Last season, the Penticton Vees boasted two NHL draft picks on their roster but will outdo themselves in the season ahead as three incoming recruits are property of NHL teams.
Penticton will be benefitting from the services of top U.S. high school draft pick and left winger Mario Lucia (60th overall, Minnesota Wild), centre Steve Fogarty (72nd overall, New York Rangers) and defenceman Mike Reilly (98th overall, Columbus Blue Jackets).
Lucia is also the son of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey coach Don Lucia.
Mark MacMillan (Canadiens) and Brendan O'Donnell (Lightning) were top scoring threats for the Vees last season but as each has moved on, there are some holes to fill and the trio of incoming prospects should help with that.
In addition to those three Minnesota high school products, the Vees are adding Reilly's twin older brothers Connor and Ryan. With Joey Benik and Chad Bannor slated to come back for their second seasons, it puts seven players on the roster from the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
The Penticton BCHL franchise has seen more than its share of NHL talent over the years as Andy Moog, Ray Ferraro, Brett Hull, Paul Kariya, Brendan Morrison, and Duncan Keith have all suited up there.
