June 28, 2025, is a day Max Heise will never forget.
The 19-year-old who spent the last two seasons playing for the Penticton Vees of the BCHL was selected by the San Jose Sharks in the fifth round (150th overall) of the NHL Draft on Saturday afternoon.
Heise posted 50 points in 40 regular-season games with Penticton in 2024-2025. He added five goals and 17 points in 14 playoff contests.
"It's pretty special," the Calgary, Alta. product told reporters on Saturday. "It's a really exciting moment for my family and I."
In the moments after he was drafted, Heise made mention of Penticton when reflecting on his junior hockey journey.
"It was a good year, great team and I can't thank Penticton enough," he told reporters.
The newest member of the Sharks was also a Vees teammate last season of defenceman Michael Fisher, who was selected by San Jose in the 2024 NHL Draft.
Heise is set to suit up for the Prince Albert Raiders of the Western Hockey League in 2025-2026.
