The BCHL’s Wenatchee Wild are bringing back a familiar face for the 2021-22 season in forward and Scottsdale native Hunter Hastings.

During the 2018-19 season, he played a handful of games for the Wild, picking up three assists in 26 games. During the 2019-20 season, he returned to the Wild, grabbing 11 goals and six assists for 17 points in 54 regular-season games. During the playoffs that season, he had two assists in 14 games.

With Wenatchee not able to play during the 2020-21 season, Hastings joined the NAHL’s Minnesota Wilderness. During his time there, he collected two goals and an assist for three points in 10 games.

“Hunter is a strong skater who is very hard to play against,” Wild head coach Chris Clark said. “He also showed he will go to the tough areas to score some big goals for us during the 2019-20 season. He has a great passion for the game, and we are excited to have him back in Wenatchee. We look forward to continuing to help Hunter develop his game as he works to obtain a scholarship.”

Hastings is looking forward to getting back to work having normal practices, normal schedule, going to the rink every day and seeing what kind of group Wenatchee has. He touched on how the coaches always do a good job bringing in good players and how that’s definitely the case this year.

“We got a bunch of new guys from all over that look to be really good players and I think the fans will be excited to watch them come puck drop in October,” Hastings said.

Wenatchee director of scouting Leigh Mendelson touched on the return of Hastings to Wenatchee this season.

“Hunter has good vision on the ice and a strong shot,” Mendelson said. “His size and experience will give him some room on the ice as he continues to develop his game. Hastings has the physical tools to emerge as a power winger this season for the Wild, as he continues to develop towards being an NCAA player.”

Hastings talked about the type of player fans at the Town Toyota Center can expect to see out on the ice this season.

“I’m a big physical forward, like to throw the body, like to get pucks at the net, too, and contribute on offense,” Hastings said. “Just an energy player all over the ice, whatever it takes, blocking shots, hitting guys, getting on the forecheck, all that stuff.”

During his youth hockey days, Hastings skated for the Phoenix Firebirds and Arizona Bobcats.

The Wild start the 2021-22 BCHL regular season on Saturday, October 9 with a 7 p.m. PDT game in Penticton.

Photo/Damon James Photography

(September 20, 2021)