The Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League have acquired 2006-born forward Tij Iginla from the Seattle Thunderbirds on Wednesday, in exchange for a 2024 WHL Prospects first-round pick, Seattle’s 2027 WHL Prospects second-round pick and 2005-born forward Grady Lenton.
“We’re excited to have the chance to acquire a player like Tij,” said Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton. “He has a full season in the Western Hockey League as a 16-year-old under his belt. We gave up a lot in first, third and fifth-round picks to get him, but we think he will be one of the top players on our team.
“He’s a great skater with great hockey sense, who shoots the puck well. He’s exactly who we’re looking for in the makeup of our team in trying to get faster. With the personnel that we have, he adds to the group of elite players that can play in our top six.”
Tij Iginla is the 16-year-old son of NHL legendary forward and Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla. He took part in 48 games for Seattle this season, posting 18 points (6G, 12A), 19 penalty minutes and a +6 plus-minus rating. The Lake Country, BC product also dressed in three playoff games, all against the Rockets in the first round, where he posted an assist and two penalty minutes.
The Thunderbirds selected Iginla ninth overall at the 2021 WHL Prospects Draft.
This is a first trade for the eldest son of Jarome, whose daughter, Jade, was a member for Team Canada’s Under-18 Women’s World Championship. Who knows what the future holds for Jarome’s kids as they continue to thrive in the hockey world.
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