There is an energy around the Palmer hockey team that has the Terrors hopeful for a return to the playoffs.

Coming off a four-win (one by forfeit) campaign last season, it promises to be a fresh start under new coach Kevin Moore and a team welcoming players from the Pikes Peak Academy, the Tesla center, Vista Ridge and Woodland Park, and others returning to the program after a couple of years away.

That mix of old and new has the Terrors talking about turning around their program.

The season begins statewide Tuesday, and Palmer opens at Pueblo County on Dec. 3.

“Our coach is really pushing us to get better every day,” senior Matt Barr said. “Our younger guys have really developed and the new players have added to our talent. We are hopeful for a much better season.”

Once of those new faces is a familiar one in goalie Caleb Espinoza, who will play lacrosse for Cleveland State next fall. His enthusiasm is infectious in the Palmer locker room while his Division I athletic ability gives him a chance to contribute to the Terrors.

“It was such a great opportunity to play for my school and I couldn’t pass up the chance to play a sport I have always enjoyed,” Espinoza said.

Now, it’s a matter of blending into a competitive team. Senior forward Cameron Groff is confident they will be ready.

“It is different when you don’t see the other players at school, but we’re all high school kids,” he said. “We all have that in common.”

The usual suspects – Lewis-Palmer, Cheyenne Mountain and Doherty – were most often listed by area coaches as regional contenders in a wide-open Peak Conference race that will also feature defending league champ Mountain Vista.

Doherty has a number of former depth players stepping into leadership roles while Lewis-Palmer lost a lot of scoring to graduation. The Rangers do have goalies Marcus Smith and Noah Vanderbeck back.

The Indians may be deeper than years past.

The Kadets are coached again by longtime bench boss Dave Meisinger. Air Academy lost a lot to graduation and will rely on its defense. Rampart returns dynamic junior forward Gavin Johnston and a good sophomore class.

State runner-up Monarch, Regis Jesuit, Ralston Valley and defending champion Cherry Creek from the Denver-area Foothills Conference are expected to battle for the state title.

Palmer is just worried about getting back to the playoffs and enjoying itself along the way.

“(The potential) is quite exciting,” said senior Trey Aragon of Vista Ridge. “I like what the new players bring onto the team and our younger guys have really developed.”