A pair of rookies for the Penticton Vees this upcoming season were selected at the 2017 NHL Draft held in Chicago over the weekend.
Nick Leivermann
The Edina, Minnesota native was chosen in the seventh round (187 overall) by the Colorado Avalanche.
The defenceman, who will join the Penticton Vees for the first time at training camp in mid-August, served as captain of the Eden Prairie High School Eagles in Minnesota last year. He had 34 points in 21 games. The University of Notre Dame commit, also skated in eight games for the USHL’s Bloomington Thunder, earning one assist.
Such an honor to be drafted by the @Avalanche. A huge thanks to everyone for helping me live out my childhood dream! #goavs
— Nicky Leivermann (@N_Leivermann) June 24, 2017
Ryan O’Connell
Another newcomer to the Vees, O’Connell was drafted in the seventh round (203 overall) by the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Hailing from Ottawa, Ont. the defenceman played last season for St. Andrew’s College in Ontario’s Conference of Independent Schools Athletic Association. O’Connell is committed to Boston University.
Feeling so blessed to be drafted in the NHL by the @MapleLeafs . Thank you to everyone who has made this dream come true! 🍁
— Ryan O'Connell (@RyannOconnell) June 24, 2017