Taylor House will not be following in the footsteps of his brother Tanner.
While Tanner starred for the Penticton Vees for two seasons before heading to the University of Maine, his brother will look to make a name for himself with the Cowichan Valley Capitals.
Vees coach and general manager Fred Harbinson shipped House to Vancouver Island to complete the deal that brought defenceman Nick Amies to the Peach City. Harbinson said he made the move because he had other forwards rated ahead of House and the 21-man roster also factored in.
“It’s a great opportunity for him to be able to play,” said Harbinson, adding that the Capitals are excited to have House. “He is 19 years old so he needs to play now. He was disappointed, but at the same time, I think he’s excited at his opportunity.”
As the Vees prepare for their final exhibition game Saturday against the Coquitlam Express at the South Okanagan Events Centre (5 p.m. start), the Vees will be without Amies. It could be for an extended period of time as Harbinson placed him on the long-term injury list after Amies felt concussion symptoms during the Vees prep camp.
While the Vees have six defenceman right now, Harbinson will look at other options and said he hopes that Amies has a quick recovery for his own well-being.
Within the next 48 hours, the Vees expect to make their final roster decision to get down to 21. The Vees open the regular season against the Express in Coquitlam on Sept. 23 then have their home opener against the Prince George Spruce Kings on Sept. 30.