Desi Burgart is newest member of the Penticton Vees.

The junior A club made the announcement of his signing on Tuesday.

Burgart, who doesn’t turn 17 until the end of the month, impressed Vees brass at the team’s main camp and in the pre-season games last week. The North Vancouver product played in the BC Major Midget League (BCMML) with the Vancouver NW Giants, picking up 15 goals and 25 points in 38 games. Burgart brings size (listed at six-foot-one, 180 pounds) and skill to the line-up.

While Burgart played his minor hockey in the Lower Mainland, he has strong family ties to Penticton as his parents grew up in the city and he still has family living here.  Burgart will wear No. 9 and make his BCHL debut in the Vees’ season-opener on Friday night in Salmon Arm.

Along with Burgart, the other Vees forwards consist of returnees captain Tyson Jost, and Demico Hannoun with  Dixon Bowen, Benjamin Brar, Easton Brodzinski. Mitchell Brooks, Scott Conway, Chris Gerrie, Jason Lavallee, Owen Sillinger and Taylor Ward. On defence, the group is made up of returnees Gabe Bast, Dante Fabbro, Seamus Donohue, Sam Jones, Griffin Mendel, Tyler Niven and Colton Poolman. In goal is Brendan Barry and Anthony Brodeur, as posted on the Vees’ website.

Also, the Vees organization was thrilled with the success in the first year of their four-year ticketing partnership with Peter’s Bros Construction. Last year, the organization announced that students (18 and under) and children would be free at every home game over the next four years, courtesy of Peter’s Bros Construction.

Vees’ president Fred Harbinson is excited by the community response.

“We were thrilled about the success of the partnership last season with Peter’s Brothers as student and children attendance tripled last season,” said Harbinson in a team statement. “Alongside Peter’s Bros Construction, we look forward to continuing to provide a safe and affordable entertainment option for youth in our city.”