Training camp has ended for the Huntsmen. Now they switch to a regular practice schedule moving forward. The 2024-25 season is just a few weeks away and the Huntsmen are gearing up to face the challenges of the season.

Last article, we spoke to new head coach Eric Progen, and some of his players that he previously coached in Maryland. This week, we caught up with some veteran players and some new recruits to get their perspective on how things are looking as the season approaches.

It’s year three for Luca Palachick and Ryan Arendes. Both of them have been here since the teams’ inception in 2022. They have seen a lot since coming through the doors of Power Play Rinks. This year they carry more experience and are hungry for a strong season. “Everyone is buying in right now and I'm excited to be back and getting on the ice,” says Arendes. “I’ve been working out as much as possible and gained some weight, been in the gym as much as possible and doing the right things to prepare for another season.” Arendes has seen plenty of change, and this year is no different. This will be his third season and third head coach, and he weighed in on the new start with Coach Progen. “He is very determined, and I love that. He brings a lot of energy to the group. He has a good idea of what he wants to do. He keeps saying all the hard work will pay off and I think it will, since training camp has been going well, and he's getting us fired up.”

Arendes has faced adversity since competing at the junior level. He uses it as motivation, and he also wants to use his experience to help the younger players on the team as he shifts from being the new guy, to a leader. “It’s definitely different and I went through it all when I first got here,” says Arendes. “I was cut from Team Maryland, and then I came here, and it was probably the best thing that could’ve happened to me. It lights the fire under you and motivates you. I’m just trying to help the younger players and give them my knowledge and being a person that they can come to at all times.”

Luca Palachick is also getting ready for year three with the Huntsmen and is excited to see the organization continue to develop. “I think the program is building up pretty well,” says Palachick. “Everything started with a full team of rookies but now we have a good combination of veterans with junior experience and young guys. I think this year we are ready to take the next step. We have a new coaching staff and new players. We are looking forward to the challenge and make the jump towards a championship.”

Defenseman Mason Henne and forward Auge Cisar also return to Exton for another season with the Huntsmen. Both want to maintain a strong work ethic to make this season a success. “It all starts with showing up on time and being ready to work,” says Henne. “Coach has been great so far, and we are working very hard so that it all pays off later in the season. We have a good core of returners, so we all know what’s expected and coach is doing a great job of leading us and getting us ready for the season.”

Cisar enjoyed training camp and spoke on the differences from year one to year two. “It’s way different than last year. There's a lot more skating this year with power skating and edge drills.” Cisar was a key factor in the success for the Huntsmen Premier Team and wants to continue the rise toward a championship. “We have a different team this year, we are welcoming in the new guys and trying to build chemistry on and off the ice. Both teams are practicing together right now which is nice, because you get the chance to talk to a bunch of people and be more connected like a family. We are having fun in the locker room and talking it up and getting to know each other. At the same time, we are also locked in and working hard, I want to win a championship this year and so does everyone else in the room.”

 New to the Huntsmen but not junior hockey are Hunter Atkinson and David Cook. Atkinson spent last season with the New Hampshire Avalanche and is looking for a new beginning. “Having a new start and a new coach is exciting, and the staff has been great,” says Atkinson. “Day one when I got here, they showed me around and took me through the facility. I talked with coach about hockey, and it’s been a good start so far.” David Cook spent last season with the Hershey Cubs in the USPHL. Cook didn't have to travel as far as Atkinson as he stays in state, but switches leagues. “Zach (Overholtzer) and Coach Progen have been very welcoming,” says Cook. “They made it feel like I’ve been here for a couple years, and my teammates are like that as well and I'm happy to be out there with them. I’m looking forward to a different level of competition. Training camp was great, and Coach Progen is very competitive, and I’d like to keep that competitive drive going the rest of the year. We are all excited to get the season started and looking for a successful year.”

By Joe Sindoni

Staff Writer

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