‘Proud to be a Vee’: NHL star Scheifele excited to watch Penticton in WHL playoffs
Published 5:35 am Saturday, April 25, 2026
Winnipeg Jets forward Mark Scheifele is keeping a close eye on his Penticton Vees.
The 33-year-old is part-owner of the WHL expansion franchise, and says he’s thrilled to watch the club embark on its third-round playoff series with the Everett Silvertips.
“You guys have been amazing all year, working hard, giving it your all and doing it for the brother beside you,” Scheifele said in a video message to the team posted on Facebook.
“I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m so proud to be a Vee.”
The Vees trail the Western Conference finals 1-0, with Game 2 set for Saturday night (April 25) in Everett, Wash.
“I’m cheering you guys on loud and proud and just know how excited I am to watch,” Scheifele said, sporting a Vees’ hat. “Go out there, give it your all and have fun. Enjoy every single moment.”
Scheifele has spent his entire NHL career with the Jets after being drafted by the club seventh overall in 2011.
In 2025-26, the Kitchener, Ont., product and former Barrie Colt scored 36 goals and 103 points in 82 games.
Scheifele, along with Stanley Cup champion Mike Richter and prominent Penticton businessmen Joe Walters and Gord Kovacik, joins majority owner Graham Fraser as partners with the Vees.
The club shattered the wins record for a Canadian Hockey League club in its inaugural season, finishing with 44 victories and 98 points in 2025-26.
READ MORE: Everett Silvertips top Penticton Vees in Game 1
READ MORE: Penticton Vees ‘not intimidated’ ahead of high-stakes battle with powerhouse Everett