Mammoth get major Tij Iginla update before WHL Memorial Cup

Tij Iginla continues to prove that his hockey future is bright.

Soon enough, he'll be suiting up full-time in the NHL for the Utah Mammoth. First, though, he has some big WHL games to play in the Memorial Cup.

Iginla, the son of Calgary legend Jarome, plays in the Western Hockey League for the Kelowna Rockets.

This season, he put up 41 goals and 49 assists across 48 games. He averaged nearly two points per game.

"He’s a stout goal scorer who plays with as much poise and hockey sense as anyone at this level," wrote Steven Ellis of Daily Faceoff. "The highly skilled sniper can shoot from anywhere, and he’s one of the more competitive junior players from a physical and battle-winning standpoint."

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All of that points to a guy who is ready for the NHL, right?

That's exactly what Ellis thinks.

"There’s no question he’ll be ready for the NHL next year as a 20-year-old rookie – but first, he’s hoping to win the Memorial Cup and finish his time in Kelowna as one of the best junior hockey players in the world right now," Ellis writes.

The Mammoth chose Iginla as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft. He was the first-ever draft pick by the franchise after its move to Utah.

He has yet to suit up in an NHL regular season game, but he certainly appears to be ready.

Utah fans can follow Iginla's action in the Memorial Cup, and then it'll be time for the Mammoth to prepare an NHL spot for the youngster.

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