Skip to content

Second defenceman commits to Vees this season

Defence is starting to fill out for the Penticton Vees.

Defence is starting to fill out for the Penticton Vees.

The club announced on Friday morning that Alex Coulombe will be joining the fold for the 2013-2014 season along with Brayden Park and Brett Beauvais.

The 18-year-old blue liner from Granby, Quebec played varsity hockey at Stanstead College prep school in Quebec last season. In his senior season for the Spartans, Coulombe scored eight and finished with 34 points in 62 games, as well as a plus-nine rating. Coulombe brings some bite and doesn’t shy away from the physicality with his six-foot-four frame as he collected 147 penalty minutes. Coulombe’s strong play earned him a scholarship to the University of Vermont in Hockey East. He also climbed up to 68th in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings ahead of the 2013 Entry Draft and recently attended the NHL Combine in Toronto.

Vees head coach and general manager Fred Harbinson said adding Coulombe is another step in building a contender.

“The basis of our success has been built on attracting good families to our program, Alex is another example of this trend," he said. "Our organization is very fortunate to have the opportunity to help continue Alex’s hockey development, and see him as a key ingredient in assuring we contend for another championship.”

Coulombe's coach James Rioux said he has made strides in every area as a senior.

“He passes the puck hard, sees the ice well, and never shy’s away from physical play," said Rioux. "He possesses an excellent shot and will continue to grow as a player at the next level.”