The Utah Grizzlies have announced that they have signed defenseman Kade Jensen from Calgary, Alberta, for the 2024-25 ECHL season.
Junior and Collegiate Career
Jensen started his junior career in the 2013-14 season in the WHL. In his five junior seasons, Jensen played for the Lethbridge Hurricanes, Swift Current Broncos, Brandon Wheat Kings, and Victoria Royals. In 310 games, Jensen had 22 goals and 46 points. He had 411 penalty minutes and a plus/minus of -53. In 15 playoff games, Jensen had five assists with 21 penalty minutes and a plus/minus of -8.
After completing his junior career, Jensen went on to play USports at Mount Royal University where he spent five seasons. In 89 games, Jensen had five goals and 11 assists for 16 points with 96 penalty minutes. In 16 playoff games, he had one assist with eight penalty minutes.
Professional Career
In the 2023-24 season, Jensen played in only four games with the Utah Grizzlies before suffering a season ending injury in November in a game against the Wichita Thunder. Jensen may not be an exceptionally aggressive defenseman, but he certainly plays with physicality. He is a player who is not afraid to hit and is not afraid to drop his gloves to stand up for a teammate or gain some momentum for his team. Jensen is a bigger player that is able to pick the puck off of other guy’s stick and can help his team gain possession.
Jensen will be joining his former teammate from Mount Royal University, Kyle Pow, on the Utah Grizzlies. The 2024-25 season will be Jensen second professional season, but will still be considered a rookie as he has played less than 25 professional games.