The Seattle Thunderbirds have signed left wing Lucas Ciona to a Western Hockey League Standard Player Agreement, general manager Bil La Forge announced.

Ciona, from Edmonton, Alberta, was the T-Birds’ second-round sekection, 32nd overall, in the Bantam Draft.

He was the first of two second-round picks by the T-Birds. Conner Roulette was taken 34th overall.

“We are excited Lucas chose our team to develop as a hockey player,” La Forge said. “He’s shown at training camp that he is an exciting prospect and will be a big part of our future plans.”

Ciona had 13 goals and 35 assists for 48 points in 30 games with Northern Alberta Xtreme Bantam Prep last season.

“This is a really exciting moment for me,” Ciona said. “A big goal I set for myself is to play in the WHL. It’s nice to see the building and facilities that will be my future hockey home.”

Ciona is the fourth member of the 2018 Bantam Draft class to sign with the team. Roulette, from Winnipeg, Manitoba, signed on June 5. Mekai Sanders, from Gig Harbor, the team’s ninth-round selection, signed on June 19. Kai Uchacz, from De Winton, Alberta, the team’s first-round selection, signed on Aug. 20.

By signing, Ciona is guaranteed a WHL scholarship for every year he plays in the WHL. 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.

For each season played in the WHL, a player receives a one-year post-secondary scholarship, which includes tuition, compulsory fees and required textbooks.

Back on the ice

The T-Birds start the 2018-19 regular season against the Portland Winterhawks at 6:05 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22 at the accesso ShoWare Center.

Season tickets may be purchased by calling the T-Birds office at 253-239-7825.

Single-game tickets are on sale online on the T-Birds website and at the ShoWare box office.