Vees named Conyr Hellyer Captain for the 2024-25
PENTICTON, B.C. – The Penticton Vees Junior Hockey is pleased to announce forward Conyr Hellyer (’04) has been named captain for the 2024-25 season, the team announced Monday.
Hellyer is the 59th captain in Vees’ franchise history. Defencemen Nolan Stevenson (’05) and Brock Reinhart (’04) will serve as alternate captains. A third alternate will be announced in September.
“We have had great captains in the past and that tradition will continue. Conyr plays the game the way I want all our players to play and brings a professional presence off the ice,” began Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “Nolan and Brock each will provide support to Conyr in their own ways. I have complete confidence in this leadership group and believe the rest will follow as we face the new challenges of the BCHL’s new-look Interior Division.”
Hellyer returns for his second season in Penticton and his fourth in junior hockey. The Okotoks, AB, product served as an alternate captain in the 2023-24 season and posted 28 points (12G, 16A) in 43 games. Hellyer added 9 points (4G, 5A) in 22 postseason games. Prior to joining the Vees, the 5’10, 161-pound forward played two seasons for his hometown Okotoks Oilers in the Alberta Junior Hockey League, where he amassed 93 points (44G, 49A) in 100 career regular season games. Hellyer served as an alternate captain for the Oilers in the 2022-23 season. He is committed to Arizona State University.
“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to be the captain for such a special program like the Vees. What I learned last season is leadership is a collective effort and guys with or without letters will help in their own way, as we look to bring back a Fred Page Cup to Penticton,” commented Hellyer.
Stevenson, 19, will once again wear an ‘A’ for the Vees, after serving as an alternate captain in his rookie campaign. The Shaunavon, SK, native posted nine points (1G, 8A) in 48 regular season games during the 2023-24 season. He had three points (2G, 1A) in 22 BCHL Playoff games. The 6’2, 173-pound defenceman had a pair of goals, including the game-winner, in the Vees memorable 4-3 come-from-behind win over Salmon Arm in Game Seven of the Interior Conference Final. Prior to joining the Vees this past season, Stevenson was the Captain of the Regina Pat Canadians in the Saskatchewan Male AAA Hockey League. Stevenson is committed to the University of Nebraska Omaha.
“It’s always an honour to wear a letter for this organization. I’m excited about the returning group and the prospects we have coming in are just as good. I can’t wait to get back to Penticton in August,” said Stevenson.
Reinhart is also back for his second season with the Vees. The Elora, ON, product compiled 14 points (3G, 11A) in 54 regular season games in his rookie season with the Vees. The 6’2, 196-pound defender added seven assists in 22 playoff games. Reinhart brings leadership experience, as he was an alternate captain for the Elmira Sugar Kings in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League, before joining the Vees. Reinhart is committed to Rochester Institute of Technology.
“When I got the call and heard I was getting a letter and being a part of Penticton Vees leadership group, I couldn’t help but be excited. It means a lot too. I always knew in myself I have great leadership qualities. To see it be noticed by the coaching staff and get rewarded with the opportunity and responsibilities of being a captain makes me eager to get back to Penticton for the upcoming season,” said Reinhart.