Photo: NHL
PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees had three players selected on Day Two of the 2023 NHL Draft in Nashville, TN, on Thursday.
Thursday started with forward Aydar Suniev (’04) being selected by the Calgary Flames in the third round, 80thoverall. The 18-year-old put up big numbers this past season, as he amassed 45 goals and 90 points in 50 regular season games. Suniev finished third in BCHL scoring and was named to the B.C. Hockey League All-Rookie Team and was a First Team All-Star as well. He was the top scoring rookie in the BCHL, and his 45 goals was tied with teammate Bradly Nadeau for the league lead. He also finished second in power play goals with 17. Suniev added 23 points in 15 playoff games, as he helped the Vees secure their second-straight BCHL Fred Page Cup championship. Suniev is committed to the University of Massachusetts.
Suniev said in his interview with the BCHL it’s a dream come true, “Watching [Bradly] get drafted yesterday by Carolina, then hearing my name today, it’s been amazing. I’m honoured to be a part of the Calgary Flames.”
Incoming defenceman Larry Keenan (’05) was taken by the Detroit Red Wings in the 4th round, 117th overall. The 18-year-old played at Culver Military Academy in Culver, Indiana, in 2022-23. The Midhurst, ON, product had a standout season on the blue line, as he was his team’s top scoring defenceman 37 points in 49 games. Keenan finished third in scoring on Culver’s Prep team. The 6’3, 186-pound defenceman spent the past two seasons playing U.S. High School Prep hockey and is also committed to the University of Massachusetts.
Forward recruit Ryan MacPherson had his name called in the 6th round, 172nd overall, by the Philadelphia Flyers. He and his twin brother Connor are set to join the Vees this fall after two seasons with the Leamington Flyers in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL). Ryan finished second in team scoring behind twin Connor, with 61 points in 49 regular season games. He was named the GOJHL Western Top Defensive Forward this past season. Ryan led Leamington in playoff scoring with 38 points in 24 games, helping guide the Flyers to a GOJHL championship. He also was an Alternate Captain. Ryan and his brother Connor are committed to the University of New Hampshire.
Forward Josh Nadeau has been invited to Carolina’s Development Camp, and Connor MacPherson will attend Philadelphia’s Development Camp. Dates will be announced in the coming days.
Including Bradly Nadeau going in the first round to the Carolina Hurricanes on Wednesday, the Vees had four players taken in the 2023 NHL Draft. Nine BCHL players in total were drafted over the two-day event.
