Former Team Maryland Bench Boss Takes Over in Pennsylvania

EXTON, PA -- The Pennsylvania Huntsmen are pleased to announce that Eric Progen has been named the new Head Coach of their team in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL). Progen has also been named the Assistant General Manager for the program, and will play an additional role in overseeing the Huntsmen's team in the Eastern Hockey League Premier (EHLP).

Progen brings with him over seven years of coaching experience, having spent time previously with the Northeast Generals of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and most recently, this past season with Team Maryland in the EHL.

"I am excited to join the Pennsylvania Huntsmen as their new Head Coach for the 2024-25 season," said Progen. "The organization is first-class with its management, staff, and facility. I look forward to the challenge of helping the Huntsmen become first-class on the ice. We will create an environment where we will grow hockey players and young men into forces on the ice at the next level and in our communities far and wide. We have a lot to look forward to this upcoming season and I cannot wait to get started. I would like to thank Jeff Grable and Zach Overholtzer for giving me the opportunity to lead the Huntsmen. I’d also like to thank Matt Reid and his staff as they’ve laid the groundwork to become a top program in the EHL."

As Progen mentioned, the Huntsmen have laid a solid groundwork over a short period of time, as this fall will mark just the second season with a team in the EHL, and third season playing a team out of the EHLP.

Zach Overholtzer is the General Manager for the program, overseeing both teams in the EHL and EHLP, and he's looking forward to seeing the new strides Progen will help the Hunstmen make, starting this fall.

"I’m really excited to see the Huntsmen take the next step this upcoming season," said Overholtzer. "After two successful seasons under our belt, we are beyond proud to welcome Eric Progen to the Hunt as our EHL head coach and assistant GM. Eric is well-respected in the league and in the hockey world. What he did last season with Team Maryland on short notice was beyond impressive. Eric and I share similar goals for our players and the organization. I’m excited to get started with him immediately and build for next season. I also owe a huge thank you to Reider. Matt Reid and his staff built a great foundation for our organization that Eric can now put his touches on. Both Reid and Progen worked closely as head coaches in the South Division of the EHL throughout the previous season, which should make for a smooth transition for all returners to our organization and those new for the upcoming year. I wish the best for Reider in his new venture in youth hockey."

Progen's first game as Head Coach of the Huntsmen will take place on the league's 'Opening Day', September 19th, for the 2024-25 season, as Pennsylvania will travel to take on last year's Regular Season Champions of the South Division, the New Jersey Bears.

As for Progen's first home game with his new team, that date is set for the following week, September 25th, when the Huntsmen play host to last year's Playoff Champions in the South, the Philadelphia Little Flyers.

The full regular season schedules for both the EHL and EHLP, will be released on Monday, June 17th.