PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is excited to announce forward Jack Bakker (’07) and defenceman Matt Biotti (’04) have committed to the team for the 2023-24 season, the team announced today.
“We are proud to have won each of these recruiting battles,” began President, General Manager & Head Coach, Fred Harbinson. “Jack and Matthew will be exciting players for our fans to watch and will allow our program to compete at the level we are accustomed to which is playing for a BCHL championship.”
Bakker, 15, currently plays for Delta Hockey Academy’s U18 Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). The Surrey, B.C., product has 15 points in 13 games this season. Bakker is tied for first on his team in goals with 11 and is fifth in points. Last season, Bakker played for the Burnaby Winter Club’s (BWC) U15 Prep team in the CSSHL. In 30 games, Bakker led BWC in goals (30) and points (51). Bakker was recently named to Team B.C.’s U16 roster for the 2023 Canada Winter Games, in Prince Edward Island next month.
Biotti, 18, is in his senior season at Belmont-Hill School in Belmont, MA. The 6’4, 180-pound defender has been limited to four games due to injury. He posted 18 points (5G, 13A) in 26 games as junior during the 2021-22 season. The right-hand shot defenceman is described as a smooth skater that plays a strong, two-way game. The Cambridge, MA, product has already solidified his college future, as he has committed to Harvard University.
The Vees organization would like to welcome Jack and Matt, along with their families, to Penticton and the South Okanagan.
The Vees are back home tonight, Jan. 14, versus the Cowichan Valley Capitals; puck drop is 6:00 pm. It’s “Faith Night,” sponsored by The Bumwrap. Tickets are available at the Valley First box office, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com
