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Whitecourt product now an Anaheim Ducks prospect

Whitecourt, AB, Canada / XM 105
Jul 26, 2021 | 2:22 PM
Whitecourt product now an Anaheim Ducks prospect

Sean Tschigerl - Calgary Hitmen



A Whitecourt hockey player is hoping the latest milestone in his life will lead him to the bright lights of the NHL.

Sean Tschigerl was drafted in the fifth round, 130th overall this weekend by the Anaheim Ducks.

Tschigerl is coming off his third season with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen in 2021. The left winger notched 13 goals and eight assists for 21 points in 21 games.

That was a big step up from his 13 points in 56 games for Calgary the season prior.

Tschigerl also played one game with the AJHL’s Whitecourt Wolverines this past season.

The 18-year-old says he’s equal parts excited and nervous about being drafted.

“This is a big step. A lot of work needs to be done now, and I just want to keep growing as a player, and make that next step pretty soon,” he says.

As for those next steps, Tschigerl will be reporting to the Anaheim Ducks training camp this fall.

“You get that first taste of the pro level, so what it’s like, the atmosphere, the players you’re around, the coaching style…it’s a growing opportunity, and that’s what I want,” says Tschigerl.

All that said, he expects to play a couple more seasons with the Hitmen before making the jump to pro, either with the Ducks or their AHS affiliate.

Regardless of his path from here on out, he’ll never forget his hometown roots.

Tschigerl was back in town for that one game in a Wolverines jersey last November, and he says there’s nothing like playing for your hometown crowd.

Tschigerl was congratulated following the draft over the weekend by, among others, the mayor of Whitecourt.

“Congratulations Sean Tschigerl, drafted yesterday by the Anaheim Ducks,” wrote Mayor Maryann Chichak on Facebook.

In a statement, Hitmen GM Jeff Chynoweth says the Hitmen are very proud of Tschigerl, as he’s worked extremely hard and under difficult circumstances to achieve this first step in his goal of one day playing in the NHL.