Two Vees Commit to NCAA Schools

Press Release

PENTICTON, BC–The Penticton Vees Hockey Club is pleased to announce Wade Murphy (93) and Sam Mellor (92) have both committed to NCAA schools next season. Murphy has committed to the University of North Dakota, and Mellor has announced his commitment to Western Michigan University.

Murphy and Mellor sit first and second in team scoring through four games this season. Murphy leads the Vees in goals (3), assists (4), and points (7); Mellor is closely behind with two goals and five points.

Murphy, 19, split the 2011-2012 season between the Vees and Victoria Grizzlies. In 60 regular season games last season, Murphy recorded 36 and 91 points. Mellor, 20, played NCAA hockey last season at the University of Alaska-Anchorage. As a freshman, Mellor collected four goals and 9 points in 33 games. Prior to college, Mellor played two seasons in the BCHL with the Trail Smoke Eaters, compiling 61 goals and 130 points.

“As an organization we are very happy for both Wade and Sam; both are elite players who were recruited by many great programs,” commented Vees Head Coach & GM Fred Harbinson. “North Dakota and Western Michigan are adding two dynamic forwards.”

North Dakota plays in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA), and won seven National Championships and 15 Conference titles. NoDAK is one of the most decorated programs in college hockey and has been running since 1946. Recent Vees alumni, Mark MacMillan and Brendan O’Donnell are entering their sophomore seasons with North Dakota.

Western Michigan Broncos are a member of the Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA) and have been a member of NCAA Division l hockey since 1974. The Broncos have made 4 NCAA Tournament appearances and have one CCHA Conference title. Former NHL Head Coach, Andy Murray took over as the Broncos bench boss last season.

(Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)