Injuries derailed Jensen but now all systems are GO!

The fans on the Peninsula are going to get to know Hunter Jensen in a big hurry when the Club opens their home schedule on Friday, September 7th as they welcome in the the Westshore Wolves for the back end of a home-and-home series. 

Jensen played last season with the Victoria Royals Major Midget team as a first-year player but it was not all fun and games.  In early October while playing in a league game in Kelowna, Jensen snapped his wrist and the injury forced him to the sidelines until January.  He finished the year and on the first weekend in April, he showed up at the Panthers' Spring Camp and over the three-day weekend, showed the staff that he belonged.  Jensen was signed on the Sunday of the camp and the squad could not be more pleased.

Coach Brad Tippett comments, "Hunter is developing what has become the new era defenseman  – where mobility and the ability to move the puck up the ice precisely are valued above brawn and size. The NHL comparison in style would be a Scott Niedermayer type defenseman who also had a great ability to anticipate and read the play. Where a lot of players have to get ready, Hunter always seems to have his body in the ready position."

"I honestly believe he is the most underrated player in Greater Victoria and maybe on the Island," explained Pete Zubersky.  He was banged up for most of last year after coming out of Bantam and I don't think too many people know much about him.  He reminds me a bit of the Tate Coughlin situation a few years ago.  Tate was 16 and the Major Midget brass did not feel he was a top-end player.  We felt differently and signed him the day before our opener that season. He had a couple goals and a helper in his first game and did not look back.  And he parlayed a great year into making the Kelowna Rockets of the WHL the next season.  Hunter will not put up huge numbers from the back end but this kid is a player and more importantly, he is an awesome person."

Jensen began playing hockey in the Saanich Minor Hockey Association at the age of six and was often on the same team as fellow Panthers' player David Edgar.  He came to the Panthers' camp in April of 2017 and although he was too young to play in the VIJHL, Panthers brass were able to identify him as somebody they wanted in the Organization.  Jensen played in several exhibition games prior to joining the Royals and clearly did not disappoint.  He is very understated off the ice but the opposite is true when the puck is dropped.

Jensen in his usual low key manner responded when asked about the upcoming season, his first on the Junior circuit, "My wrist is now healthy and I feel great.  I am super excited to get this season going."

Jensen remained busy throughout the summer attending several Junior A camps as well as playing a season of Lacrosse.  But his focus is now clearly on the Panthers' season, one in which he will play a big part.

The Panthers open their exhibition season on August 24th in  the friendly confines of the Panorama Recreation Centre.  For full schedule information, click on the schedule button on the home page.