With the kind of campaign graduated Moose Jaw Warriors forward Tristin Langan put together last season in the Western Hockey League, it was only a matter of time before professional hockey came calling.
The only surprise might be that it took this long.
The San Jose Barracuda of the American Hockey League announced Monday that the 20-year-old Swan River product had signed a one-year contract for the 2019-20 season.
“Tristin initially caught our attention a few seasons ago as a defensively sound center and an effective penalty killer,” said general manager Joe Will. “Last season he found a new level to his offensive game, going too hard areas to score while not compromising his defensive game. He earned his contract and opportunity through hard work and gritty play. We are looking forward to seeing his pro debut in training camp.”
To say Langan had an offensive breakthrough is a bit of an understatement – he finished second in WHL scoring by a single point behind now-teammate and San Jose Sharks prospect Joachim Blichfeld with 53 goals and 113 points, a 71-point jump over his performance the previous season.
Langan could find himself skating alongside a very familiar face, as well: former Warriors standout and WHL scoring champion Jayden Halbgewachs completed his first season with the Barracuda after signing with San Jose during his 20-year-old season in 2017-18.
The Barracuda open training camp in late September.
#SJBarracuda sign forward Tristan Langan (@tlangan6) to a one-year @TheAHL contract.
— San Jose Barracuda (@sjbarracuda) July 29, 2019
📰 | https://t.co/nTYC9Ag2Ex pic.twitter.com/G22YJqoILG
