The Utah Hockey Club has achieved a significant milestone in their journey to the NHL by formally signing their first-ever draft pick, Tij Iginla. This promising young talent was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft and has now finalized a three-year entry-level contract with the team.
According to the terms of the entry-level deal, Iginla will be committed to the Utah Hockey Club until the conclusion of the 2026-27 season, with a cost of $975,000 against the NHL salary cap. Having honed his skills through three years of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League, including stints with the Seattle Thunderbirds and the Kelowna Rockets, Iginla has proven himself to be a formidable force on the ice.
Of particular note, Tij Iginla is the son of Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla and has exhibited immense potential through standout performances during his junior hockey career. In the 2023-24 season with the Kelowna Rockets, he amassed an impressive 84 points from 47 goals and 37 assists in 64 games. Iginla also played an instrumental role in securing a WHL championship during the 2022-23 season with the Thunderbirds, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the hockey world.
Furthermore, Iginla’s talent was showcased on the international stage as well, as he made significant contributions to Team Canada’s victory at the U18 IIHF World Junior Championship. With an outstanding tally of six goals and six assists in seven games, he played a pivotal role in securing the gold medal for his team.
At the tender age of 17 with an August 1st birth date, Iginla undoubtedly possesses a bright future ahead of him, which has sparked excitement and anticipation within the Utah Hockey Club. The team is eagerly looking forward to witnessing the impact that Iginla will make once he takes to the ice in the NHL.
Lee Stempniak, the director of player development for Utah, has praised Iginla’s work ethic, high motor, and willingness to compete in the most challenging areas of the game, emphasizing the vital role these attributes will play in his success at the NHL level. Furthermore, the general manager of Utah has expressed confidence in Iginla’s potential to become a prolific goal scorer and make significant contributions to the franchise.
The Utah Hockey Club is preparing for their highly-anticipated NHL debut against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 8, marking a historic moment for the team and their dedicated fan base. For the latest news, exclusive interviews, and in-depth recruiting coverage, be sure to bookmark Breakaway OnSI for all your hockey updates and insights.