While the Penticton Vees hockey season may be over, for now, they are still busy with important off-ice activities.
On March 16 the B.C. Hockey League (BCHL) team announced that defenceman Jason Marsella has committed to the club for the 2020/21 season.
Marsella, 17, comes to Penticton after playing three seasons for the North Jersey Avalanche program, completing the 2019/20 season with the U18 team, amassing seven goals and seven assists for 14 points in 16 games played.
After his season with the Avalanche program came to an end, the 5’11”, 179-pound defender made his way to Avon Old Farms in the United States Prep circuit, suiting up for 27 games and registering three goals and 13 assists on the campaign.
The Greenwich, Conn. native has secured his playing future beyond junior hockey, committing to play at Yale University in the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) for the 2021-22 season.
“Jason has the fundamental tools and compete level that is required to be a part of our program,” said Vees president, general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson in a news release announcing the signing. “We are fortunate he has chosen Penticton as his next step in his development process.”
For his part, Marsella said joining the Vees is a wonderful opportunity to play the game he loves at such a high level.
“I am fortunate and blessed to be given the opportunity from the Vees organization to wear the blue, black and white and I am excited to see what the future holds,” he said in the release. “If there is one thing I would like Vees fans to know about me, it is that I am ready to work my hardest and do everything in my power to ensure success for such an astute organization.”
READ MORE: BCHL suspends 2020 playoffs until further notice – Penticton Western News
Following the lead of other sports organizations, the BCHL cancelled all games and hockey-related activities until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The stoppage took effect on March 13, the same day the Vees and Vernon Vipers were scheduled to meet in the opening round of their Interior Division playoff series.
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