Ben Vatis joins the Green and Gold for the 2024-2025 BCHL season – HighRiverOnline.com

The Okotoks Oilers have announced the signing of goaltender Ben Vatis, a native of Phoenix, Arizona and born in 2006.

The 18-year-old will make his BCHL debut at the start of the 2024-25 season with the Green and Gold.

Vatis played for the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes last season in the T1EHL 18U and 18U AAA, posting a 1.88 goals-against average and a .929 save percentage in nine games in the T1EHL 18U. He continued his dominance in 18U AAA competition, posting a 1.69 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage in 35 games.

“We feel like he is one of the best 2006-born goalies to play under 18 in North America last year. We are very excited about our goalies this year,” said Tyler Deis, the Oilers GM and head coach, in a press release.

Vatis also played in last year’s Circle K Classic with the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA team, posting a 1.47 goals-against average and a .949 save percentage.

The Oilers and Vatis will be back on the ice on September 7 in their first pre-season game against the Sherwood Park Crusaders at Centennial Arena, with puck drop set for 8:05 p.m.