Winnipeg Jets‘ 3rd year right wing J.C. Lipon(46) receives his 1st recall in the final year of his entry level deal, but he deserves it as he’s hitting the back of the net with more frequency for AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose (8-9-17 in 30), while continuing to play that agitating style of pest hockey he’s known for. He has already has three fighting majors, 15 last year and 14 his rookie campaign.
In his NHL debut he skated only 8 shifts for 7:11 total ice time with one hit and one takeaway in a 2-1 loss.
The 22-year old is set to become a restricted free agent after the current season but it’s a likely bet both sides will work out a deal for him to stick around another year.
J.C. Lipon(34) St. John’s IceCaps
Winnipeg Jets‘ 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft (#91 overall), rookie right wing J.C. Lipon(34) is having the kind of first year pro that he’ll easily be able to build on.
He signed a three-year entry level deal that keeps him in the prospect system through 2016.
Reassigned to minor league affiliate St. John’s IceCaps, he’s posted a tidy 6 goals and 21 assists in 48 AHL games with a -7 rating.
The 6′ 180 lbs. forward also exhibits a willingness to stick his nose into developing situations, never shying away from any of the rough stuff and is a bit of a pest to play against.
He’s on his way to putting up triple digits in penalty minutes much like he did in three seasons with Kamloops Blazers of the WHL.
He also showed signs of marking up the score sheet with a lot of assists passing out 99 helpers to go with 55 goals in his final pair of junior hockey campaigns.
The still super-young 20-year old is very likely to get a look in the show and could stick with his feisty play.