The Penticton Vees are adding scoring depth to their roster ahead of the 2016-17 season. Tuesday, the team announced they’ve acquired forward Ryley Risling (96) from the Canmore Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), in a three team trade.
The Vees first acquired the playing rights to defenceman Brett Stewart (96) from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations. Then the Vees sent Stewart’s playing rights to the Canmore Eagles for Risling.
“Ryley has a track record of putting up points in Alberta and is another veteran piece we’re adding to our line-up. He, like others we’ve added recently, brings valuable experience to our club and that’s going to be crucial if we’re going to have a long and successful season,” said President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson.
Risling, 20, split last season between the AJHL and the United States Hockey League with the Waterloo Black Hawks. After returning to the Eagles, Risling was limited to just 15 games due to injury but still managed to average nearly a point per-game, picking up five goals and 14 points. In the 2014-15 season, the Medicine Hat, Alberta, product finished third in team scoring with 46 points in 54 regular season games. That season he led the team in goals (26) and tied for first in power-play markers (10). In 110 career games in the AJHL, Risling has compiled 36 goals and 70 points.
He also has international experience under his belt, as Risling suited up for Team Canada West at the 2014 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Kindersley, Saskatchewan. He played alongside Gabe Bast, Dante Fabbro, Demico Hannoun and Tyson Jost at that event.
Risling will soon arrive in Penticton for the Vees’ Main Camp at the SOEC, which starts next Monday, August 22nd.
Fans don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the 2017 Western Canada Cup (WCC) in person. Get your WCC packages today by phoning Laura Carleton in the Vees’ office at 250-493-VEES (8337), or email LauraCarleton@Shaw.ca
