One of the newest members of the Penticton Vees will bring plenty of international experience to his new WHL team this fall.
Jiřà Kamas, 17, led Czechia with three goals in four games at the 2025 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, held Aug. 11 to 16 in his home country.
A second-round pick of Penticton in the 2025 Canadian Hockey League Import Draft, the defenceman helped Czechia finish fifth at the U18 summer tournament, which featured eight teams from across the globe.
Czechia went 2-2 at the showcase, ending its run with a 5-2 win over Slovakia on Aug. 15.
Team USA claimed gold after holding off Canada and Sweden in the tournament's playoff rounds on Aug. 15 and 16, respectively.
Kamas comes to Penticton after spending last season with HC Plzeň, splitting time between the U17 and U20 levels.
The 6'2", 192-pound blueliner is no stranger to international play, having represented Czechia at both the 2024 World U17 Challenge and the 2025 IIHF U18 World Championship.
Kamas joins a Penticton club entering its first year as an expansion franchise.
The Vees will visit Vancouver and Victoria for regular-season action Sept. 19 and 20, before welcoming rival 91´ó»ÆѼ for their home opener on Friday, Sept. 26.
