Vees players bid farewell, reflect on past season
The pain and disappointment was still etched on the faces and in the eyes of the players, where it was clear more than a few tears had been shed in the prior 36 hours.
A season that started with unbridled promise and potential, that — despite so much adversity along the way — lived up to expectations with a seventh straight Interior Division pennant and a second President’s Trophy in three years, but ended prematurely with a second-round playoff exit in Game 7 against Trail on Monday at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
Time heals all wounds, but the one inflicted on the Penticton Vees in front of 4,324 hometown fans is still too fresh.
“I don’t know if you ever forget it,” said Vees star defenceman Jonny Tychonick, who notched at least one point in all 11 Vees playoff games and a team-best 17 points overall. “We wanted to be in the next round and get a chance to repeat as (BCHL) champions. It’s upsetting, it’s very disappointing, but it’s something you have to learn from.”
Tychonick said when it comes down to a one-game showdown, the outcome can go either way.
“They got the lucky bounces, especially on that first goal, we pushed hard and their goalie played well,” said Tychonick. “It’s unpredictable.”
Forward Jackson Keane — who like Tychonick is bound for University of North Dakota this fall — said it was a great season with a special group of players.
“We were really close-knit,” said the 20-year-old Keane, wrapping up a fiveyear junior career. “It sucks to have it end early like this, but it was a great year for so many different reasons. It’s incredible to have the kind of support we get from the fans and the community and the entire staff here.”
Tychonick admitted the injuries that ravaged the Vees right from the outset of the season made things more challenging.
“I thought we were super resilient with the adversity,” said Tychonick. “We handled it the best we possibly could, we won two more banners that will hang in the rafters here forever, so that’s something very special.”
Tychonick, an elite prospect who arrived in Penticton as a wide-eyed and innocent looking 16-year-old, said he learned so much in two years with the Vees under GM/head coach Fred Harbinson and his staff.
“I had some ups and downs, especially that first year, and it’s just part of the growth process, but to win a championship as a 16-year-old was really cool,” said the recently turned 18-year-old from Calgary. “It’s hard to do, as we unfortunately found out ourselves this week.”
Tychonick said he was privileged to be entrusted by the coaches to be part of the leadership group this season.
“It was very special to me . . . this was an amazing group and they’ll be a part of my life forever,” said Tychonick.
Tychonick is rated as the top Junior-A prospect in the entire country for the 2018 NHL Entry Draft in June, projected to be either a first- or second-round pick.
“It (the draft speculation) was a bit of a distraction during the season,” Tychonick said. “I give the credit and props to my teammates for whatever success I’ve had. Whatever happens in June happens.”
Tychonick said he recalls as an eightyear-old dreaming of perhaps playing in the NHL one day.
“To see things playing out like this, to be on the verge of taking that first step as an 18-year-old, it’s super exciting,” said Tychonick.
Regardless of what the future brings, Tychonick said he’ll be a Vee forever.
“The people who play here aren’t forgotten as you can see with all the pictures and plaques and things on the walls,” said Tychonick. “It’s run like a professional team and they expect you to be professional. The Vees have helped me so much as a player and as a person.”
Forward Taylor Ward, who turns 20 on Friday, is ticketed for the University of Nebraska-Omaha after three strong seasons in Penticton. The power forward busted out with 21 goals in just 46 regularseason games and had 15 points in 11 playoff games despite nursing a nagging shoulder injury.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here — it’s been the best three years of my life,” said Ward. “Obviously it’s really disappointing how (the playoffs) ended, but what’s done is done. You’ve got to move on.”
Ward said all three seasons were memorable, noting he had different roles on the team in each.
“It helped me expand my game, learn to play in all three zones and in all situations,” said Ward. “It’s been a lot of fun and this was a special group we had here again this season.”
Ward, like many young players, had some growing pains, but had nothing but praise for coach Harbinson and his staff.
“Fred was just huge for my development,” said Ward, the son of former NHLer Dixon Ward. “It was a rollercoaster of emotions at times, but we care deeply for each other and we’ll always have a special relationship.”
Ward said it has been an honour to play for a great organization like the Vees.
“The way everyone conducts themselves, from the coaching staff, the trainers, volunteers and the fans has been top-notch,” said Ward. “I’m grateful to be have been part of the organization.”
Keane said he will cherish his brief time in Penticton — his only wish that he would have got the chance to play here earlier in his junior career.
“I feel like I really improved as a player,” said Keane. “It’s a great program . . . you can see that by how many players develop here and move on to the next level. We’ll have a whole bunch more guys from here playing at (North Dakota) in the next few seasons.”
Keane’s dad, Mike, was also a long-time NHL player.
“North Dakota is pretty close to home, so my parents are going to be able to see me play a lot more,” said Keane. “This season ended a little soon, but we all have a lot to be excited about in the future.”