After a season filled with success, shattered records, and a league title, the ice Panthers look to carry the momentum from last season to this season.  The team has hit the ice many times already in preparation for its opener against Sycamore Friday, November 11th.

Team captain Ron Larkin sat down with The Quill for an exclusive interview.

“The squad looks good.  Obviously had a good season last year, looking to carry on and finish my hockey career in the same way.”

Larkin was named Cincinnati’s winter sports athlete of the year.  Due to last year’s winning of the division and this off-ice acknowledgment, the Panthers find themselves with a target on their backs.

“I think we’ll do just fine under pressure.  We did last year when no one thought we could win.  Best believe we’ll turn some heads again this year,” commented Larkin.

Also with a few comments on this upcoming season was junior Jacob Henn.

“The team chemistry is going to carry us this year.  We had a few hiccups in the locker room my freshman year, but last year and this year there’s just a great atmosphere in the locker room and everyone is involved.  It’s not even just at hockey, we get hyped to see each other in the cheering sections and we spend a lot of time together both on and off the ice.”

Sophomore Matt Larkin, who found himself in a neck brace following opening weekend last season had a few comments for this year’s squad as well.

“It’s real simple, we’re going to win the division again, and make history with Elder’s first state playoff win come February.  Pay close attention to the twitter page that gives locker room access and provides updates as to how our season is going.  Be sure to follow it up and come out and support us as we go win another championship.”

With the growing hype for the hockey program, alongside the twitter page’s countdown to puck drop, the Panthers have a video to keep the fans anxious for the puck drop coming this Friday at Sports Plus against the Sycamore Aviators.