Utah HC Makes Big Decision With Tij Iginla

The Utah Hockey Club has announced that they have re-assigned top prospect Tij Iginla to the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). 

ROSTER MOVE

Forward Tij Iginla has been assigned to Kelowna (WHL)

— Utah Hockey Club PR (@UtahHC_PR) October 2, 2024

Iginla, 18, was selected by Utah with the sixth overall pick of the 2024 NHL Entry Draft. The 6-foot winger is expected to become a big part of their roster later down the road, but for now, he will play another season at the junior level.

With Iginla being just 18 years old and still developing his game, it is understandable that Utah HC has opted to send him back to the WHL for this campaign. Another year in junior should help the Lake Country, British Columbia native, as he will have the chance to play a big role with the Rockets. 

Iginla appeared in 64 games this past season with the Rockets, where he had 47 goals to go along with 84 points, 35 penalty minutes, and a plus-17 rating. Overall, it was a very good season from the 18-year-old winger, and now he will look to build off it in 2024-25 from here.

We will now need to wait and see what kind of season Iginla has with the Rockets from here. It would not be surprising if he took another step forward offensively. 

photo credit: © Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images