Vees Bolster Roster with Three Selections in CHL Import Draft
Published on July 2, 2025 under Western Hockey League (WHL)
Penticton Vees News Release
PENTICTON, BC - The Penticton Vees bolstered their roster with three international prospects during the 2025 Canadian Hockey League (CHL) Import Draft, held
Wednesday morning. For the first time in its 34-year history, the CHL Import Draft expanded from two rounds to three. The Vees had two selections in the second round (62, 98) and one in the third round (123).
The Vees made the most of their selections, drafting two forwards and one defenceman with picks in the second and third rounds.
Round 2, 62nd Overall - Jiří Kamas (D, Czechia)
With their first pick, the Vees selected 2008-born defenceman Jiří Kamas from Praha, Czechia. The 6'2", 187-pound right-shot blueliner played last season with HC Plzeň, splitting time between the U17 and U20 levels. Kamas posted 17 points (3G, 14A) in just 15 games with the U17 squad and added nine assists in 30 games at the U20 level. He also impressed in the Czech U17 playoffs, tallying nine points in nine games.
Internationally, Kamas represented Czechia at the 2024 World U17 Challenge and the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship.
Round 2, 98th Overall - Roberts Naudins (F, Latvia)
With their second pick of the second round, Penticton selected towering forward Roberts Naudins from Riga, Latvia. The 6'6", 198-pound winger played for Shattuck St. Mary's 18U Prep team in the U.S., where he recorded 42 points (13G, 29A) in 49 games. Naudins helped lead his team to a national title at the 2025 USA Hockey Youth Tier I 18U National Championship, contributing seven points in six games.
Naudins also represented Latvia at both the 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship in Ottawa and the U18 World Championship in Texas, notching an assist in each tournament.
Round 3, 123rd Overall - Tristan Petersen (F, Denmark)
With their final pick, the Vees brought back a familiar face in Tristan Petersen, a 2006-born forward from Hvidovre, Denmark. Petersen joined the Vees midway through the 2024-25 season and made an immediate impact, registering nine points (4G, 5A) in 17 regular season games. The 6'4", 192-pound forward added seven points in 14 playoff appearances, earning praise for his relentless forecheck and versatility.
"Trading our first-round pick to acquire Jacob Kvasnicka and still being able to draft a defenceman with first-round talent in Jiří Kamas, was a great way to start the draft," said Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. "Our plan then shifted to a player we know won't be joining the CHL this season, but drafting Roberts Naubins gives us a chance to recruit him to the WHL in his NHL draft year. Both Kamas and Naubins have high-end talent and should be considered early picks in the 2026 and 2027 NHL Drafts."
On Petersen's return, Harbinson added, "We were confident we could get Tristan with our third-round pick. 'Petey' is a player our fans enjoyed watching last season. His relentless play on the forecheck and versatility will be valuable this year."
Western Hockey League Stories from July 2, 2025
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