FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, May 27th, 2014
VEES ADD PAIR OF EAST COAST DEFENSEMEN
PENTICTON, BC –The Penticton Vees are pleased to announce the commitments of two excellent defencemen, Mike Lee & Connor Russell, to the organization for the upcoming 2014-15 season. Both players are coming from top US Prep School programs and are expected to be strong additions to the team D-corps.
Mike Lee (96) is a 6’0” 170pound defenseman that lead the Gunnery School to a league title, before bowing out in overtime to Salisbury in the New England final. Vees’ staff is very impressed with Mike’s vision, calm demeanor with the puck and smooth skating style. Blessed with very good offensive instincts, he is expected to be a strong two-way d-man for the Vees. Mike’s potential is obvious, and the future University of Vermont Catamount was rated 156th in the final NHL Central Scouting draft ratings (for the 2014 draft).
Connor Russell (96) is a 6’2” 190pound defenseman that played at Northwood Prep School. Based in Lake Placid, NY, Northwood Prep has produced many strong BCHL players in recent years. Connor came to the attention of the Vees’ coaching staff as they were evaluating a top forward prospect that he was playing against; that forward was challenged every time he stepped on the ice by this hard playing, defensive D-man. Connor practiced with the Vees for a week during the regular season, and again impressed at last weekend’s spring camp.
Vees President, Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson on the two commitments, “Many junior teams recruited Mike, and we are very excited he chose to be a Vee. Connor flew somewhat under the radar, but we believe he has the potential to be an excellent shut-down defenseman in the BCHL. A key recruiting objective was to build a better puck moving D-corps, and we believe we have clearly done so…..we expect the 2014-15 Vees will be a very exciting team to watch.”
The Vees are pleased to welcome Mike and Connor to the team and the South Okanagan.
CONTACT: FRASER RODGERS
Director of Broadcasting & Media Relations
FraserRodgers@gmail.com / (250) 809-1390
