Jensen looks to shine on defence and in the classroom

September 8th, 2020
North Saanich, B.C.

Hunter Jensen was on the radar of the Peninsula Panthers long before he was signed two years ago as a 16-year-old rookie.  Jensen had attended the Panthers Spring Identification Camp as a 15-year-old and the Club had a plan to affiliate with him, get him into practices and games and then sign him the following year.  But things went sideways in a big way.  A couple weeks into the season Jensen was affiliated with another team in the VIJHL, much to the surprise of Head Coach Brad Tippett and GM Pete Zubersky.

"We really loved the youngster and his parents and we felt pretty good after that Camp," remembered Zubersky.

"And we were shocked to see that in September and early in the season he was affiliated with another Club.  But people change their minds and so we moved on."

It was a big surprise when the following Spring, Jensen's application came in the mail for the Spring Camp.  The Panthers ran a Thursday ice before the Camp for any of the players signed up for the Camp to get some of the rust out.  Jensen showed up.

"It was yet another surprse when I saw him come into the Panorama," explained the GM.

"I spoke with him during the ice slot and he said he really wanted to play here on the Peninsula.  It was certainly confusing but we were excited that he was showing some interest once again."

The Camp went on and two 16-year-olds on defence looked great, Jensen and Matt Seale. Unfortunately due to BC Hockey rules, the Panthers only had room for one of them and they spoke to Jensen and his family first.  They could not believe that they had been AP'ed by the other Club and had absolutely no idea.  And they too were surprised that there had been no contact with the Panthers.

Zubersky explained the situation.  "It looked like Jensen had been locked up by another Club without him even knowing.  We did not think much of that but it all worked out.  Jensen has been just as we expected the past two seasons and now he is really ready to take on a leadership role on the back end for the Club.  It has all worked out.  Jenny is a smart kid and a top student and so he will continue to shine in University and on the ice." 

Seale was signed by the Panthers as a 17-year-old last season. 

Jensen, the soft spoken defencement, had some interesting thoughts on the previous campaign and what this season might look like...

"Last season was unbelievable for us. I thought we were the best team in the league and had a good shot at winning the championship. 
 
During the playoffs last year I felt very good about my play, and I was really gaining confidence. It was disappointing to have the season end so abruptly, but I plan to bring that same confidence with me into this season.  
 
This season we plan to pick up from where we left off, and come out strong. The young players we have coming in look very talented and I’m confident this season will be another good year for the Panthers. 
 
My goal for this year is to be a top two defensemen on the team, alongside Matt Seale. As a team, we want to finish what we started last season and win a championship.
 
This year, I am beginning University at UVic, so I’m grateful to play for the Panthers so I have the opportunity to study and play hockey."

Jensen's Bench Boss thinks the world of him.  Tippett was a four-year student-athlete at Michigan where he was the Captain of the NCAA Division 1 Woverines Hockey Club and he more than anyone in the VIJHL believes in Education and Sports working hand-in-hand.

"Sometimes I have to remind myself that Hunter is only 18 years old.  After a conversation you come away thinking you were speaking with a Physics Professor.  It is then easier to understand why he plays with poise and great decision-making on the ice.  When you add the game passion that he plays with it is easy to see how he carved a spot out for himself as a 16-year-old defenseman.  We have watched him mature over the last couple of years.  Early on he would beat himself up when he made a mistake –almost too accountable.  Now he just takes the experience and learns from it. He is a player you only have to tell something once. We have had a lot of exciting goals and plays and yes even fights since I have been here.  I rarely have seen the bench erupt like it did when Hunter scored his first goal – top shelf in Campbell River.  That tells you a lot about how much respect he has in our dressing room."

Jensen and his mates will open up at home either September 25th or October 2nd against the Victoria Cougars.