The Penticton Vees bolstered their blue line by trading Mitch Newsome to the Langley Rivermen.
In moving the Surrey product, the Vees pick up 19-year-old Tyler Niven, who played three seasons at Governor’s Academy prep school in Byfield, Mass., where he was captain in his senior season. The Brunswick, Maine product had four points in 25 games and is known as an excellent skater, who plays a well-rounded game with a noticeable edge. The six-foot, 190-pound defenceman has attracted considerable attention from National Collegiate Athletic Association schools and will be looking to secure a commitment as the 2015-16 season unfolds.
Newsome, 18, just completed his rookie season in the BCHL tallying six goals and 23 points in 49 regular season games. In the Vees’ post-season run, Newsome chipped in with a pair of goals and three points in 24 games. Newsome is committed to Michigan Tech University in the fall of 2016.
With the addition of Niven, the Vees now have three 19-year-old defencemen on their roster.
Off the ice, fans can purchase exhibition and single-game regular season tickets starting Aug. 14, at the Valley First box office (at the South Okanagan Events Centre). Children are free, courtesy of Peters Brothers Construction. (*Student and Children ticket pricing is not applicable for premium seating at the SOEC.)