Trio of Penticton Vees selected in 2025 NHL draft

The Penticton Vees were well represented at the 2025 NHL draft in Los Angeles this weekend.

That included a pair of former Vees who recently played for the BCHL club in Max Heise and Francesco Dell’Elce, and Jacob Kvasnicka, who will join the team for its inaugural WHL season.

“We’re incredibly proud of Francesco, Max and Jacob,” said Vees president, GM and head coach Fred Harbinson. “Their selections are a testament to their hard work and the strength of our program here in Penticton.”

Alum Francesco Dell'Elce is the newest member of the @Avalanche!@UMassHockey | @sachockey1899 pic.twitter.com/QeOPoa9slS

— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) June 28, 2025

Dell’Elce was the first of the three to hear his name called, as the Colorado Avalanche took the Ontario product with the 77th overall pick in the third round.

The 20-year-old was named to the BCHL All-Rookie Team in 2023-24, his only season in Penticton, and recently finished up his freshman year at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

The Sharks select Max Heise with the 150th pick. #TheFutureIsTeal pic.twitter.com/BkymfXwxUS

— San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) June 28, 2025

Max Heise went off the board in the fifth round, 150th overall, to the San Jose Sharks, after two seasons with the Vees.

After registering 27 goals and 40 points for Penticton last year, adding another 17 points in 14 playoff games, Heise will play for the WHL’s Prince Albert Raiders and is expected to join Michigan State in 2026-27.

Incoming forward Jacob Kvasnicka is an Islander!#NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/zWg0zM3tTZ

— Penticton Vees (@PentictonVees) June 28, 2025

Kvasnicka, who will play for the WHL Vees next year after being acquired from the Wenatchee Wild just over a week ago, was taken in the final round, 202nd overall, by the New York Islanders.

The forward from Wayzata, Minnesota, is leaving the US National Team Development Program to join the Vees this fall, and will make the jump to the NCAA with the University of Minnesota in 2026-27.