Another Arizona native is one step closer to the NHL.

Vancouver Giants (WHL) forward Jaden Lipinski was selected by the Calgary Flames in the fourth round (112th overall) of the 2023 NHL Draft on June 29.

This past season, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound center finished third on the Giants in scoring with 51 points (19 goals, 32 assists) in 66 games, a 34-point improvement from his rookie season. His breakout 2022-23 campaign consisted of a team-leading five game-winning-goals, eight power-play goals (second on Vancouver) and a 51 percent clip in the face-off circle (460 wins).

The Scottsdale native was also named the Bublé Iron Man of the Year and Save-On-Foods High School Scholastic Player of the Year in 2022-23 with the Giants.

“The Vancouver Giants organization would like to congratulate Jaden and his family on his selection by the Calgary Flames in the NHL Draft,” Giants GM Barclay Parneta said. “His improvement from Day 1 to today speaks volumes to his work ethic and high upside. We look forward to working alongside the Flames to help further his development.”

Giants head coach Michael Dyck added that Lipinski just kept getting better and better as the season went on.

“He’s got the ability to finish around the net,” Dyck said. “Reliable both ways. Since he’s got to Vancouver, he has improved a lot.”

Lipinski was signed by the Giants in April of 2021, following a season in which he played for the Jr. Coyotes with current Giants teammate Colton Langkow. The right-shot forward has appeared in 134 career regular-season games for Vancouver, compiling 27 goals and 41 assists for 68 points. Additionally, he has played in 16 playoff games, registering four points (goal, three assists).

Photo/Rob Wilton

(July 3, 2023)