The Utah Hockey Club have signed their first-ever draft selection Tij Iginla to an entry-level contract, the team announced on Thursday.
The 17-year-old was the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NHL draft.
A native of Kelowna, B.C., Iginla suited up for the WHL’s Kelowna Rockets during the 2023-2024 campaign. Across 64 games, Iginla posted 47 goals and 37 assists for 84 points — a major jump from his 18 points in 48 games a year prior. He was the team leader in goals for the Rockets during the regular season and added 15 points in 11 playoff games for the club.
Iginla also won a gold medal with Team Canada at the 2024 IIHF U18 World Junior Championship, tallying six goals and six assists through seven games.
His father, Jerome Iginla, played 1,554 career NHL games split between the Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche, and Los Angeles Kings.
The Utah Hockey Club made a historic move by signing Tij Iginla as their first-ever draft pick to an entry-level deal. The 18-year-old forward was selected in the first round of the recent NHL Entry Draft and is considered one of the top prospects in the league.
Iginla, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, has been turning heads with his impressive skills on the ice. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing in at 200 pounds, he brings a combination of size, speed, and scoring ability that makes him a valuable asset to any team.
The Utah Hockey Club saw great potential in Iginla and wasted no time in securing him to a contract. The entry-level deal will allow him to develop his game at the professional level while also giving him the opportunity to compete for a spot on the team’s roster.
Iginla is excited about the opportunity to play for the Utah Hockey Club and is eager to prove himself on the ice. He has been training hard in the offseason to prepare for the upcoming season and is determined to make a strong impression on his new teammates and coaches.
The signing of Tij Iginla represents a significant milestone for the Utah Hockey Club as they continue to build a competitive roster for the upcoming season. Fans can look forward to seeing Iginla in action and witnessing his potential as he takes the ice for the first time in a professional setting.
Overall, the signing of Tij Iginla is a major step forward for the Utah Hockey Club and signals their commitment to building a successful team for the future. With his talent and determination, Iginla has the potential to become a key player for the club and make a significant impact on the ice.