Penticton’s Mathis Preston drafted by Anaheim Ducks
Published 10:40 am Saturday, June 27, 2026
Born-and-raised Pentictonite Mathis Preston had his NHL draft moment on Saturday, June 27.
Preston, 17, was selected by the Anaheim Ducks in the second round (50th overall).
Preston spent last season in the WHL, splitting time between the Spokane Chiefs and Vancouver Giants.
The forward had 18 goals and 44 points in 46 contests in 2025-2026.
A graduate of the Penticton Minor Hockey Association, Preston also spent time with Canada’s U18 world championship squad, posting six points in five games at the April tournament.
Preston’s childhood best friends, Osoyoos twins Liam and Markus Ruck, were both selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins at the draft in Buffalo, N.Y. this weekend.
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The trio suited up together at the Penticton-based Okanagan Hockey Academy from 2020 to 2024.