Vees sign 2006-born goaltender AJ Reyelts
PENTICTON, BC – The Penticton Vees, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce the signing of 2006-born goaltender AJ Reyelts to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Reyelts, a native of Proctor, Minnesota, joins the Vees following an impressive 2024-25 campaign with the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders of the United States Hockey League (USHL). The 6’1”, 180-pound netminder appeared in 46 regular season games, compiling a 21-19-1-3 record, a 2.66 goals-against average (GAA), and a .890 save percentage (SV%). He led the USHL with five shutouts and ranked second in both games played (46) and minutes played (2,680).
“If you are going to win hockey games, you need consistency in goal,” said Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “AJ played the most minutes of any goaltender in the USHL last season. His experience will be valuable as we enter our first WHL season.”
Before his time in the USHL, Reyelts starred for Proctor High School in the Minnesota State High School League. As a senior, he posted a 14-5 record, a 1.72 GAA, and .942 SV%, earning him the 2024 Duluth News Tribune All-Area Player of the Year honours and a finalist spot for the prestigious Frank Brimsek Award, given to Minnesota’s top senior goaltender.
Reyelts, who is committed to the University of Minnesota-Duluth, was acquired by the Vees from the Wenatchee Wild in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft.
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.
About the Penticton Vees
The Penticton Vees are a proud member of the Western Hockey League, dedicated to developing elite-level hockey talent and fostering a culture of excellence both on and off the ice. With a rich history and a passionate fan base, the Vees continue to be a cornerstone of Junior Hockey in British Columbia.
