Penticton Vees Gear Up for WHL Debut in 2025-26!

Hold on to your hats, hockey fans! The Penticton Vees are making headlines as they gear up for their first season in the Western Hockey League (WHL) in 2025-26. As part of the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, the Vees have successfully snagged a whopping 22 players, setting themselves up for a thrilling inaugural season!

Strategic Picks and Smart Trades!

In a masterstroke of strategy, the Vees selected one player each from 13 WHL clubs, while also executing trades with seven teams to bolster their roster. Notably, both the Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs were granted flexibility due to their advancement to the WHL Championship Series!

Meet the Newest Vees: A Closer Look at Their Star Talent!

The Vees’ roster now includes a mix of burgeoning talent ready to shine on the ice. Here’s the breakdown by position: **Goaltenders (4):** - Andrew Reyelts (Wenatchee Wild) - Jesse Sanche (Everett Silvertips) - Marek Schlenker (Portland Winterhawks) - Kaenan Smith (Edmonton Oil Kings) **Defensemen (7):** - Kalan Anderlini (Kamloops Blazers) - Sean Burick (Tri-City Americans) - Easton LaPlante (Calgary Hitmen) - Doogan Pederson (Red Deer Rebels) - Nolan Stevenson (Swift Current Broncos) - Morgan Tastad and Ethan Weber (Saskatoon Blades) **Forwards (11):** A talented lineup featuring players like Corban Almen (Regina Pats), Brady Birnie (Swift Current Broncos), and Wyatt Danyleyko (Victoria Royals) among others. What a lineup! These players are ready to make their mark in the WHL!

Trades That Shook the Draft!

The Vees have also made several calculated trades, including acquiring: - 2006-born forward Chase Valliant and 2008-born defender Easton LaPlante from the Calgary Hitmen. - 2006-born goaltender Jesse Sanche from the Everett Silvertips. - Multiple players and draft picks across key trades that bolstered their strategy for the expansion draft.

Ready for Action: What Lies Ahead for the Vees!

As they prepare for the 2025-26 WHL season, the Vees will be allowed to dress four 20-year-olds in their games. If they clinch the WHL Championship, they can only have three players aged 20 in the following Memorial Cup. The Vees have just 24 hours to finalize their selections and negotiate additional trades—talk about a thrilling time for Penticton!

What You Need to Know About the WHL!

The WHL is renowned as the premier development league for junior hockey, providing players a world-class experience focused on skill development and education. With 22 member clubs operating primarily in Canada and the U.S., the WHL has a storied history of nurturing talent for the NHL and ensuring players receive impactful educational opportunities.

As the Penticton Vees prepare for their historic debut, hockey fans are buzzing with excitement. It's time to rally behind this new team and watch them forge their path in the WHL!