The stage is set for Penticton to ice its first-ever WHL roster.
League officials have announced the rules and regulations for the Penticton Vees expansion draft, set for May 7.
The Vees, who will play in the B.C. division of the Western Conference next season, can select one player from each of the 22 other WHL clubs.
Players age 16 (born in 2009) are exempt from the expansion draft, meaning they will be unavailable for Penticton.
Also, on May 6, WHL clubs will be permitted to submit a list of players they would like to protect and keep.
Teams must choose either one of the following protection options:
鈥� Protect 16 players ages 17 to 20 years old (born in 2008, 2007, 2006 or 2005) appearing on their 50-player, injured, suspended, graduate, special import, and 20-year-old lists, plus an additional six players appearing on their college list;
鈥� Protect 14 players ages 17 to 19 years old (born in 2008, 2007 or 2006) and three 20-year-old players (born in 2005) appearing on their 50-player, injured, suspended, graduate, special import, and 20-year-old lists, plus an additional six players on their college list.
The two skaters currently on the WHL's Pro Hockey List 鈥� for underage players in the NHL this season 鈥� are exempt from the expansion draft (Connor Bedard and Zach Benson).
As the league's newest team, Penticton will be permitted to dress four 20-year-old players in all pre-season, regular season, and playoff games during the 2025-26 season.
Penticton will play its game next season at the 5,000-seat South Okanagan Events Centre.
The Vees' B.C. division next season will feature Victoria, Prince George, Vancouver, Kamloops and 麻豆精选.
As part of the WHL's Western Conference, Penticton will also meet clubs multiple times from Alberta, Washington and Oregon.
