Vees complete 2025 WHL Expansion Draft with Medicine Hat selection

Penticton, B.C. – The Penticton Vees, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce the selection of 2008-born forward Avery Watson from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft.

Watson was chosen from the Tigers’ 50-Player Protected List following Medicine Hat’s participation in the 2025 Memorial Cup in Rimouski, Quebec. The Edmonton, Alberta native had previously signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Tigers.

“We’re thrilled to add Avery through the expansion process,” said Adam Sergerie, Director of Scouting for the Vees. “Avery is a big, long, and strong skater who plays a complete game. He checks hard, extends possession, makes plays under pressure, and has a real touch around the net. More importantly, he’s a high-character individual who shows up every day with a mindset to improve. We believe Avery is going to be a tremendous fit for the Vees and a key piece of our future.”

Watson, 17, spent the 2024–25 season with the South Alberta Hockey Academy U18 Prep team in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL), where he recorded 26 points (10-16-26) in 32 regular season games—finishing sixth in team scoring. He added five points (2-3-5) in four games at the 2025 CSSHL Western Championships, held in Penticton.

The 6’1”, 165-pound forward also appeared in five games with the Tigers during the 2024–25 WHL regular season. He was originally selected by Medicine Hat in the eighth round (153rd overall) of the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.