A veteran netminder with four seasons of WHL experience has been sent to Penticton.
The Vees acquired goaltender Ethan Buenaventura from the Cowichan Valley Capitals in exchange for future considerations, the clubs announced Thursday. The trade comes one week after Penticton released netminder Andrew Ness.
Buenaventura logged 114 games with the Calgary Hitmen from 2021 to 2024.
“Ethan’s addition adds valuable experience to our goaltending position," said Fred Harbinson, the Vees' head coach, general manager and president. "He’s a high-character kid and was really well respected by his coaches and teammates in Calgary."
The Hitmen parted ways with Buenaventura last week after he appeared in eight contests this season.
In four WHL seasons, the 20-year-old posted a 3.52 goals-against average and a .893 save percentage.
The Winnipeg, MB, product won the Hitmen’s Player Choice Award, Coaches Award, and Humanitarian of the Year Award for the 2023-24 season.
Buenaventura will join Penticton when it visits the Cranbrook Bucks and Trail Smoke Eaters this weekend.
“I’m excited to be joining a distinguished organization like the Vees to finish off my last year of my junior," Buenaventura said. "I look forward to playing in front of the fans and joining the community."
