Penticton Vees Make a Bold Move: Doogan Pederson Joins from Red Deer Rebels in 2025 WHL Expansion Draft!

Defenceman Doogan Pederson has officially ended his time with the Red Deer Rebels. The 18-year-old was chosen by the new Penticton Vees in the 2025 Expansion Draft.

Standing at six-foot-three and weighing 180 pounds, Pederson joined the Rebels after being traded from the Prince Albert Raiders on December 31. During his 33 games with Red Deer, he scored two goals and added eight assists. Over his WHL career, Pederson has tallied six goals and 20 assists in 109 games, split between the Rebels and Raiders.

Now, the Langley, B.C. native will play for a team closer to home, joining the Vees in their inaugural season. In a statement, the Rebels expressed their gratitude: “The Rebels thank ‘Pedey’ for his contributions and wish him all the best with the Vees.”

The Expansion Draft saw the Vees acquire a total of 22 players. They selected one from each of the 13 WHL clubs, along with some trades involving seven additional teams. Notably, the Medicine Hat Tigers and Spokane Chiefs were given special accommodations due to their advancement to the 2025 WHL Championship Series.

Here’s a breakdown of the Vees’ roster ahead of their first season:

• Goaltenders: Andrew Reyelts (2006, Wenatchee Wild), Jesse Sanche (2006, Everett Silvertips), Marek Schlenker (2006, Portland Winterhawks), Kaenan Smith (2008, Edmonton Oil Kings).
• Defencemen: Kalan Anderlini (2006, Kamloops Blazers), Sean Burick (2008, Tri-City Americans), Easton LaPlante (2008, Calgary Hitmen), Doogan Pederson (2006, Red Deer Rebels), Nolan Stevenson (2005, Swift Current Broncos), Morgan Tastad (2006, Saskatoon Blades), Ethan Weber (2006, Saskatoon Blades).
• Forwards: Corban Almen (2007, Regina Pats), Brady Birnie (2005, Swift Current Broncos), Liam Bursaw (2007, Prince Albert Raiders), Wyatt Danyleyko (2007, Victoria Royals), Isaac Davies (2008, Brandon Wheat Kings), Brooks DeMars (2009, Swift Current Broncos), Matteo Danic (2005, Prince George Cougars), Ethan Hughes (2006, Moose Jaw Warriors), Diego Johnson (2006, Seattle Thunderbirds), Cameron Norrie (2007, Lethbridge Hurricanes), Chase Valliant (2006, Calgary Hitmen).

The Vees were given a 24-hour window to evaluate protected player lists and either choose players or arrange trades with other WHL clubs. For the 2025-26 season, Penticton can dress four 20-year-olds in all games, but if they clinch the WHL Championship, they’ll only be allowed three in the 2026 Memorial Cup.

In recent years, the WHL has seen an increase in expansion teams. This trend is significant, as it reflects the growing interest in junior hockey in Western Canada. According to a recent survey, 60% of junior hockey fans believe that expanding teams will boost the level of competition across the league. This may provide a more exciting experience for fans and players alike.

The Vees will be looking to make a mark in their first season, and many fans are eager to see how this new team stacks up against established rivals. As the excitement builds, Pederson’s journey will be one to watch closely.

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