Before even playing a game, Eli McKamey made BCHL history.
Enjoying the early days of the offseason in May back home on Vancouver Island, the 15-year-old was focusing on school work and looking ahead to the summer when his phone suddenly buzzed with a text message.
Glancing down at the words on the screen, McKamey was informed his hockey world had forever changed.
It was official. Not only did he sign with the Penticton Vees, but he also became the first player in league history to be granted exceptional status.
"It was pretty surreal when I saw it was official," the Cowichan Bay product said. "I'm grateful that they've given me the opportunity, and I'm going to try to make the most of it."
Exceptional status designations are given to players “who possess exceptional traits in hockey and athletic acumen, mental and physical maturity, work ethic and education,” according to the BCHL. Without it, McKamey wouldn’t be eligible to play in the league until next season.
"He's much more mature beyond his age," said Fred Harbinson, the Vees' president, general manager and head coach. "He's a humble kid, but he's very confident in what his abilities are. He believes in himself."
McKamey is considered a top prospect ahead of the 2027 NHL draft.
The 5'10", 172-pound forward comes to Penticton after playing three seasons in the Canadian Hockey School Sport League with the Island-based Shawnigan Lake prep team.
McKamey says he's ready, though, to take the next step and vault into the Junior 'A' spotlight.
"I think this is the best place where I can further my hockey career, but along the way, hopefully win a championship, too," McKamey said. "It's like the pinnacle of junior hockey here, the team's got a big history of winning and developing players and that's why I chose to come here." The forward also added he wanted to keep his options open for a shot in the NCAA, hence his decision to sign with a BCHL club.
The league's board of governors in January voted to add an exceptional status application process, making McKamey's commitment to the Vees possible one year earlier than it would have been.
The 15-year-old may be in a league of his own in the BCHL, but he's also in rare company among all junior hockey players.
As of 2024, only nine skaters entering the Canadian Hockey League have been granted exceptional status. Among them include Connor McDavid, John Tavares, and Aaron Ekblad.
"I don't really think about it, to be honest," McKamey said. "It is nice to have that recognition, but I think I'm the same equal as everyone. We all have the same level of importance on this team and I'm just a piece of that puzzle."
Penticton enters 2024-2025 as the three-time defending Interior Conference champions. Harbinson's squad fell short in the Fred Page Cup Finals in 2024 to the Surrey Eagles, failing to win a historic third straight league title.
McKamey says he's excited to join such a prestigious program — one with a BCHL-record 14 championships — and introduce himself to the city's local hockey faithful.
"The fans are obviously super passionate here," McKamey said. "The town's huge about the organization and their past history, so I'm pretty excited to see that support and feel it."
The Vees will begin their season in uncharted territory, doing so on the road with four games in Alberta.
In the aftermath of leaving Hockey Canada and becoming independent, the BCHL added five teams from the Alberta Junior Hockey League last spring.
"Some of the best teams in Western Canada are coming here," Harbinson said. "This should be the strongest Interior Division ever, and we're looking forward to the challenges ahead."
Harbinson, now entering his 17th season as Penticton's head coach, leads the team into Spruce Grove for its regular-season opener on Sept. 20.
McKamey's first home regular-season game will be Oct. 4, when his new team hosts the Okotoks Oilers at the South Okanagan Events Centre.
