Kelowna Rocket signs NHL contract

KELOWNA — Kelowna Rockets’ Justin Kirkland is moving on to the big league. The Nashville Predators announced the signing of the 2014 third round selection on Monday.

The Camrose, Alberta native signed a three-year, entry-level contract. He was selected as 62nd overall by the Predators in 2014.

“It’s pretty special to see all of the support that I have behind me and I’m definitely thankful for it,” Kirkland told Global News in a phone interview.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "It's pretty special to see all of the support that I have behind me and I'm definitely thankful for it," Kirkland told <em>Global News</em> in a phone interview.

Kirkland says he signed on Thursday but had to keep the news to himself until it was announced Monday morning.

“I wasn’t allowed to say anything so it was hard,” says Kirkland.

“There are people from here, there and everywhere that I’ve crossed paths with through the game of hockey over the years are messaging me and people from Kelowna.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "There are people from here, there and everywhere that I've crossed paths with through the game of hockey over the years are messaging me and people from Kelowna."

Kirkland ranked eighth among WHL rookies in points in 2013 and for his career in Kelowna, has 169 points in 199 games.

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He amassed 67 points in 69 games with the WHL team during the 2015-2016 season, his third season with the Rockets.

“I was focused on playoffs and what not but I think I was playing for a little bit more in the end,” says Kirkland.

The 19-year-old says he hopes to make the jump to pro by next season.

“Whether that’s in Nashville or Milwakee, I’m going to go into camp with the attitude I’m not going to give them any reason to send me down and we’ll go from there,” says Kirkland.

“Nothing is guaranteed so I’m going to go in there and learn whatever I can and take the opportunity that I have.”

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "Nothing is guaranteed so I'm going to go in there and learn whatever I can and take the opportunity that I have."

In 2014, the left winger helped the Rockets claim the WHL regular-season and playoff titles and advance to the Memorial Cup Final, tying for sixth among all skaters in points at the tournament.

Current and former Rockets’ players are among those sending their congrats to Kirkland.

“We have a group chat with all of the guys and that was blowing up this morning…. We all keep in contact, it may not be everyday but we all know when someone gets an accomplishment like that, you’ll be hearing from everyone,” says Kirkland.

Share this on X Click to share quote on X: "We have a group chat with all of the guys and that was blowing up this morning…. We all keep in contact, it may not be everyday but we all know when someone gets an accomplishment like that, you'll be hearing from everyone," says Kirkland.