Vees sign Islanders prospect Kvasnicka to WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement

Penticton, B.C. – The Penticton Vees have signed New York Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.

Kvasnicka, an 18-year-old product of Wayzata, Minn., was selected by the New York Islanders in the seventh round (202nd overall) of the 2025 NHL Draft.

The Vees made a splash back in June, trading 2007-born forward Aiden Grossklaus, a first-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft, and a second-round pick in the 2029 WHL Prospects Draft, in exchange for the rights to Kvasnicka and a third-round pick in the 2025 CHL Import Draft.

Kvasnicka spent the previous two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP). In 2023-24, he recorded 17 points (8G-9A) in 30 games with the NTDP U17 team. During the 2024-25 season, he registered 39 points (18G-21A) in 66 games with the NTDP U18 squad.

“We are excited to add a player with Jacob’s experience at the U.S. National Team Development Program,” said Fred Harbinson, President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the Vees, following the acquisition of Kvasnicka in June. “Jacob brings offensive talent and an exceptional work ethic – qualities that will help shape the identity we’re building in our first season in the WHL.”

In two WHL preseason games with the Vees, Kvasnicka has tallied two assists along with seven shots on goal.

Kvasnicka was originally selected by the Winnipeg ICE in the second round (34th overall) of the 2022 WHL U.S. Priority Draft.

The Penticton Vees (1-2-0-0) wrap up the 2025 WHL Preseason with two contests this weekend – taking on the Portland Winterhawks (1-2-0-0) Friday evening before challenging the Seattle Thunderbirds (1-3-0-0) Saturday morning. Both games will be hosted at the Toyota Arena in Kennewick, Wash., as part of the Tri-City Americans preseason tournament.

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