That’s a wrap for the season.
The Penticton Vees wrapped up their 2020-21 BC Hockey League campaign hosting the Cranbrook Bucks and the Trail Smoke Eaters in the Penticton bubble.
The team from the Peach City saw itself finish the season strong with a winning streak of nine games. The month of May alone saw the Vees outscore their opponents 16-3 in four games. The team finished the season with an 18-1-0-1 record, which was tops in the BCHL and two points better than the Surrey Eagles.
Luc Wilson led the team in scoring with 14 goals and 15 assists for 29 points which put him tied for fourth in the entire league. Not far behind Wilson’s 29 points was rookie Jacob Quillan, who had 27 points. Quillan was tied for third-best for a rookie in the BCHL.
NHL Draft prospect and Vees captain Finlay Williams skated in 15 games while picking up 18 points for the season. In net, the Vees got strong goaltending from Kaeden Lane, who went 15-1-0 with a .951 save percentage, a 1.13 goals-against-average, and five shutouts along the way.
As for silverware, the Vees racked a few up in the Penticton pod. The most valuable player was Lane. The Burnaby native finished first in all major goaltending categories in the BCHL while finishing the season on a 10-game winning streak, which also earned him the top goalie of the pod award.
The @BCHockeyLeague handed out awards for the Penticton Pod today with Kaeden Lane, Jacob Quillan and Luc Wilson taking home hardware!
DETAILS 📝 | https://t.co/sHvtEXrWDG#BCHL pic.twitter.com/3ZRou9ERCZ
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) May 20, 2021
The top rookie award went to Quillan. He led all freshmen in scoring in the Penticton pod. Along with his 27 points, Quillan was also tied for first in the league for game-winning goals with five. However, the Dartmouth, NS native won’t have a chance to repeat or beat his rookie totals as he is committed to the Quinnipiac University next season.
As for team awards, Tyler Ho was named unsung hero. Frank Djurasevic earned most improved player while Fin Williams won best-conditioned athlete and Stefano Bottini claimed the academic achievement award. Many more awards were given to other players on the team.
Alumni check-in
The Vees capped off a wonderful season despite uncertain times in the world. Finishing tops the league and once again a force to be reckoned with, next season can’t come sooner.
As for the graduated Vees, May meant the start of the NHL’s Stanley Cup playoffs and World Hockey Championships.
The quest for the #StanleyCup begins tonight!
Three Vees alumni are on the hunt as Dante Fabbro, Tyson Jost and Mike Reilly set their sights on the playoffs!
DETAILS 📝 | https://t.co/U03aXxCS2H#BCHL | #VeesAlum pic.twitter.com/Az20PJmJBI
— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) May 15, 2021
Dante Fabbro and Ryan Johansen both suited up for the Nashville Predators in round one of the playoffs, where they were eliminated by the Carolina Hurricanes in six games.
Tyson Jost and the Colorado Avalanche found themselves bringing out the brooms, sweeping the St. Louis Blues 4-0 and now taking on the Vegas Golden Knights.
The final participant in the playoffs is Boston Bruins defenceman Mike Reilly, who took out Alexander Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Reilly and Bruins beat the Capitals in five games and advanced to the second round, where they are facing the New York Islanders.
As for the World Championships, Richmond native Troy Stecher packed his bags and headed to Riga, Latvia to represent Canada and try to bring home gold.
