Vees sign 2009-born forward Brooks DeMars
Penticton, B.C. – The Penticton Vees, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are pleased to announce the signing of 2009-born forward Brooks “Boomer” DeMars to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
DeMars’ playing rights were acquired from the Swift Current Broncos earlier this month via trade during the WHL Expansion Draft.
“Boomer is a skilled two-way forward we projected as a first-round talent in his WHL Draft year,” said Fred Harbinson, President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the Vees. “He’s among the top players in his age group in the U.S. and will be a key part of what we’re building over the next three to four years.”
DeMars, who turns 16 next month, captained the Long Island Gulls U15 AAA team and played a pivotal role in their New York State championship run. The 6’1”, 174-pound forward finished second in team scoring with 69 points (32 goals, 37 assists) in 50 games and scored the overtime game-winner in the state championship final.
At the U15 Nationals, DeMars ranked third in tournament scoring with 13 points (6 goals, 7 assists) in five games. He also contributed at the U16 level, averaging a point per game with 15 points (5 goals, 10 assists) in 15 appearances.
A native of Hugo, Minnesota, DeMars brings leadership, skill, and a winning pedigree to the Vees organization as they continue to build for the future.
About WHL Scholarships:
Administered by the WHL Office, WHL Scholarships are solely funded by the ownership of the WHL member Clubs. Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season played in the WHL, players receive a guaranteed, full year of WHL Scholarship including tuition, textbooks, and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a fully guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify. The WHL graduate can apply the funding to any post-secondary or career-enhancing program of his choice, including trades schools or professional career training programs.
Established on a League-wide basis in 1993-94, over 8,000 WHL Scholarships have been awarded, representing an investment of over $38 million by WHL Clubs.
