PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of defenseman Ethan Martini (‘00) from the Powell River Kings in exchange for future considerations.
Martini, 19, brings plenty of experience and grit to the Vees backend, spending the last three seasons in the BCHL and amassing 143 games between two different teams. The 6’6”, 209-pound defender played the majority of those games with the Trail Smoke Eaters, registering a goal and 10 assists for 11 points in 114 games while amassing 211 penalty minutes in that span.
The Trail, BC native split last season in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the BCHL, beginning his campaign with the Central Illinois Flying Aces where he played in 13 games, scoring a goal and adding a pair of assists for 3 points to go along with 71 penalty minutes before getting 29 games with the Kings, compiling 4 assists and 51 PIMs.
“Adding Ethan’s experience, size and physical mentality was something we couldn’t pass up on,” commented Vees Head Coach, General Manager and President Fred Harbinson, “We all know the grind in which the Interior Division has become and I look forward to helping Ethan take the next step with his game.”
Additionally, the Vees are pleased to announce defenseman Jonathan Smart (’99) has committed to the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds for the 2019/20 season.
Smart, 20, was acquired by the Vees at the January 10th Trade Deadline last season, playing in 13 games with Penticton while scoring a goal and adding two assists for three points after playing 216 games in the Western Hockey League. “We are excited for Jonathan to have used his time in Penticton to secure an opportunity to play college hockey,” Harbinson finished.
The Vees would like to welcome Ethan and his family to the organization as well as the South Okanagan and would like to wish Jonathan all the best in his new venture in university.
