The Penticton Vees boosted their offensive depth with the acquisition of Ryley Risling.
Risling (96) was picked up from the Canmore Eagles of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) in a three-team trade the team announced Tuesday. The Vees first acquired the playing rights to defenceman Brett Stewart (96) from the Surrey Eagles for future considerations. The Vees sent Stewart’s playing rights to Canmore for Risling.
“Ryley has a track record of putting up points in Alberta and is another veteran piece we’re adding to our line-up,” said Vees general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson in a press release. “He, like others we’ve added recently, brings valuable experience to our club and that’s going to be crucial if we’re going to have a long and successful season.”
Very honored to be a part of the @PentictonVees organization looking forward to a great season! #govees
— Ryley Risling (@RyleyRisling) August 17, 2016
Risling, 20, split last season between the AJHL and the United States Hockey League with the Waterloo Black Hawks. After returning to the Eagles, Risling was limited to just 15 games due to injury but still managed to average nearly a point per-game, picking up five goals and 14 points. In the 2014-15 season, the Medicine Hat, Alta., product finished third in team scoring with 46 points in 54 regular season games. That season he led the team in goals (26) and tied for first in power-play markers (10). In 110 career games in the AJHL, Risling has compiled 36 goals and 70 points.
Risling also has international experience as he played for Team Canada West at the 2014 World Junior ‘A’ Challenge in Kindersley, Sask. He played alongside Gabe Bast, Dante Fabbro, Demico Hannoun and Tyson Jost.
Risling will arrive in Penticton for the Vees’ main camp at the South Okanagan Events Centre, which starts Aug. 22.
Fans can still get their 2017 Western Canada Cup packages by phoning Laura Carleton in the Vees’ office at 250-493-VEES (8337), or email LauraCarleton@Shaw.ca.