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WHL Kelowna Rockets

Rockets Trade For Tij Iginla

June 7, 2023 - Western Hockey League (WHL)
Kelowna Rockets News Release


Forward Tij Iginla with the Seattle Thunderbirds
Forward Tij Iginla with the Seattle Thunderbirds
(Kelowna Rockets, Credit: Jarret Gale/Kelowna Rockets)

Kelowna Rockets president and general manager Bruce Hamilton announced today that the Rockets have acquired 2006-born forward Tij Iginla from the Seattle Thunderbirds in exchange for a 2024 WHL Prospects first-round pick, Seattle's 2027 WHL Prospects second-round pick and 2005-born forward Grady Lenton.

During the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft on May 11th, the Thunderbirds dealt their 2027 second-round pick to the Rockets in exchange for the Rockets 2023 third and fifth-round picks.

"We're excited to have the chance to acquire a player like Tij," said 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, 16, appeared 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.

Earlier this season, the 6'0", 181-pound forward captured a silver medal with Canada Red at the U-17 Hockey Challenge. He posted seven points (2G, 5A) over seven games.

He is the brother of Brown University forward Jade Iginla, Edmonton Oil Kings draftee Joe Iginla and the son of 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Jarome Iginla

Lenton appeared in 59 games for the Rockets this season, posting eight points (4G, 4A), eight penalty minutes and a -17 plus/minus rating.

"We'd like to thank Grady for his time with the Rockets," said Hamilton. "We wish him all the best in Seattle and moving forward."

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Images from this story

Forward Tij Iginla with the Seattle Thunderbirds
Forward Tij Iginla with the Seattle Thunderbirds
(Jarret Gale/Kelowna Rockets)		   



Western Hockey League Stories from June 7, 2023


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