2012 Penticton Vees inducted into BC Hockey Hall of Fame

Photo: Hockey Canada

The 2012 Penticton Vees are being inducted into the BC Hockey Hall of Fame’s 2020 class, to be marked with a ceremony at the SOEC on July 24.

The 2012 Vees had one of the most historic seasons in the franchises’ history, posting a 54-4-2 record during their 60-game regular season, outscoring their opposition by a mark of 334 to 133.

Part of those 54 wins included a 42-game winning streak, which stands as the longest winning streak in BC Hockey League, Canadian Junior Hockey League and North American Junior Hockey history. The team also broke records for points with 110 and wins in a season.

That season, the Vees took the Interior Division Championship, Fred Page Cup, Doyle Cup and eventually the franchises’ third National Championship with a 4-3 win over the Woodstock Slammers.

Three members of the team were selected in the 2011 National Hockey League Entry Draft: forward Mario Lucia was selected 60th overall by the Minnesota Wild, forward Steven Fogarty was taken 72nd overall by the New York Rangers and defenseman Mike Reilly was drafted 98th overall by the Columbus Blue Jackets. Forward Wade Murphy was also drafted into the NHL during the 2013 Entry Draft, going 185th overall to the Nashville Predators.

“This is a proud moment for our entire organization and community,” said Vees president, general manager and head coach Fred Harbinson, “The 2012 players and staff were a part of a magical season that will now be part of the fantastic history of hockey in BC. This group of young men did so much to create what the Penticton Vees are today.”

The 2012 Vees are joined by former Vancouver Canucks and NHL defenseman Mattias Ohlund, former NHLer Eric Brewer, former NHL referee Jay Sharrers, former Junior ‘B’ hockey President Ray Stonehouse and the 2002 Kootenay Ice to be inducted in this year’s class.

Tickets for the 2020 BC Hockey Hall of Fame Induction Dinner can be purchased online at www.bchhf.com.