Growing up in Vernon, Scott Gilowski is well aware of the lengthy B.C. Hockey League history between his hometown Vipers and the arch-rival Penticton Vees.
Gilowski will now be part of that rivalry, just not with his hometown club.
The Vees announced Thursday that they have received a commitment from the 17-year-old Gilowski for the 2019-20 season.
Gilowski might be familiar to Vees fans as he suited up for three games as an affiliate player last season. His BCHL debut came Nov. 17 at home against the Victoria Grizzlies.
The towering 6-foot-6 defender spent the past two seasons with the Okanagan Rockets of the B.C. Major Midget League in Kelowna.
“I am looking forward to playing against Vernon, the games are always very competitive,” said Gilowski, who pocketed two goals and 14 assists in 34 games with the Rockets this past season. “I have always enjoyed watching the two teams battle it out.”
Gilowski has spent a season in Penticton before as he played his bantam season at the Okanagan Hockey Academy in 2016-17, scoring three goals and adding 12 assists in 25 games.
“I chose the Vees because they are a first-class organization and produce really great players and people. When I affiliated with them throughout the year they were very supportive and welcoming towards me and I am very excited to stay with them,” said Gilowski.
Gilowski was selected in the seventh round, 153rd overall, of the 2017 Western Hockey League draft by the Prince George Cougars.
The Penticton Vees also announced recently that they have acquired 2000-born forward Alex DiPaolo from the Coquitlam Express in exchange for future considerations.
DiPaolo, from Oakville, Ontario, was a rookie in the BCHL last season and had an impressive year. The forward scored 16 goals and 32 assists in 53 games. His 48 points ranked third on the Express last season.
DiPaolo then scored a goal and added two assists five playoff games against the Prince George Spruce Kings.
He has a commitment to UMass Amherst for the 2020-21 season.
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