Friday, June 28, 2013

Vees Add Two 'Tenders

Press Release

PENTICTON, BC– The Penticton Vees Jr. ‘A’ Hockey Club is pleased to announce the commitments of goaltenders Olivier Mantha (93) and  Hunter Miska (95) for the upcoming 2013-2014 season.

Mantha, 20, spent the past three seasons playing college hockey in Quebec at Laflèche College in Trois-Rivières.Mantha appeared in 75 games for the Dragons and was named a league All-Star in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons. The La Tuque, Quebec product was second in the Quebec college hockey circuit in save-percentage this past season, and also received a student-excellence award in 2012 while earning a science diploma. Mantha was a standout at the Vees Spring Camp in late May, where he made a lasting impression on the Vees coaches and scouts.

Miska, 18, comes to Penticton via the US National Development Team (USNTDP) based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The North Branch, Minnesota native played for both the Under-17 and Under-18 teams in his two years with the USNTDP. Miska has had the unique opportunity of already facing junior and college hockey competition. The U-18 program plays in the United States Hockey League (USHL) and also frequently plays exhibition games against NCAA Division l programs.

Miska has been on the international stage, as he won silver in Sochi, Russia in April with Team USA at the Under-18 World Hockey Championships. Miska also picked up a silver medal at the 2012 World U-17 Hockey Challenge in Windsor, Ontario.

The entire Vees organization welcomes Olivier and Hunter to the team and the South Okanagan. Don’t forget to check-out the recently released 2013-2014 regular season schedule on the Vees website at www.pentictonvees.ca. The Vees home opener is Friday, September 27th, when they host the Merritt Centennials. 

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

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