 3 goalies on each team so each of them played one period. After a tight 1st period. Jones entered the game to start the 2nd. Right away you could see the Huntsmen boys put forth a little extra effort. Team Gray did score once on Jones in the first minute but Arendes and Diukin weren’t the scorers. Once they got on the ice, they both had solid chances against Jones, but he shut them down. Jones rebounded well after a tough start and didn't let in another goal for the rest of the period. He made some tough saves and looked good doing it and was all smiles especially when he would save a shot from Arendes or Diukin. Jones was 11-12 in the period. In the 3rd, Diukin would score to tie the game 4-4, but it was Team White who would win the game in overtime 5-4. Put that one in the win column for Jones. Here’s what they had to say about the big night.

“It was amazing and a really good game. I had a great time and there was a lot of people there. I was a little upset that I didn't score on Jones.  I had a chance, but he saved it. He had a really good game too, so congrats to him and I'm happy for him.” Diukin

“It was awesome! I got to meet some cool players and chat around with some coaches as well. I was very upset (with smiles on his face) but Jones got the best of me that time, but we were chirping each other.” Arendes

So how did the goaltender feel about the big night … “Before the game I was a little nervous, but after I met my coaching staff and teammates, I felt comfortable. It felt great to shut those guys down (Laughing).” Ty Jones

Here’s what the Coach had to say “I was coaching with the Rangers Coach (Zach Lebowitz) and Railers Coach (John Fine-Lease). For me, I was excited to get in there and pick their brains and talk to them about what makes their teams and organizations so successful.”  Head Coach Blaise Kilroy was certainly in a pickle as coach of Team Gray and going against his goaltender. So the big question … was Kilroy routing for his players on Team Gray (Arendes and Diukin) to score on Ty Jones, or did he want to see Jones make the saves? “I was routing for Ty when he was in net,” says Kilroy. “I was happy to see Daniil (Diukin) score and I wish Ryan (Arendes) did too, but I was routing for Ty when he was in net. It was a little weird because I had gray on the bench but then I'm sitting there routing for Ty (Jones) in white.”

It was a great experience for all of them, and they represented the Pennsylvania Huntsmen very well. Now, it’s time to get ready for the next test, as the playoffs are quickly approaching.

Up Next

The Huntsmen had some great battles over the weekend, and now have to get ready for another one. This time they head back inside their division against the New Jersey 87s. This will be the 5th meeting and the Huntsmen lead the season series 3-1. The 87s played the same teams as the Huntsmen at the Showcase but they lost 7-3 to the Railers and 3-1 to the Boston Jr. Rangers. The 87s are 19-6-3 with 41 points while the Huntsmen are 19-9-2 with 40 points. New Jersey will take on the Philadelphia Little Flyers at home on Saturday before facing the Huntsmen on Sunday.

Schedule

Sunday at New Jersey 87s            5:30pm

By: Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

Play by Play Announcer