Iginla 'unbelievable kid,' poised for bright future with Utah
The offspring of a Hall of Fame forward is anticipated to become a potential 50-goal scorer in the NHL.
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SALT LAKE CITY — When Tij Iginla was introduced to the crowd during the Utah Hockey Club’s development camp scrimmage Friday, he was greeted with the loudest applause of anyone on the roster.
The 17-year-old center, chosen by Utah as the No. 6 pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, expressed their excitement at the tremendous cheer that erupted upon hearing their name. They also mentioned how the fans have been incredibly warm and welcoming to both the hockey club and themselves. It appears that in the future, Utah will boast some of the most passionate fans in the League, promising an enjoyable journey ahead.
Though his NHL debut has yet to be determined, the son of Calgary Flames icon and Hockey Hall of Famer Jarome Iginla already has made big waves in Utah.
According to Utah general manager Bill Armstrong, “He is an exceptional kid with a complete dedication to hockey. Not only do we admire him as an individual, but also as a player. He possesses all the qualities we appreciate.”
After a successful season with Kelowna in the Western Hockey League, Iginla has emerged as a rising star. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing 84 points (47 goals, 37 assists) in 64 games. Moreover, Iginla’s impressive goal-scoring abilities led him to become the top scorer on the team following a trade from Seattle on June 8, 2023. Additionally, his exceptional performance extended beyond the league as he played a crucial role in Canada’s victory at the 2024 IIHF World Junior Championship, contributing 12 points (six goals, six assists) in just seven games.
According to Lee Stempniak, the director of player development for Utah, what impressed him the most was the individual’s strong work ethic, relentless drive, and their readiness to compete in the inner area, which is crucial in the NHL. Stempniak highlighted that scoring goals primarily occurs in that specific zone, and it is fantastic to witness the individual’s determination to excel in that aspect.
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When he reaches the NHL, Utah envisions Iginla as a promising top-six forward who possesses the ability to score goals at an impressive rate.
Armstrong expressed, “I mentioned to him that we possess many players who can score 20 goals. However, what we truly need is a 50-goal scorer. He has the opportunity to elevate our game and contribute with a significant number of goals. I truly admire his mindset.”
In addition to his father’s illustrious career, Iginla’s sibling, Jade, exhibited impressive skills as a sophomore forward for Brown University’s women’s team. She achieved a remarkable 27 points (16 goals, 11 assists) in 32 games during the previous season. On the other hand, Iginla’s younger brother, Joe, showcased his talent by participating in five games as a 15-year-old forward for the WHL’s Edmonton team last season.
Moving forward, Tij Iginla emphasized that his family connection is of utmost importance to his personal growth.
“He has played a significant role in my growth,” he expressed regarding his father. “Returning home and continuing to enhance all aspects of my game with him will be beneficial. Additionally, I have the support of my brother and sister, so we frequently hit the ice together, focusing on whatever we need to improve that day.”
My main objective is to continuously enhance every aspect of my game. I aim to have a productive summer and carry that momentum into the upcoming season, regardless of what it may be. My primary goal is to constantly strive for improvement and maximize my potential in the game.
