For the first time in league history, a player has been granted exceptional status in the BCHL.
Eli McKamey, 15, has received early eligibility to play in the league and will do so for the Penticton Vees during the
Without exceptional status, the Cowichan Bay product wouldnsa国际传媒檛 have been allowed to play in the BCHL until
McKamey is considered a top prospect ahead of the 2027 NHL Draft.
The forward has spent the last three seasons playing for the Shawnigan Lake School in the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL).
sa国际传媒淚 believe playing for the Penticton Vees is a great opportunity for development as a player and as a person,sa国际传媒� said McKamey. sa国际传媒淧laying in the BCHL allows me to keep my future options open, while still playing in a highly competitive league. Isa国际传媒檓 excited for the challenge.sa国际传媒�
The exceptional status framework is designed to give early eligibility to players sa国际传媒渨ho possess exceptional traits in hockey and athletic acumen, mental and physical maturity, work ethic and education,sa国际传媒� the BCHL said in a press release.
sa国际传媒淭his is an exciting moment for the BCHL and obviously our organization,sa国际传媒� said Fred Harbinson, the Veessa国际传媒� president, general manager and head coach.
sa国际传媒淓li McKamey is an exceptional talent who was rated as the No. 1 forward for the past WHL draft. Eli will be the next young elite player to wear a Vees jersey with the hope of winning a championship in Penticton en route to college and the NHL.sa国际传媒�
The BCHL Board of Governors in January voted in favour of adding an exceptional status application process.
