The Penticton Vees took a look close to home in adding to their roster for the next season.
Callum Stone, a 15-year-old defender from Kelowna, has committed to the team for the 2024-2025 campaign, the team announced this week.
Fred Harbinson hasn’t had to go far to watch Stone in action, as the blue liner appeared at the Penticton-hosted Canadian Sport School Hockey League Western Championship last March.
“I am thrilled that Callum has chosen to play in the BCHL and specifically in Penticton,” said the Vees’ head coach, general manager and president. “I have watched him develop into one of the top B.C. grown prospects over the past few seasons.”
There are currently five British Columbians on the Vees’ 2023-2024 roster, representing close to 20 per cent of the team.
The Kelowna product has already drawn comparisons to fellow British Columbian Troy Stecher, the current NHL defender who played for the Vees from 2010 to 2013.
“His compete level reminds me of another BC-born defenceman in Troy Stecher, who used our program to grow his game prior to his successful NCAA and NHL career,” Harbinson said. “Callum’s skill and competitive drive will make him a future fan favourite.”
Stone will play out the year at the Rink Hockey Academy for Kelowna’s U18 Prep Team, before joining the Vees next September.
This season’s Vees are back in action Saturday night, Oct. 21, when the Merritt Centennials visit the South Okanagan Events Centre.