Pats’ Nijhoff signs with AHL’s San Diego Gulls

Regina Pats captain Logan Nijhoff hopes his pro hockey career will take flight with the San Diego Gulls.

The Pats announced Thursday that Nijhoff has signed a two-year contract with the Gulls, the AHL affiliate of the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks.

“It’s extremely exciting for myself and my family,” the 20-year-old product of Comox Valley, B.C., said in a media release. “It’s something I’ve worked really hard for over a number of years, but I know the hard work is just beginning now.

“I’m extremely grateful for all the support from all my coaches, teammates, friends and especially my family, who have sacrificed so much to help me get here. It’s certainly nice knowing what my plans will be for the next couple years.”

In September, Nijhoff went to the Ducks’ rookie camp before returning to Regina for his fifth and final WHL season with the Pats. In 52 games this season, he has put up 20 goals and 23 assists.

The 6-foot-0, 189-pound centre has played in 226 regular-season games in his WHL career, recording 56 goals and 61 assists. He has earned the Rick Rypien Memorial Award as the Pats’ unsung hero and the Mike Kartusch Community Service Award.