Just days after being drafted by the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes, the Penticton Vees have traded Massimo Rizzo.

On Monday morning, the Vees announced they traded 2001-born forward Massimo Rizzo to the Coquitlam Express to complete the June 1 deal that saw the Vees acquire Alex DiPaolo.

READ MORE: Vees alum Rizzo drafted by Carolina Hurricanes

Rizzo, from Burnaby, spent the past two years with the Vees recording 24 goals and 55 assists in 87 games. He missed 21 games this past season.

“This was a difficult decision, but in the end was the decision that was best for both the Vees and Massimo Rizzo,” Vees head coach, general manager and president Fred Harbinson said. “The past two seasons have been trying for Massimo, dealing with significant injuries which forced him to start the seasons late and miss substantial stretches of games.

READ MORE: Vernon defenceman signs with hometown rival Vees

“We felt that with Massimo’s recent surgery, it would be best for him to rehab at home next season. Fortunately we were able to make a hockey trade with Coquitlam that helped our team in the process. Massimo will always be a Vees alum and we wish him the best during his recovery next season,” Harbinson said.

The Vees thank Rizzo for his contributions both on and off the ice, and wish him the best of luck with the Express and University of North Dakota in the future.

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