PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees have acquired the playing rights to forward Nicholas DeGraves (’03) in a three-team trade involving the Trail Smoke Eaters and the Brooks Bandits in the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), the team announced Wednesday.
Nicholas Degraves Player Profile
The Vees traded forward Ethan Mann (’03) to the Smoke Eaters for forward Quinn Disher (’03). Penticton then traded Disher to Brooks, in exchange for the playing rights to DeGraves.
“It is always difficult to tweak your lineup when things are going well but the opportunity to add a player such as Nic was something we couldn’t pass up,” said Vees’ President, General Manager & Head Coach, Fred Harbinson. “Nic is a versatile player that also knows what it takes to be a champion.”
DeGraves, who is committed to Penn State, started the 2022-23 season with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the United States Hockey League (USHL). The 6’0, 170-pound forward posted eight points (1G, 7A) in 13 games with Waterloo. Prior to his time in the USHL, the 19-year-old spent two seasons with the Bandits in the AJHL. Last season with Brooks, the Edmonton, AB product won a AJHL championship and the 2022 Centennial Cup National Championship. DeGraves compiled 47 points (14G, 33A) in 53 regular season games and had another 10 points (1G, 9A) in 13 AJHL playoff games. At the Centennial Cup in Estevan, SK, DeGraves had nine points (2G, 7A) in six games, helping the Bandits capture their second consecutive National Championship.
DeGraves will travel to Penticton later this week and the team is hopeful he can make his debut Saturday against the West Kelowna Warriors.
Mann spent parts of two seasons with the Vees. This year, the Grafton, WI, product had 11 points (2G, 9A) in 19 games. Mann, who is committed to Wisconsin, had 30 points (14G, 16A) in 48 regular season games last season. He had another three points (1G, 2A) in 11 playoff games, helping the Vees capture the 2022 BCHL Fred Page Cup championship. In 67 career regular season games with the Vees, Mann amassed 41 points (16G, 25A).
“I can’t thank Ethan enough for the effort he gave in his time in Penticton.
He played a big role in our Championship run last season and our great start this year; he will always be a Vee,” said Harbinson.
The Vees would like to thank Ethan for his contributions to the team and in the community over the last two seasons and wish him all the best in his future endeavors with the Smoke Eaters.
The Vees annual Teddy Bear Toss, sponsored by Tim Hortons, is this Saturday, Dec. 3, versus the West Kelowna Warriors; puck drop is 7:00 pm. Tickets are just $17 for adults and $15 for seniors. Youth under 19 are free, courtesy of Peter’s Bros. Construction. Tickets are available at the Valley First box office at the SOEC, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com.
