Iginla returns to Rockets ahead of Wednesday’s game

Oct 2, 2024 | 4:43 PM Liam Verster

Tij Iginila is expected to suit up with the Kelowna Rockets for their game against the Prince George Cougars.

The 18-year old forward was sent back to Kelowna from the Utah Hockey Club, and is expected to be ready to join the team for the game Wednesday, Oct. 2. He will remain with the WHL team for the 2024-25 season.

Iginla was selected sixth overall in last year’s NHL draft. He played his first preseason contest Sunday, Sept. 29, with Utah against the Colorado Avalanche.

He signed a three-year, entry-level contract with Utah in July.

The Lake Country product joined the Rockets in June of 2023 after being traded from the Seattle Thunderbirds, where he played his first season in the WHL.

The 6′, 195 lbs. forward put up 47 goals and 37 assists for the Rockets last season. His goals were ranked sixth among all WHL skaters that season, while his 84 points combined were the second highest for any Rocket, only behind Andrew Cristall. His efforts that year also earned him B.C. Division First All-Stra Team honours.

In addition to having Iginla back in the lineup, Rockets Head Coach, Kris Mallette, was named the Head Coach for Team CHL at the inaugural 2024 CHL USA Prospects Challenge.

The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will be a new event will feature the top first-year NHL Draft-eligible prospects in an Under-18 Team in a two-game series.

“Just really excited for the opportunity. When I got the call, I was I thought I was in trouble, to be honest,” Mallette said in a release.

“But yeah, just really excited for this inaugural event. It’s a great showcase for the players within our league and players across the CHL. We as a staff have the opportunity to be the first to try and have some success at this event so I’m looking forward to the opportunity.”

Mallette is serving as head coach for the Rockets for his fifth season in 2024-25. He served as assistant coach for the Kelowna WHL team for the sixth seasons prior to serving in his current role.

The CHL USA Prospects Challenge will go Nov. 26 in London, Ont. and on Nov. 27 in Oshawa, Ont.