Whistler – Penticton Vees Junior A hockey broadcasters have already dubbed Garrett Milan “the little guy on the big line.” In his rookie season with the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) defending champion Vees, Milan is off to a sensational start with eight points (four goals and four assists) in nine games.
Listed in the program at a generous 5 feet, 8 inches tall and 150 pounds, the 17-year-old Whistler Minor Hockey Association grad has found a home at left wing on the Vees’ top line.
“Everything is going great. We’re starting to gel as a team. I’m on one of the power play units and our line is off to a good start. I hope to contribute by putting up some points and doing as much as I can on defence,” Milan said.
“The players are bigger and stronger in Junior A and the goalies are better. You have to make decisions a little quicker on the ice. I think that’s the big difference.”
Scoring has never been a problem for Milan, who played Major Midget last year for Vancouver’s North West Giants. In 38 games with the Giants, he tallied 66 points on the strength of 32 goals and 34 assists. Those numbers caught the attention of Vees head coach Fred Harbinson.
“We’re expecting a lot out of Garrett. He adds a lot speed and skill to our top line. Our job as coaches is to make him a better defensive player, but he’ll certainly contribute on offence,” Harbinson said.
“It’s quite a change for him being away from home and attending a new school. He has done very well. He passed the first test, the first month, with flying colours.”
The Vees are currently in third place in the tightly packed BCHL Interior Division standings. Milan scored a goal and was named the game’s first star in a 3-2 victory over the Westside Warriors on Friday (Oct. 3).
He also drew an assist on a goal by Anthony Perdicaro on Sept. 27 against the Westside Warriors, which was the first goal recorded in the new Penticton Events Centre arena. His line mates are Brent Vandenberg, a 20-year-old import from Burlington, Ont., and the Vees team captain, along with Curtis McKenzie, a 17-year-old from Golden, who has signed a letter of intent for next year to attend the University of Miami in Ohio.
With this season barely underway, Milan has been approached by several college scouts including those from the University of New Hampshire Wildcats and the University of Denver Pioneers.
“It will be pretty much up to him to decide where he wants to go. He’s had a lot of collegiate interest and those are full-ride scholarships they’re offering,” Harbinson said.
Ice Chips: the Penticton Events Centre facility cost upwards of $75 million, with seating for 5,000 around an ice surface that can be expanded to Olympic size and an additional practice rink with seating for 450… the Vees will make a Coastal Division swing with games Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Powell River, Thursday, Oct. 30, at South Surrey, Saturday, Nov. 1, at Burnaby and an afternoon game on Sunday, Nov. 2, at Langley… Vees grads include Brett Hull and Paul Kariya… check the Vees website at www.pentictonvees.com or league stats and online pay per view information at www.bchl.bc.ca.
