Penticton, BC: The Penticton Vees are proud to announce that 1997-born forward Ben Allen has committed to the University of Alabama-Huntsville Chargers for next season.
Allen, from Allen, Texas, is in his final year of junior hockey and first with the Vees. In five games this season Allen has recorded two goals and an assist. Last season, Allen spent time with the Fort MacMurray Oil Barons of the Alberta Junior Hockey League and the Battlefords North Stars of the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League. Allen helped Battleford win the SJHL’s Canalta Cup, scoring 13 points in 12 playoff games.
He then appeared in all five games for the North Stars at the Western Canada Cup in Penticton, scoring once. For his efforts, Allen was named to the SJHL’s All-Rookie Team.
“Ben is off to a great start and has earned an opportunity to further his career at Alabama-Huntsville,” Vees head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson said. “Ben is one of the smartest players we’ve had play here in Penticton and will be a great addition to the Chargers program.”
Allen becomes the 17th player on the Vees roster to receive an NCAA Division I scholarship, and is the first Vee to commit to Alabama-Huntsville since Brennan Barker (2005-06).
