Penticton, B.C. – The Penticton Vees, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), are excited to announce the signing of 2008-born defenceman Sean Burick to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
“Sean has enormous potential and embodies the attitude we’re looking for as we build our WHL program,” said Vees President, General Manager, and Head Coach Fred Harbinson. “His size and skill on the back end will be a tremendous asset.”
Burick, 17, spent the past two seasons at the prestigious Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Minnesota, a program known for developing elite hockey talent. The San Clemente, California native recorded 18 points (4-14-18) in 41 games during the 2024-25 U.S. High School Prep season. He added 2 points (1-1-2) in 13 games in the Prep Hockey Conference.
In April, Burick helped lead Shattuck-St. Mary’s to the 2025 USA Hockey Youth Tier I 18U National Championship in Pennsylvania, contributing one assist in six tournament games. He is also a graduate of the Los Angeles Jr. Kings AAA program.
Standing at an imposing 6’7” and 196 pounds, the right-shot defenceman brings a rare combination of size, and mobility to the Vees’ blue line. He is currently committed to Denver University, a perennial NCAA powerhouse.
Burick was originally selected by the Tri-City Americans in the 2023 WHL U.S. Prospects Draft and was acquired by the Vees in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft.
Stay up to date with all Vees news and updates by visiting www.chl.ca/whl-vees
About WHL Scholarships
Administered by the WHL Office, WHL Scholarships are solely funded by the ownership of the WHL member Clubs. Every player who plays in the WHL is eligible to receive the WHL Scholarship. For every season played in the WHL, players receive a guaranteed, full year of WHL Scholarship including tuition, textbooks, and compulsory fees to a post-secondary institution of their choice. The WHL Scholarship is a fully guaranteed academic scholarship with no requirement to play university hockey to qualify. The WHL graduate can apply the funding to any post-secondary or career-enhancing program of his choice, including trades schools or professional career training programs.
Established on a League-wide basis in 1993-94, over 8,000 WHL Scholarships have been awarded, representing an investment of over $38 million by WHL Clubs.
