The Penticton Vees, gearing up for their debut in the Western Hockey League in the 2025-26 season, secured 22 players in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft.
The Vees chose one player from each of 13 WHL teams, while trades with seven other WHL teams were finalized in lieu of draft picks. The Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs received special considerations due to their participation in the 2025 WHL Championship Series. Penticton had 24 hours to evaluate the protected lists submitted by teams and either select available players or arrange trades with other WHL clubs.
For the 2025-26 season, Penticton is allowed to field four 20-year-old players in all pre-season, regular season, and playoff games. However, if they win the WHL Championship, they will be restricted to three 20-year-old players for the 2026 Memorial Cup.
Defenceman Doogan Pederson has been selected by the Penticton Vees in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft.
Pederson (’06) was acquired by the Red Deer Rebels on Dec. 31, 2024 in a trade with the Prince Albert Raiders. In 33 games with the club, he had two goals and eight assists for 10 points.
The Langley, BC native now gets to play closer to home with the Western Hockey League’s newest franchise. The Rebels thank ‘Pedey’ for his great time with us this season and wish him all the best with the Vees. LINK
Approved Trades
- Penticton Vees acquire 2006-born forward Chase Valliant (Surrey, B.C.) and 2008-born defenceman Easton LaPlante (Calgary, Alta.) from the Calgary Hitmen in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick.
- Penticton Vees acquire 2006-born goaltender Jesse Sanche (Kamloops, B.C.) from the Everett Silvertips in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick.
- Penticton Vees acquire a 2025 fifth-round pick in lieu of selecting a player from the Kelowna Rockets.
- Penticton Vees acquire 2006-born defenceman Morgan Tastad (Loreburn, Sask.), 2006-born defenceman Ethan Weber (Manhattan Beach, Calif.), and a 2025 second-round pick (31st overall) from the Saskatoon Blades in exchange for a 2025 second-round pick (24th overall).
- Penticton Vees acquire 2006-born forward Diego Johnson (Fort St. James, B.C.) from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a 2026 fourth-round pick.
- Penticton Vees acquire 2005-born forward Brady Birnie (Regina, Sask.), 2005-born defenceman Nolan Stevenson (Shaunavon, Sask.), and 2009-born forward Brooks DeMars (Hugo, Minn.) from the Swift Current Broncos in exchange for a 2025 fourth-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 second-round pick, 2027 fifth-round pick, 2028 first-round pick (conditional).
- Penticton Vees acquire acquire a 2026 fifth-round pick in lieu of selecting a player from the Vancouver Giants