A historic WHL draft selection has put pen to paper on a deal with the Penticton Vees.
The Vees signed their first-ever major junior hockey draft pick Thor Liffiton to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, the expansion club announced Wednesday (May 28).
Liffiton, who will turn 15 years old in December, was selected fourth overall by Penticton in the 2025 WHL Prospects Draft on May 7.
Born in Cleveland, OH and the son of David Liffiton ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” a former member of the New York Rangers and Colorado Avalanche ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½” the 6ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™1, 161-pound defenceman most recently spent time playing minor hockey in Calgary.
ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½œWeÎÚÑ»´«Ã½™re thrilled to have Thor, and his family join our organization," said Fred Harbinson, the Vees' head coach, general manager, and president. "He has all the tools you look for in a defenceman and is someone that we see as being a big piece for our future."
The Vees announced Liffiton as their first draft pick in front of hundreds of people during a WHL launch party at the Penticton Lakeside Resort.
In 32 regular-season games with the Calgary Northstars U15 AAA of the Alberta Elite Hockey League, the defenceman had seven goals and 31 assists.
He added 17 points in 17 playoff games, helping his team reach the U15 AAA gold medal game this past season.
"We know he is the type of player and person that we want representing our organization," Harbinson said.
Liffiton's aforementioned father is also the current assistant coach of the WHL's Calgary Hitmen.
Penticton's inaugural WHL campaign begins this September.
