Photo credit: Garrett James
Penticton, BC: The Penticton Vees Junior ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the acquisition of 20-year-old forward Eric Linell from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations in a multi-team deal. In the move, 18-year-old forward Sammy Steele goes from Penticton to Nanaimo for future considerations.
Linell, from Great Neck, New York, is in his second BCHL season after being a member of the Coquitlam Express in 2017-18. Linell was far and away the leading scorer on the Express last season, recording 46 points in 58 games. His 28 goals were more than double that of his next closest teammate.
This season Linell has skated in nine games with the Eagles scoring five goals and six assists. He scored Surrey’s only goal in Penticton’s 4-1 win over the Eagles at the Bauer BCHL Showcase September 20. In total, Linell’s BCHL career has seen him score 33 goals with 24 assists in 67 games. He comes to Penticton with an NCAA scholarship to the University of Connecticut.
Steele, from Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, played in all seven games for the Vees so far this season, being held pointless. The Vees wish him the best with the Clippers.
Linell will wear number five and will be in the lineup Friday when the Vees host the Vernon Vipers at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
