Thursday, March 15, 2012

VEES LAND TWO OF PREP HOCKEY’S BEST

Press Release sent to The World of Junior Hockey

Penticton, BC- The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitment of two highly sought after Minnesota Prep hockey recruits for 2012-13 season.

Zach Stepan and Noah Henry from the prestigious Shuttuck-St. Mary’s Prep School will suit up for the Vees next fall.

Stepan, 17, is a top prospect for the 2012 NHL Entry Draft in Pittsburgh, as he is ranked 44th amongst North American Skaters in the Mid Term Rankings by NHL Central Scouting. Stepan, a center, is described as having a good shot with great vision and excels at distributing the puck. His numbers from this season echo the scouting report, as through 42 games, he has 18 goals and 56 points with the Sabres. The Wisconsin native is set to join the Ohio State Buckeyes in the fall of 2013.

“It speaks volumes for the BCHL and the Vees organization that a player of Zach’s stature has picked Penticton for his next stop in his hockey development,” Commented Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson.

Stepan says the Vees are a proven team and their success speaks for its’ self, “It’s one of the top programs in junior hockey, the winning this year and in years past, plus their track record for developing players stands out.”

Henry, also 17, will be a key piece to the Vees defensive core for next fall. Henry brings a well-balanced mix of size and speed to the blue-line. The rear-guard brings an offensive punch too, with 29 points in 49 games, which is third best amongst Sabres defenseman. Henry is described as a smooth-skating defenseman, who doesn’t shy away from the high traffic areas. Those attributes have resulted in heavy NCAA interest, as Henry is being pursued by several top Division I programs.

“Henry continues the long line of strong skating defenseman the Vees have had over the years” Commented Harbinson. “He will be an integral part of our teams’ defensive depth next season.”

For Noah Henry, it’s about what the program offers, “I felt really comfortable with everything, the coaching staff, the topnotch facility and the city is great as well. Coach Harbinson and his staff made me feel at ease and I am really excited for the chance to play for a great organization.”

The Penticton Vees Jr. Hockey Club is excited to welcome both Zach and Noah to the organization next fall.

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

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