Penticton Vees acquire 22 players in Expansion Draft

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on May 8, 2025.

sports@medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

The Western Hockey League’s Expansion Draft saw the Penticton Vees acquire 22 players Wednesday.

The WHL’s newest club selected 13 players and acquired nine more via trade during the Expansion Draft process Wednesday. All 20 of the WHL’s eliminated teams had to submit their protected lists Tuesday ahead of Wednesday’s draft.

Penticton completed seven trades as part of the draft, acquiring a 2025 fifth-round pick from the Kelowna Rockets and a 2026 fifth-round pick from the Vancouver Giants.

Both trades executed in lieu of selecting a player from either club.

Swift Current Broncos: traded 2005-born forward Brady Birnie, 2005-born defenceman Nolan Stevenson and 2009-born forward Brooks DeMars to Penticton in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick and a conditional 2028 eighth-round pick.

Calgary Hitmen:

Penticton acquired 2006-born forward Chase Valliant and 2008-born D-man Easton LaPlante from the Hitmen in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Everett Silvertips:

The Vees acquired 2006-born goaltender Jesse Sanche from Everett in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick.

Saskatoon Blades:

Penticton acquired 2006-born defenceman Morgan Tastad, 2006-born defenceman Ethan Weber, and a 2025 second-round pick (31st overall) from the Saskatoon in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (24th overall).

Seattle Thunderbirds:

The Vees acquired 2006-born forward Diego Johnson from the Thunderbirds in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.

Here are all the Vees’ Expansion Draft selections, listed by former club.

Brandon Wheat Kings: Isaac Davies, (Forward, 2008)

Edmonton Oil Kings:

Kaenan Smith, (Goalie, 2008)

Kamloops Blazers:

Kalan Anderlini, (Defence, ’06)

Lethbridge Hurricanes:

Cameron Norrie, (F, 2007)

Moose Jaw Warriors:

Ethan Hughes (Forward, 2006)

Portland Winterhawks:

Marek Schlenker, (Goalie, ’06)

Prince Albert Raiders: Liam Bursaw, (Forward, 2007)

Prince George Cougars: Matteo Danis, (Forward, 2005)

Red Deer Rebels:

Doogan Pederson, (D,’06)

Regina Pats:

Corban Almen, (Forward, ’07)

Tri-City Americans:

Sean Burick, (Defence, 2008)

Victoria Royals:

Wyatt Danyleyko, (F, 2007)

Wenatchee Wild:

Andrew Reyelts, (Goalie, 2006)

The Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs have been granted an accommodation based on advancing to the 2025 WHL Championship Series.

The losing team of the WHL Finals will submit their protected list to Penticton on the second day following their elimination. The WHL Champion will submit their protected list two days after the conclusion of the 2025 Memorial Cup.

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