A statement has been made on former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Ian Cole.

Former Vancouver Canucks defenceman Ian Cole was one of several players to leave the organization when the free agency window opened around the National Hockey League on Monday, July 1st.

Utah HC General Manager Bill Armstrong was pretty excited that the team was able to land Ian Cole, saying that he has a great work ethic and will be a solid role model for their young core.

“Ian is a proven winner and a true professional on and off the ice,” said Bill Armstrong, general manager of Utah Hockey Club. “He has a great work ethic and is an excellent role model for our younger players. We’re thrilled to have him signed to our organization.”

On Sunday, it was revealed what number will be wearing with Utah Hockey Club and it looks like he’ll be going back to #28, which he’s donned for nearly his entire NHL career, aside from last season in Vancouver when he had #82.

Cole, 35, will help form a rejuvenated defensive core with Utah, who acquired Mikhail Sergachev and John Marino prior to the opening of the NHL’s free agency period. The additions of Cole, Sergachev and Marino are significant upgrades for the team’s roster when compared to last year, when they were known as the Arizona Coyotes. It’s going to be interesting to see what Utah Hockey Club is able to do this coming season and if they can push for a wild card spot in the Western Conference.

Do you think Ian Cole will reach the 20-point mark next season with Utah HC? Let us know what you think in the poll below!