T-Birds Sign Lucas Ciona
Ciona was the 32nd overall pick in the 2018 Bantam Draft
KENT, August 24, 2018 — Seattle Thunderbirds general manager Bil La Forge today announced left wing Lucas Ciona has signed a WHL Standard Player Agreement with the team.
Ciona, from Edmonton, Alberta, was selected by the T-Birds in the second round, 32nd overall, at the 2018 Bantam Draft in Red Deer, Alberta on May 3. He was the first of two second round picks by the T-Birds. Conner Roulette, taken 34th overall by the T-Birds in the Draft, signed with the team on June 5.
“We are excited Lucas chose our team to develop as a hockey player,” said La Forge. “He’s shown at Training Camp that he is an exciting prospect and will be a big part of our future plans.”
Ciona played with the Northern Alberta Xtreme Bantam Prep team last season and had 13 goals and 35 assists for 48 points in 30 games.
T-Birds co-owner Lindsey Leckelt, Curtis Ciona, Lucas Ciona and Natashia Ciona in the T-Birds locker room prior to Lucas signing with the team.
“This is a really exciting moment for me,” said Ciona. “A big goal I set for myself is to play in the WHL. It’s nice to see the building and facilities that will be my future hockey home.”
“We are very proud of Lucas and it’s great to see his hard work pay off,” said Lucas’ mother Natashia Ciona.
“It’s awesome to see Lucas reach a goal he set for himself,” said Curtis Ciona.
Ciona is the fourth member of the 2018 Bantam Draft class to sign with the team. Conner Roulette, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the T-Birds second second-round in the 2018 Bantam Draft signed on June 5. Mekai Sanders, from Gig Harbor, Washington was the team’s ninth-round selection and he signed on June 19. Kai Uchacz, from De Winton, Alberta, was the team’s first-round selection and he signed on August 20.
By signing a WHL Standard Player Agreement, Ciona is guaranteed a WHL Scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL. A player is able to attend any career enhancing institution of his choice, including universities, colleges, technical institutes, trade schools, or any other institution which will help the player achieve his academic and career goals.
For each season played in the WHL, a player receives a one-year post-secondary scholarship, which includes: Tuition, Compulsory Fees and Required Textbooks.
The WHL provides the top young hockey talent in western Canada and the United States with the opportunity to develop their skills on the ice at the highest possible level, without compromising their academic goals. The WHL is committed to recognizing academic excellence.
The T-Birds start the 2018-19 Western Hockey League regular season against the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, September 22 at 6:05pm at the ShoWare Center.
Season Tickets for 2018-19 season are currently on sale. Season tickets can be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.
T-Birds single game tickets for the 2018-19 regular season are on sale online on the T-Birds website and at the accesso ShoWare Center box office.
