Islanders prospect, Penticton Vees standout wins WHL weekly honour
Published 11:30 am Wednesday, January 7, 2026
For the second time this season, New York Islanders prospect Jacob Kvasnicka has been named WHL Rookie of the Week.
The Penticton Vees forward received the honour after posting eight points in four games from Dec. 29, 2025, to Jan. 3.
In his first game since being named rookie of the week, Kvasnicka scored two goals in the Vees’ 5-2 win over the Prince George Cougars on Jan. 6.
The Burnsville, Minn., product has helped Penticton (21-9-4-3) win all five of its games since the WHL holiday break.
Heading into the Vees’ divisional showdown with the Cougars on Jan. 7, the 5’11, 170-pound winger is tied in the team lead with 45 points.
Kvasnicka, who has 10 points in his last five games, was selected in the seventh round (202nd overall) by the Islanders in the 2025 NHL draft.
He was also named WHL Rookie of the Week for the period ending Oct. 6, 2025.
The University of Minnesota commit was acquired by the Vees from the Wenatchee Wild on June 19, 2025, less than a month after Penticton took part in the WHL expansion draft.
READ MORE: Surging Penticton Vees win 6th straight, take top spot in B.C. Division
