Penticton, B.C. – The Penticton Vees, proud members of the Western Hockey League (WHL), announced today they have signed 2025 fourth overall pick Thor Liffiton to have a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
Liffiton, a 2010-born defenceman, was the Vees first ever WHL Prospects Draft selection earlier this month. The Calgary, AB product played for the Calgary Northstars U15 AAA in the Alberta Elite Hockey League (AEHL)
“We’re thrilled to have Thor, and his family join our organization. He has all the tools you look for in a defenceman and is someone that we see as being a big piece for our future. We know he is the type of player and person that we want representing our organization,” commented Vees President, General Manager Fred Harbinson
The 6’1, 161-pound defenceman was the second-highest scoring defenceman on his team with 38 points (7G, 31A) in 32 regular season games. He added 17 points (2G, 15A) in 17 playoff games, helping lead Calgary to a berth in the 2025 U15 AAA Gold Medal game. Liffiton was named an AEHL U15 AAA First Team All-Star.
Liffiton already has family ties to the WHL as his father David is an Assistant Coach with the Calgary Hitmen. David also played in the Ontario Hockey League and was a second round pick by the Colorado Avalanche in 2003.
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.
