WHL Stars of Tomorrow: Joe Iginla, Edmonton Oil Kings

They say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

And, in the case of the Iginla family, that statement rings true – to a certain extent.

At some point in the apple’s life, it must find a way to roll away from the tree’s shade just enough for it to plant and grow its own roots.

Looking past the poorly written proverb, the message is simple; Find your own path.

While there are several on-ice qualities that the Iginla household all share, each player also owns a plethora of attributes that help uniquely define themselves.

This is the exact same message that Edmonton Oil Kings Head Coach, Luke Pierce, is relaying to his soon-to-be star, Joe Iginla, as he enters his first full season in the Western League.

“We want to help Joe define who Joe’s going to be. He’s [got] obviously fantastic bloodlines and has some great mentors to look up to, but he’s still got to become his own player and his own person, and we want to be here to help guide him on that path.”

Since hearing his name called 12th overall by the Oil Kings at the 2023 WHL Prospects Draft, Iginla not only absorbed Pierce’s advice but ran with it.

Having potted 80 goals and 142 points in 60 games with RINK Hockey Academy Kelowna’s U15 Prep team during the 2022-23 season, Iginla quickly labelled himself as a top-tier sharpshooter.

“I’m definitely a goal scorer. You know, that’s always just kind of been my strong suit. That’s really why I liked hockey in the first place, just scoring goals,” Iginla said. “I think I’m not a bad playmaker, but definitely more of a shooter than compared to Tij being like a playmaker.”

Midway through the 2023-24 WHL Season, the forward also introduced himself to the WHL community by netting an impressive five points (three goals–two assists) in his first five regular season appearances. His point-per-game mark bested his older brother and Utah Hockey Club prospect, Tij Iginla, who recorded two assists in his opening five skates, over two seasons ago.

🚨 JOE IGINLA HAS HIS FIRST WHL GOAL 🚨@EdmOilKings | #2026NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/J7qMikVxPj

— The WHL (@TheWHL) December 18, 2023

While simply remarkable to have already found success so early into his junior hockey career, the Oil Kings’ bench boss admitted he wasn’t overly surprised by Iginla’s instant production.

“I don’t know if it could have gone much better, other than maybe us winning another one of those games that he was in,” Pierce joked. “Knowing his pedigree, it wasn’t a shock.”

After all, shades of the hockey-loving family will always be present in each player’s game.

Shades like their insatiable knack for the net.

Between his Kamloops Blazers alumnus and Hockey Hall of Fame Dad, Jarome, and his brother, Tij, the trio has already combined for over 400 points in the Western League – and counting.

"No ordinary Joe!"

Tally up a second for Joe Iginla, who now has three goals and two assists in four games this season!@EdmOilKings | #2026NHLDraft pic.twitter.com/iryKwhrOc8

— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 19, 2024

The family’s similarities also extend past the confines of the rink. From Jarome and Kara to Jade, Tij, and Joe, the Iginla name is synonymous with a positive demeanour, unrivalled leadership, and a prized sense of humour.

“Joe, at his core, understands the importance of being a good teammate and a great leader,” Pierce explained. “He’s just one of those guys that, in general, has a very optimistic and positive outlook on life, and he’s a kid that brings energy to your group. To be effective as a team, you need a little bit of life from your young player, an injection of enthusiasm, and a little bit of innocence.”

On the opposite end of his radiating positivity also comes a tenacious drive to compete and a hunger to be a top talent in all scenarios.

It’s an urge that comes from a healthy rivalry he’s built with his siblings.

Some of Iginla’s fondest memories growing up included some legendary battles on the outdoor rink in his family’s backyard. Most of the time, these clashes involved a two-on-two match that saw Jarome and Joe face off against Jade and Tij.

While always making sure each combatant was playing safe, taking it easy was never an option.

Nor was it a choice that Joe ever considered.

“You didn’t want to lose that’s for sure,” Joe laughed. “Just trying to out-compete your siblings and just come out on top at the end of the day. I don’t see why I would [take it easy]. I don’t think it would go well if I did.”

Despite always striving to beat one another on the ice, Iginla’s friendship with his two siblings is nothing short of invaluable. Over the years, the trio’s on-ice rivalry helped develop their desire to dominate.

“I think the real support system is just pushing each other,” Iginla shared. “Especially with my brother. If you don’t do something, he lets you know about it, and in a helpful way. It keeps you on track and really keeps you dialled.”

WHL Stars of Tomorrow – Joe Iginla

Making the most of his opportunities with the big club in Edmonton this season, Joe Iginla has tallied three goals and two assists in his first four games. @EdmOilKings | @CSSHL | @rha_kelowna

Click to see Iginla’s full report ⬇️

— The WHL (@TheWHL) February 21, 2024

Although intense at times, Iginla’s brotherly bond with Tij is not only irreplaceable. Behind their razzing and playful exterior is a pair of brothers who are wishing for nothing but good fortune for the two of them.

So, when Tij heard his name called by Utah at the 2024 NHL Draft in Las Vegas, very few people were more excited for the playmaking forward than his younger brother.

Having grown up next to Tij his entire life, Iginla knew what the once-in-a-lifetime moment meant to his brother.

“I remember growing up, he’d always be in his room imagining when he was going to get drafted, and he always had himself going pretty early. So, it was really cool to see that happen.”

Iginla went on to admit that his time at Sphere did make him daydream about the possibility of having his own NHL Draft experience in the future.

While his draft year isn’t till 2026, the forward already has his eyes on the 10th-overall selection – regardless of who will own the pick.

“I always wanted to go one before my Dad. So, that was where I had myself going.”

On March 7, the brothers will get to reignite their on-ice rivalry when Tij’s Kelowna Rockets enter the Kingdom during their annual, cross-conference road trip.

Regardless of the date being seven months away, it’s already been a hot topic between the duo.

“I threw out the idea of fighting at centre ice, but my Mom and Dad said no. Probably for the best,” laughed Iginla.

So, while his eventual clash with his brother waits on the horizon, Joe is pivoting back to the present.

The Edmonton Oil Kings regular season campaign gets started on Friday, September 20, when they travel south for a clash with the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the VisitLethbridge.com Arena.