When the Victoria Royals called Eli McKamey’s name in the second round of the 2024 WHL Prospects Draft, they were well aware they were taking a risk.
The Cowichan Bay-born phenom had just been granted exceptional status to join the BCHL—a league that, until then, had never allowed a 15-year-old to play.
McKamey had his sights set on playing for the Penticton Vees, already had a commitment to the University of North Dakota, and had made it clear he was exploring the NCAA route.
That scared some WHL teams off. So they passed. But the Royals? They saw an opportunity. Now, that gamble has paid off.
The Vees were granted a WHL expansion franchise in March, marking their transition from the BCHL ahead of the 2025–2026 season. As a result, BCHL Vees players were not automatically carried over—including McKamey.
The newly minted WHL team—still called the Vees—selected 22 players in the 2025 WHL Expansion Draft, meaning many former BCHL Vees didn’t make the initial roster.
The Royals have now confirmed they have officially signed McKamey to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, bringing one of BCs brightest young hockey stars back to Vancouver Island.
“Eli has demonstrated for a number of years now that he is a top player in his age group,” said Royals GM Jake Heisinger. “Being able to add a player of Eli’s calibre to our team is very exciting for our organization. We are thrilled to welcome Eli back to the Island and are excited to have him and his family join our program.”
NEWS: The Victoria Royals have signed Eli McKamey to a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement.
McKamey — a top prospect for the 2027 NHL Entry Draft from Cowichan Bay, B.C. — is coming home to Vancouver Island! Learn more > https://t.co/UneaOZT7ci pic.twitter.com/bmwO7CGfWw
— Victoria Royals (@victoriaroyals) May 20, 2025
McKamey, who stands 5’10” and 176 pounds, is coming off a solid rookie season in the BCHL, where he scored 15 goals and added 16 assists for 31 points in 52 games against older competition. Before that, he lit up the U18 circuit at Shawnigan Lake School with 48 points in 28 games—as a 14-year-old.
At the time of the WHL Draft, McKamey was considered the top forward and second-best overall prospect in his class behind Landon Dupont, who became just the second player in WHL history (after Connor Bedard) to be granted exceptional status.
But McKamey’s intention to pursue college hockey caused him to slide out of the first round—right into Victoria’s lap at 35th overall.
For a team looking to build for the future with homegrown talent, McKamey is a dream come true.
His return also highlights the growing tension in Canadian junior hockey between the traditional CHL path and the increasingly attractive NCAA route. The BCHL’s independence from Hockey Canada, combined with changes to NIL rules in the US, means top players like McKamey have more options than ever.
But for now, Victoria fans can celebrate a massive win. They didn’t just draft a long shot, they landed a local star.
With files from Jeremy Weeres
