The Okotoks Oilers have announced they are bringing in goaltender Ben Vatis who is from Phoenix, Arizona, and was born in 2006.
The 18-year-old will make his debut in the BCHL at the start of the 2024-2025 season with the Green and Gold.
Vatis played for the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes in the T1EHL 18U and the 18U AAA last season and posted a 1.88 goals against average with a .929 save percentage in the T1EHL 18U in nine games. In the 18U AAA league, he continued his dominance with a 1.69 goals against average and a .920 save percentage in 35 games.
"We feel like he’s one of the top 2006-born goalies that played under-18 in North America last year. We’re really excited about our goaltending this year," said Tyler Deis, the GM and Head Coach of the Oilers in a release.
Vatis also played in the Circle K Classic last year with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA team posting a 1.47 goals against average and a .949 save percentage.
The Oilers and Vatis will be back on the ice on Sept. 7, during their first pre-season game against the Sherwood Park Crusaders at Centennial Arena with a puck drop of 8:05 pm.