Few organizations in the Delaware Valley Hockey League have experienced the momentum of the Central Penn Panthers over the past several seasons. What began nearly four decades ago has evolved into one of Central Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing youth hockey organizations, fueled by a commitment to player development, outstanding coaching, and a family-first culture.

Under the leadership of Club Owner Ray Ferry and President Wil Younger, the Panthers enter the 2026–27 season with 14 teams spanning every age division from 8U through 18U and more than 200 players proudly wearing the Panthers sweater. Growth has been remarkable—more than 121% per season over the past several seasons—but the organization’s focus hasn’t changed.

“Our goal has never simply been to build more teams. It’s to build better hockey players, better teammates, and better young people.”
— Wil Younger, Club President

Built for Competition

The Panthers expect to be competitive from top to bottom this season.

With teams competing throughout the DVHL, MAHA at the AA level, and supplemental schedules in the EJEPL and ECEL, Central Penn continues to provide players with meaningful competition while maintaining its developmental philosophy.

Several teams enter the season with high expectations, including the 12U AA, 14U AA, 16U AA, and 18U AA programs, all of which possess the talent and depth to challenge for league championships. Just as importantly, the organization’s B- and A-level teams continue to grow stronger each year, reflecting the depth of talent and coaching throughout the club.

Culture Comes First

Ask anyone associated with the Panthers what separates the organization from others, and the answer is almost always the same—culture.

Players support one another regardless of age level. Coaches collaborate instead of competing internally. Families become lifelong friends. Success on the ice is celebrated, but character, accountability, and respect remain the foundation of the program.

The Panthers believe development extends well beyond wins and losses.

“We want every player who leaves our organization to be a better teammate, a better competitor, and a better person than when they started,” Younger says. “If we accomplish that, everything else tends to follow.”

Leadership Behind the Bench

One of Central Penn’s greatest strengths continues to be its coaching staff.

The organization has assembled a group of experienced coaches, and our staff has guys who have played everything from beer league to professionally. They share a common philosophy while bringing unique perspectives to player development. Collaboration between coaches across every age level creates consistency throughout the club and helps ensure every Panther receives the same attention to detail, regardless of team assignment.

That consistency has become one of the organization’s hallmarks.

Setting the Standard

As Head Coach of the Panthers’ 18U AA team, Younger expects his group to play a fast, disciplined, hard-working style of hockey.

The identity is simple:

Compete every shift.
Play for one another.
Never quit.

Rather than relying on individual stars, the Panthers believe their strength lies in their collective depth.

“We want to be difficult to play against every single shift,” Younger says. “If our opponents leave the rink saying they had to earn ice, then we’re playing Panther hockey.”

The team’s success will ultimately be determined by consistency, accountability, and commitment to playing as one unit for all 51 minutes.

Looking Ahead

The Panthers understand that success brings expectations. After becoming one of the region’s fastest-growing organizations, maintaining those standards becomes the next challenge.

Yet within the organization, those expectations are embraced.

The vision remains clear: continue developing players for the next level while providing an experience families are proud to be part of.

When asked how he hopes the Panthers will be remembered once the season concludes, Younger doesn’t mention championships.

Instead, he offers something bigger.

“When the 2026–27 season is over, I hope people say the Central Penn Panthers competed the right way, developed outstanding young people, represented the DVHL, the Panthers, and youth hockey with class.”

Central Penn Panthers at a Glance
Home Rink: Regency Sportsrink (Lancaster, PA)
Club President: Wil Younger
Teams: 14
Players: 200+
Established: 1987 and reestablished 2010

2025–26 Highlights

121% annual organizational growth over the past several seasons
EJEPL 10U Gold League Champions
Multiple DVHL playoff teams
Several tournament Championships and Finalists
Continued expansion across every age level

Fast Five

Strength: Culture and development
Challenge: Sustaining excellence while continuing to grow
Player to Watch: Watch the Panthers as a team—their depth is their greatest weapon.
Most Anticipated Matchup: Every DVHL weekend. There are no easy games.
One Word for 2026–27: Opportunity