Miller named Penticton Vees newest assistant captain

This season marks the Spruce Grove native's third year with the Vees

Sep. 7, 2018 12:00 a.m.

Penticton Vees defenceman James Miller (left) battles West Kelowna forward Braiden Epp. Miller has been named as his team’s newest assistant captain for the 2018-19 season. File photo.

Vees’ defenceman James Miller has been named the team’s newest assistant captain for the 2018-19 season.

The Spruce Grove, Alta., native joins the ranks of fellow assistant captains Cassidy Bowes and Ryan Sandelin. Massimo Rizzo is the team’s captain.

“Being that we are a young team, it’s important to have veteran leadership that understands what it takes to be successful in the BCHL,” said Vees head coach, general manager and president Fred Harbinson. “James was an integral part of our 2017 championship. He has worked extremely hard this offseason to prepare for his final year in Penticton and will be a great influence in our room.”

This season will mark Miller’s fifth year in junior hockey and third year with the Vees.

In the 2016-2017 season he scored six goals with 12 assists in 37 regular season games. He then went on to add seven assists in all 21 playoff games, helping the Vees secure the Fred Page Cup.

In total, Miller has suited up for 147 regular season Junior ‘A’ games, scoring 15 goals and 45 assists. He and his teammates will open the 2018-19 season on Sept. 7 in Langley against the Rivermen. Game starts at 7:15 p.m.

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