Oilers sign 2006-born goaltender Ben Vatis

OKOTOKS, AB (January 30, 2024) — The Okotoks Oilers announced Thursday that the club has signed 2006-born goaltender Ben Vatis (Phoenix, AZ) for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.

Vatis, who previously signed a Letter of Intent with the Oilers last February, began the 2024-25 campaign with the NAHL’s Odessa Jackalopes. The 18-year-old netminder posted a 2-4-1 record, one shutout, and an .890 save percentage in eight appearances with Odessa.

Prior to entering the NAHL, Vatis spent multiple seasons with the prestigious Phoenix Jr. Coyotes development program, going 28-7-0 with eight shutouts and a .920 save percentage in 32 games with the U18 AAA club in 2023-24.

“We’re excited to finally add Ben into the fold as we enter the stretch drive in our first full BCHL season,” Oilers head coach and general manager Tyler Deis said Thursday. “We’ve been very excited about his potential for a long time and hope he can carry over his previous success into his time in Okotoks.”

Vatis will wear No. 34 with the Oilers.

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About the Okotoks Oilers
The Okotoks Oilers are a not-for-profit, community-run junior hockey franchise competing in the BCHL and operating out of Viking Rentals Centre. The Oilers are currently in their 20th year of play and their first full season since officially joining the BCHL in January 2024. For more information, visit okotoksoilers.com or follow the Oilers on X (formerly Twitter)Facebook, and Instagram.