Two new recruits set to join the Penticton Vees Hockey Club for the 2023-24 season

The Penticton Vees Hockey Club announce forward Jack Bakker and defenc

Photo: Contributed

eman Matt Biotti have committed to the team for the 2023-24 season on Saturday.

“We are proud to have won each of these recruiting battles,” Vees President, General Manager & Head Coach, Fred Harbinson said. “Jack and Matthew will be exciting players for our fans to watch and will allow our program to compete at the level we are accustomed to which is playing for a BCHL championship.”

Bakker, age 15, currently plays for Delta Hockey Academy’s U18 Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). Hailing from Surrey, he has 15 points in 13 games this season.

Bakker is tied for first on his team in goals with 11 and is fifth in points. He was recently named to Team B.C.’s U16 roster for the 2023 Canada Winter Games, in Prince Edward Island next month.

Biotti, 18, is in his senior season at Belmont-Hill School in Massachusetts. The defender has been limited to four games due to injury but posted 18 points (5G, 13A) in 26 games as a junior during the 2021-22 season.

The Cambridge-born player has already solidified his college future, as he has committed to Harvard University.

The Vees organization would like to welcome Jack and Matt, along with their families, to Penticton and the South Okanagan.

The Vees are back home Saturday night to play the Cowichan Valley Capitals with the puck drop is 6:00 pm. It’s “Faith Night,” sponsored by The Bumwrap.

Tickets are available at the Valley First box office, or online at www.valleyfirsttix.com