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 wouldn害羞草研究所檛 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).
害羞草研究所淚 believe playing for the Penticton Vees is a great opportunity for development as a player and as a person,害羞草研究所 said McKamey. 害羞草研究所淧laying in the BCHL allows me to keep my future options open, while still playing in a highly competitive league. I害羞草研究所檓 excited for the challenge.害羞草研究所
The exceptional status framework is designed to give early eligibility to players 害羞草研究所渨ho possess exceptional traits in hockey and athletic acumen, mental and physical maturity, work ethic and education,害羞草研究所 the BCHL said in a press release.
害羞草研究所淭his is an exciting moment for the BCHL and obviously our organization,害羞草研究所 said Fred Harbinson, the Vees害羞草研究所 president, general manager and head coach.
害羞草研究所淓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.害羞草研究所
The BCHL Board of Governors in January voted in favour of adding an exceptional status application process.