The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club have landed an offensive threat from the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL). The Vees have acquired forward, Chris Gerrie (96), from the Olds Grizzlys in exchange for defenseman, Jarod Hilderman (97).
Gerrie, who turned 19 in May, spent the past two seasons in the AJHL and led the Grizzlys in scoring this past season with 25 goals and 61 points in 59 regular season games; those 61 points were sixth-best in the AJHL. The Red Deer, Alberta, native had a breakout rookie campaign two years ago as he was The AJHL’s Rookie of the Year in 2013-2014 after scoring 18 goals and compiling 54 points in 60 games. Gerrie also garnered national recognition as he was named the CJHL Co-Rookie of the Year. Gerrie is another significant addition upfront for the Vees for next fall. He is committed to play collegiate hockey at Michigan Tech University after his junior career wraps up. Gerrie joins new teammates Demico Hannoun and Mitch Newsome as future Michigan Tech Huskies.
Hilderman, 18, played two seasons in Vees blue after coming to the team from Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan. Hilderman broke into the BCHL as a 16-year-old two seasons ago, collecting eight points in 45 regular season games while patrolling the blue-line; he had another three points in 11 playoff games. This season, the Minnesota-Duluth commitment had six assists in 49 regular season games. In the post-season, he scored once and finished with seven points in 32 playoff games, helping the Vees capture the Fred Page Cup and Western Canada Cup. Hilderman also played on Team West at the CJHL Top Prospects game in January.
The Vees organization would like to thank Jarod for his two years with the team and wish him all the best in his future with the Grizzlys. The team would also like to welcome Chris to Penticton and the South Okanagan.
