Statement made on former 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.

It didn't take Cole too long to find a new home as he inked a one-year deal with the league's newest team, Utah Hockey Club.

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.

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.

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