It’s hard to see players from a championship squad leave. Even harder is the task to replace and rebuild a roster when major pieces find new homes. The Hershey Bears have passed this difficult test so far in 2023-24, with new faces fitting in seamlessly. Every man has played his part well, but one in particular is thriving in Hershey: forward Jimmy Huntington. He’s not only contributed well offensively, but has taken on a leadership role in Hershey.
Filling in For Mo
Hershey lost a heart-and-soul type player over the summer in Mason Morelli. After three seasons with the Bears, Morelli earned a contract from the Vegas Golden Knights. He was an essential part of the Calder Cup team that brought so much to the table. Not only has Huntington put up numbers in similar ways, he’s become a player who leads by example.
“Even if he’s not on the score sheet, if we’re not playing the way we’re supposed to be, he drags us back into the fight,” head coach Todd Nelson said of Huntington. “Just through hard work, being vocal on the bench. He’s one of those character guys who gives that effort night-in and night-out. Happy that he got rewarded with two goals tonight, a big one to get us into overtime.”
“He’s a solid hockey player for us. He kills penalties, he’s on the power play, plays a 200-foot game. He’s our Mason Morelli this year.”
Hungry, Hungry Huntington
Huntington had a unique path to his position on this Hershey squad. He played for the Milwaukee Admirals team that was defeated by the Coachella Valley Firebirds before their matchup with the Bears last summer. Four of his six points in the postseason were during that series against the Firebirds, which went six games. It took the Bears seven games and then some in overtime to lift their 12th Calder Cup title. It’s a chance for Huntington to take the next step in his career on a loaded team.
“This is the best team I’ve ever been on, at least on paper,” Huntington said at the start of the season. “I’m happy to be here and hoping to be a part of a special group.”
He’s off to a great start in Hershey. A two-goal effort in Hershey’s game on January 28 broke his previous best for goals in a single season with ten. His last goal also served as his 100th point at the AHL level and was a big one to tie the game late. Eight more points will match his output last season at 28 points in 51 games. There’s plenty of room for him to reach that mark and even eclipse it. His plus-13 mark reflects his effectiveness on the ice, tied for fourth on the team in that category.
Roaring Down the Stretch
It figures to be an important stretch for Huntington and the Bears, who embark on a lengthy road trip in February. It’s going to be a test, and although the Bears have passed plenty of those so far, the variety of locations should prove to be difficult. One of those tests brings Huntington back to his hometown of Laval when the Bears visit the Rocket on February 21. His leadership will be important to keeping the Bears focused, and playing in front of friends and family will be a nice bonus on the trip.
Huntington will look to make another deep playoff run with a strong Bears club. He’s become a fan favorite in Hershey early on, and is filling his role to perfection so far.
