Kelowna Rockets forward Tij Iginla is another step closer to the big leagues.

Iginla, son of NHL Hall of Famer Jarome, officially signed his entry level contract with Utah Hockey Club on Thursday, July 11. 

The 17-year-old was drafted with the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NHL Entry Draft, after an 84 point season in 2023-24 with the Rockets. 

The 5-foot-11-inch forward led the Rockets in goals (with 47) during the 64-game regular season. In the playoffs, Iginla registered nine goals and six assists for 15 points in 11 games as Kelowna fell in the second round of postseason to the Prince George Cougars.

Born in Lake Country, Iginla played his first two seasons in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds, before being traded prior to last season. 

Iginla is the first Rocket to be selected in the first round of the NHL Draft since Lassi Thomson was taken by Ottawa in 2019.