Nijhoff ready to join the pro ranks

Logan Nijhoff will be trading in the winter parka for some sun tan lotion next winter.

The Pats captain will soon be playing for the AHL affiliate of the Anaheim Ducks, the San Diego Gulls, after signing a pro contract with the Gulls last week.

Negotiations with the Ducks organization have been ongoing since the fall after he took part in the team’s rookie camp according to Nijhoff. “Been chatting with them here and there throughout the season, since camp last fall, but it kind of came into works, three or four weeks ago and we were able to get it done so it’s extremely exciting.”

Even though he hasn’t arrived in San Diego, Nijhoff believes he will be able to make a contribution to the lineup when he eventually suits up for the Gulls, he noted his style of play is very to hard to play against, making lives difficult for his opposition.

Nijhoff has looked back in time with the Pats with fond memories, including arriving with the Pats during their playoff run in 2017, he said that he gained a lot of valuable lessons during that time. “Certainly the biggest thing was just the culture around the Pats organization and how much they loved each other and the organization, how much history there is, I think that was one of the biggest things that I’ve learnt.”

The Pats captain added while the organization hasn’t enjoyed as much success in recent seasons, he is still trying to carrying on the tradition and values of the Pats history to the current squad.

One individual who Nijhoff gave a lot of credit for his success with the Pats since arriving as an 8th round pick was Head Coach and General Manager John Paddock. ” Ever since I’ve came to Regina, John has really believed in me and has given me that opportunity so I can’t thank him enough and it’s certainly a start and there’s a lot more hard work to come.”

The five year veteran of the Pats is currently enjoying his best season with Regina as he has picked up 22 goals and 24 assists as the Pats head into the final  three games of the regular season.

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