Three Vees Chosen in NHL Draft
Published on June 28, 2025 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Penticton Vees News Release
The Penticton Vees are proud to announce that three current and former players were selected on Day Two of the 2025 NHL Draft, held Saturday in Los Angeles, California.
Former Vees defenceman Francesco Dell'Elce, forward Max Heise, and incoming forward Jacob Kvasnicka each heard their names called, continuing the Vees' tradition of developing elite hockey talent.
"We're incredibly proud of Francesco, Max, and Jacob," said Vees President, General Manager & Head Coach Fred Harbinson. "Their selections are a testament to their hard work and the strength of our program here in Penticton."
Dell'Elce, 20, was selected in the third round, 77th overall, by the Colorado Avalanche. The King City, Ontario native recently completed his freshman season at the University of Massachusetts, where he was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie Team after tallying 24 points (7G, 17A) in 40 games. He led all UMass defencemen in scoring. During the 2023-24 season with the Vees, Dell'Elce earned BCHL All-Rookie Team and Second Team All-Star honours, posting 38 points (9G, 29A) in 54 games.
Heise, 19, was drafted in the fifth round, 150th overall, by the San Jose Sharks. The Calgary, Alberta product just completed his second season with the Vees, finishing fourth in team scoring with 40 points (27G, 13A) in 50 games. He led the team in goals (27) and power-play goals (11) and was selected to Team Interior for the 2025 BCHL Top Prospects Game. Over two seasons in Penticton, Heise recorded 59 points (33G, 26A) in 99 regular-season games.
Kvasnicka, acquired earlier this month in a trade with Wenatchee, was selected in the seventh round, 202nd overall, by the New York Islanders. The Wayzata, Minnesota native spent the past two seasons with the U.S. National Team Development Program (NTDP) in Plymouth, Michigan. In 2024-25, he played for the U.S. National U18 Team, finishing sixth in team scoring with 39 points (18G, 21A) in 66 games. He also added 14 points (5G, 9A) in 25 USHL games with the NTDP. The 5'11", 173-pound forward has also represented the U.S. internationally, winning a silver medal at the 2024 World U17 Hockey Challenge and a bronze medal at the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship
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