Six-foot-three Jujhar Khaira from Surrey is only eighteen years old but he`s already proving to be a role model for youngsters who want to go ahead and play professional ice hockey in the NHL.
Khaira has signed a three-year entry level contract with the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL).
Khaira was selected by the Oilers 63rd overall in the third round of the 2012 NHL Entry Draft.
The 198-pound left winger spent last season with Michigan Tech of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association, scoring six goals and adding 19 assists in 37 games while accumulating 49 penalty minutes.
By signing a professional contract, Khaira is not eligible to play in the WCHA next season. He will attend the Oilers prospect camp later this month, as well as the main camp in September.
General Manager, Craig MacTavish, announced the Edmonton Oilers have agreed to terms with Michigan Tech left winger.
Prior to college, the Surrey, British Columbia native Khaira played two seasons for the Prince George Spruce Kings in the British Columbia Hockey League. He accumulated 121 points and 90 penalty minutes in 112 career games.
Edmonton Oilers hockey is presented in part by the Rexall Family of Pharmacies, Molson Canadian, TELUS and Ford.
“I’m really excited to take the next step,” Khaira was quoted as saying by michigantechhuskies.com.
“I had a phenomenal time at Tech—one of the best of my life—and I wouldn’t have changed going there. There were so many great people including my teammates and coaches. Everyone helped me out a lot, and I’m very grateful.”
In the classroom, Khaira earned a 3.38 grade point average in business management.
“We thank Jujhar for his year at Tech,” Michigan Tech hockey coach Mel Pearson was quoted as saying by the website. “He grew immensely as a player and person. It’s bittersweet to see him go, but we know he’s following his dream.
“The Oilers are one of the young, exciting teams in the NHL, and I know Jujhar figures into their plans for the future. Thanks to my assistant coaches Billy Muckalt and Damon Whitten for their work in developing him and getting him ready for the next level. He will be missed, but his departure creates an opportunity for someone else to step up.”
