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NEWS: McDonald Commits To American International College

PHOTO: Cherie Morgan/Cherie Morgan Photography

PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is pleased to announce forward Casey McDonald (’01) has committed to American International College (AIC) for the 2022/23 season.

McDonald, 20, has been one of the most consistent performers for the Vees over the course of the season, potting 9 goals and 8 assists for 17 points in 21 games played throughout the campaign. The 6’1”, 186-pound forward has done much of his while 5-on-5, collecting 14 of his 17 points while being at even strength.

The Plenty, Saskatchewan native brings plenty of junior hockey experience to Penticton having played the last two seasons with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The 6’1”, 186-pound forward skated in 83 career regular season games with the Force, scoring 9 goals and adding 17 assists for 26 points during that span while McDonald played in 8 playoff games with Fargo.

“I’m super excited to join the AIC family,” mentioned McDonald, “The school checked off all the right boxes for me and I can’t wait to get started.”

McDonald will head to AIC and join former Vees forward Darwin Lakoduk and defenseman Nico Somerville, who joined the school a season ago. The Yellow Jackets are manned by Eric Lang, who is at the helm for 6th season. AIC plays out Springfield, Massachusetts and the Atlantic Hockey Conference, playing their home games at the MassMutual Center.

The Vees (19-2-0-1) host the Vernon Vipers (6-11-3-3) on Friday night at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Puck drop is slated for 7:00 PM as the Vees turn back the clock on Retro Night as the Cannery Brewing will be holding a Happy Hour tasting from 6:00 – 7:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase at the Valley First Box Office at the SOEC as well as online at ValleyFirstTix.com. The game will also be broadcasted on Bounce Radio 800 as well as streamed on BCHLTV.ca beginning with the pre-game show at 6:40 PM.

Friday will also be a Night For Neil as the Vees honour local businessman Neil Jamieson with a pre-game ceremony. Jamieson will become the 16th member of the Ring of Honour as well as a ceremonial puck drop taking place ahead of the game. Fans are encouraged to get to their seats early to catch all of the festivities.