Photo credit: Steve Dunsmoor

By Regan Bartel

Back, better, and bolder

What makes Tij Iginla tick?

Oct 29, 2025 | 6:00 AM

TJ Iginla is back in Kelowna, but this season feels different. Last year, he played just over 20 games before being shut down to undergo surgery on both hips and an ankle. He didn’t resume skating until this summer, and now, fully healed, he’s ready to chase unfinished business with the Rockets.

“Yeah, for sure. I’m super excited to be back. It would have been nice to stick longer in the NHL, but there’ll be some great opportunities here. The Memorial Cup is the pinnacle, and I’m excited to be back for another year with the Rockets. I didn’t get to play a lot last year, so I’m looking forward to it.”

His time at NHL training camp in Utah was a glimpse of the next level, but Iginla says being back in Kelowna feels right.

“It was a lot of fun. Great competition, and it’s good to be back. I missed so much of last season, so it’ll be good to play a ton of games and be out there in all situations. I’m just trying to find the positives of either situation and build towards the Memorial Cup.”

The NHL was fast, skilled, and relentless, but coming back from surgery has given him perspective.

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“It’s fast. Guys are strong, smart, and in the right spots. They make it hard on you. You can’t take shifts off. You have to be ready to go every day, every practice. But it’s fun.”

Even goalies posed a challenge, and Iginla had to sharpen every part of his game.

“The goalies are better and bigger, taking up more net. Most are positionally sound, so you have to be crafty with your release and hit your spots.”

Opportunities were limited in the NHL, but he’s ready to make every shift in Kelowna count.

“I didn’t get as many opportunities as I usually would, but I probably had a couple of shots each game. Ideally, I’d like more.”

Shooting has always been his edge, honed since childhood with guidance from his dad.

“I’ve worked on it a lot over the years. My dad was a shooter and goal scorer, so I had great guidance. I try to work on all parts of my game, shooting, puck handling, skating, IQ, but shooting is probably one of my better attributes.”

Years of practice make technique instinctive.

“A lot of technique, but at this point, the basic snapshot is ingrained. I just shoot every day and hone it. I’m not thinking too much about what I’m doing with my stick; it’s just reps.”

His mental game is just as strong, a key to playing at a high level after serious injuries.

“It comes to you when you’re out there. If you’re thinking too much, it slows you down. When a player’s in a groove, it just comes. You’re making plays without hesitating. It’s mostly subconscious thinking.”

Leadership is central to his return.

“It takes a whole team to come together, but habits matter. Competing on pucks, working hard in practice—that’s how I try to help the group and lead. There are so many aspects to leadership, and we have a lot of leaders here.”

He knows the weight of his presence, but he keeps it simple.

“I just try to do my best, work hard, and get better every day. I want to be a leader and keep the guys moving in the right direction, focusing on improving themselves.”

Pressure doesn’t scare him—it fuels him.

“Preparation and confidence help, but sometimes there’s pressure or anxiety. I don’t run from it. I embrace it and accept it as part of the gig. Pressure is a privilege.”

And losing? Not an option.

“I hate to lose. Not just in a game, but even losing a battle. It definitely doesn’t make me happy.”

Teammates like Carson Wetsch add to the excitement.

“He’s a great guy. I knew him from Team BC growing up. He’s a great player. You know what you’re getting every night. He competes and has the skill to go with it. A great addition for our team.”

TJ Iginla is back. Fully healthy, fully focused, and fully motivated. He’s not just playing for stats, he’s chasing the Memorial Cup, leading his team, and proving that setbacks don’t define him.

After surgeries, months off the ice, and a long summer of recovery, this season is all about unfinished business.