Penticton, BC: The Penticton Vees announced today that assistant coach Jason Becker has accepted a new position as the head coach of the midget prep team at St. George’s School in Vancouver, and former Vees captain Patrick Sexton has been hired as an assistant coach.
Becker, from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, spent three seasons on the Vees bench after being hired ahead of the 2016-17 season. He was mainly responsible for the Vees defence and penalty kill.
He joined the Vees after two seasons at the Okanagan Hockey Academy and four years with the Prince George Cougars of the Western Hockey League.
“Jason has been a great asset to our program and myself these last three seasons,” said Vees head coach, general manager and president Fred Harbinson. “Our mandate is to provide opportunities not only for our players, but also for our staff to enhance their careers. This move gives Jason an opportunity to run his own program and we wish him the best of luck in doing so.”
Sexton, from Ottawa, Ontario, recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin where he attended upon finishing his junior hockey career. Sexton played five seasons of junior hockey, three in Ontario and the final two in Penticton.
With the Vees, Sexton scored four goals and 17 assists in 103 career games from the blue line. He was the captain of the 2014-15 Vees championship team and is perhaps best known for his game-winning goal in game seven against the Vernon Vipers.
“Patrick was the quintessential Vee when he wore our jersey and I’m confident he will bring that same attitude and passion to our coaching staff,” Harbinson said. “I felt it was important at this time to bring an alum onto our staff, and an alum that understands what it takes on a day-to-day basis to win in our league. Paddy will be well respected by our players, as he accomplished what they set out to do in our program.”
The Vees would like to congratulate Becker on his new position and wish him the best of luck moving forward, while also welcoming Sexton back to the organization.
