The Seattle Thunderbirds signed center Kai Uchacz to a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement, general manager Bil La Forge announced Monday.
Uchacz, from De Winton, Alberta, was the T-Birds’ first-round selection, 10th overall, in the May 3 Bantam Draft in Red Deer, Alberta.
Uchacz had 25 goals and 17 assists for 42 points in 33 games with the Okotoks Oilers Bantam AAA team last season. He had eight goals and four assists in five games with Team South at the 2018 Alberta Cup.
Uchacz is the third member of the 2018 draft class to sign with the team. Conner Roulette, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, the T-Birds’ second-second choice, signed on June 5. Mekai Sanders, from Gig Harbor, he team’s ninth-round pick, signed on June 19.
By signing a WHL Standard Player Agreement, Uchacz is guaranteed a WHL scholarship for every year he plays in the league. A player is able to attend any career-enhancing institution of his choice – including universities, colleges, technical institutes or trade schools – that will help the player achieve his academic and career goals.
The T-Birds open the 2018-19 regular season against the Portland Winterhawks at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at the accesso ShoWare Center.
For tickets and other information, visit seattlethunderbirds.com.