T-Birds sign first player from 2023 WHL Prospects Draft
FROM SEATTLETHUNDERBIRDS.COM
KENT, May 22, 2023 — The Seattle Thunderbirds have announced defenseman Vanek Popil has signed a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the team.
Popil, from Edmonton, Alberta, was selected by the T-Birds in the third round, 65th overall, in the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft.
“We are very excited to add Vanek to our already deep prospect pool,” said General Manager Bil La Forge. “He is a player that we identified early in the year and monitored his development as the season progressed. He is an aggressive player with very good offensive instincts.”
By signing a WHL Scholarship and Development Agreement, Popil is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL. A player is able to attend any career enhancing institution of his choice, including universities, colleges, technical institutes, trade schools, or any other institution which will help the player achieve his academic and career goals.
For each season played in the WHL, a player receives a one-year post-secondary scholarship, which includes: Tuition, Compulsory Fees and Required Textbooks.
The WHL provides the top young hockey talent in western Canada and the United States with the opportunity to develop their skills on the ice at the highest possible level, without compromising their academic goals.
