The Penticton Vees have commitments for the 2015-2016 season from four top U.S. players.
Defensemen Seamus Donohue and Colton Poolman, along with forwards Easton Brodzinski and Dixon Bowen, all come to the Vees with strong resumes.
Donohue, who turns 19 in June, is considered one of the top defenseman in Minnesota for his age and is known as a responsible, puck-moving rear-guard who has offensive tools and plays with an edge. After winning back-to-back Minnesota State 1A championships, in his high school senior year the team made it to the semi final. Donohue is committed to play at the Air Force Academy after his junior career in Penticton.
Poolman, 20, chose to finish his junior career in Penticton, after parts of two seasons with the Fargo Force of the United States Hockey League (USHL). Poolman is known for his play away from the puck, as a solid defensive defenseman. Prior to joining the Force, Poolman played high school hockey in his hometown of East Grand Forks, Minnesotaleading them to the 1A Minnesota State Championship.
Poolman comes from a hockey family, as his older brother Tucker, a Winnipeg Jets draft pick, is a sophomore defenseman at North Dakota and his father Mark is UND’s Strength and Conditioning Coach, where he is committed to play in 2016.
Easton Brodzinski also comes from a family with strong hockey ties in Minnesota. His two older brothers play NCAA Division l hockey in Minnesota and one just signed a pro contract with the LA Kings.
Brodzinski played three years of high school hockey in Blaine, Minnesota, where he tallied 72 points in 80 games. The Vees said he brings a nice blend of size and skill to their line-up this fall.
Bowen played with Poolman in Fargo this past season, splitting the season between the USHL and East Grand Forks High School. While there he helped win their second consecutive Minnesota State 1A Championship. Bowen was the recipient of the Herb Brooks Award after leading all scorers at the State Tournament. The Vees said Bowen adds size and high-end skill to their roster.