TRIO OF REILLY BROTHERS JOIN THE VEES FAMILY

Press Release

TRIO OF REILLY BROTHERS JOIN THE VEES FAMILY PENTICTON, BC – The Penticton Vees are thrilled to announce the addition of three dynamic hockey player to the club, who all happen to be brothers.

Connor, Ryan, and Mike Reilly of Chanhassen, Minnesota have all committed to joining the Penticton Vees for the 2011-2012 season.

“It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to add three quality players such as Connor, Ryan, and Mikey.” Stated Vees Head Coach and General Manager Fred Harbinson. “I am very excited that I will be able to help develop these three brothers for the University of Minnesota.”

Twins Connor and Ryan - who will play as 20-year-olds this season - both suited up with the Sioux Falls Stampede in the USHL, while Mike - the youngest of the three entering his 18-years-old season – skated at Shattuck St. Mary’s High School in Minnesota. 20-year-old twins Connor and Ryan are both forwards, while Mike is a defenseman. Connor finished third in team scoring this past season with 14 goals and 25 assists in 60 games for the Sioux Falls Stampede, while Ryan added 14 points in 42 games played.

The Vees have had great success with former USHL players in recent years, with Derik Johnson and Bo Dolan as examples of players who left and came to play big roles for the Vees.

Mike Reilly had an exceptional season with the National Champions at Shattuck St. Mary’s, posting nearly a point per game as a defender. Mike finished with 48 points in 54 games, and is rated 52nd among North American skaters by NHL Central Scouting for the upcoming June NHL Entry Draft.

Mike is just the latest in a stream of talented kids to join the Vees from the state of Minnesota. Joey Benik, the BCHL’s leading rookie goal scorer last season, played high school hockey in Minnesota two seasons ago.

The Vees would like to offer Ryan, Connor, and Mike Reilly a warm welcome to the organization, and the City of Penticton.

(Nathan can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)