Dealing with a Game 6 loss to the Surrey Eagles in the BCHL championship, Penticton Vees players took to Twitter to express their thoughts.
Defenceman Rob Mann was the first that night saying, “Sickening. Deserved so much better.”
The next morning, Mann said, “Tough waking up realizing the junior career is over. Thank you @PentictonVees for the best year of my life. A true honour.”
Shortly after the loss, James de Haas simply tweeted an unhappy face then later added how much he loves the group he played with.
“Couldn’t have asked for a better final year of junior,” wrote de Haas. “Thanks to the @PentictonVees and the town of Penticton for everything #honoured.”
Vees captain Troy Stecher was the first to post a message Monday morning.
“Want to thank the @PentictonVees for the three best years of my life,” he said. “I truly mean it and it brought me to tears after tonight. #ForeverAVee”
Louie Nanne said he couldn’t have “been blessed with a better group of guys.”
“Thank you to the @PentictonVees, it was an honour to play for the team. #Vees.”
For Brad McClure it was a year he won’t forget.
“Wouldn’t want to do it with any other group,” he wrote. “Thx to all the boys and the organization for a year to remember. That being said I also want to thank all friends and family back home for the continuous support through the season and playoffs!”
Ryan Gropp, announced Monday afternoon as a nominee for the Canadian Junior Hockey League Rookie of the Year Award, thanks the Vees for an amazing first year of junior hockey.
“Also to the boys for being teammates I will never forget #family,” he said.
Travis Blanleil gave a huge thank you to the organization for an unforgettable year. “Best organization in the league,” he said. “Brought together a special group of guys I now call my brothers. Lastly to the fans who supported us, including my family and friends from home who were my biggest supporters.”
John Siemer, a trade deadline addition, said the end to his junior career doesn’t feel real and he didn’t plan on going home yet.
“Love all my Penticton brothers,” he said. “I’m happy I got to be a part of such a great organization.”
Thomas Nitsche said he’s never been apart of something so special. “Blessed to have had this opportunity,” he said. “Too much love for this team and organization @PentictonVees.”
One of the Vees’ most devoted fans, Liberal candidate Dan Ashton, congratulated the Vees on a great game.
“Incredible season,” he tweeted. “Everyone in #Penticton is really proud of each of you. Go Vees Go.”
City councillor Helena Konanz said she’s so proud of the job the players did on Sunday.
“Thanks for playing your hearts out #Go Vees Go,” she said.
TheSp0rtsking commended the Vees on their performance.
“Great job to all the boys ” he said. “It stings now,but it was another fine year!”
Recognition was expressed by the BCHL commending the Vees and Eagles for what they felt was the best Fred Page Cup Finals in recent memory.