PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the leadership group for the 2019/20 season including naming forward David Silye team captain while forwards Jack Barnes and Jay O’Brien have been named assistant captains.
Silye, 20, is entering his fourth season in the BC Hockey League, coming off of career highs in goals, assists and points during the 2018/19 campaign. The 6’0”, 186-pound forward amassed 21 goals and 39 assists for 60 points during 54 games played last season with the Vees, joining the team after two seasons with the Nanaimo Clippers.
“It’s a great honour to be named captain of the Vees,” commented the Arnprior, Ontario native, “You see the names of previous captains and it makes it even more special knowing you’re adding to that legacy. I’ve seen and learnt a lot in my time in the league and having that experience will help me lead by example on and off the ice.”
“I am extremely pleased with the leadership options we had to choose from going into this season,” said Vees President, General Manager and Head Coach Fred Harbinson, “We have decided on three individuals that have the demeanor to lead this team through the good times as well as the challenging times.”
Barnes, 19, comes into his third season with the Vees, posting a career-high 9 goals and 10 assists for 19 points last season. The Penticton, BC native has played each of the last three seasons with the Vees, getting into 108 games including being one of three players to appear in each game during the 2018/19 season.
O’Brien, 20, makes his way to Penticton for his first season with the Vees but brings a wealth of experience with him. The Hingham, Massachusetts native played 25 games last season with Providence College in the NCAA while also being a part of Team USA at the World Junior Hockey Championship. O’Brien was the 19th overall selection of the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.
“David Silye, Jack Barnes and Jay O’Brien will do an outstanding job as the face of our team,” Harbinson continued, “All three players bring experience and a professional approach to the game. I look forward to working alongside this leadership group.”
The Vees begin a three-game home stretch on Wednesday night by hosting the West Kelowna Warriors for preseason action at the South Okanagan Events Centre. Puck drop is slated for 6:30 PM with tickets available for just $5.00 at the SOEC Box Office. If you can’t make it to the rink, the game will be broadcasted on HockeyTV.com with the Voice of the Vees, Trevor Miller.
