The opportunity wasn’t there for Luke Philp out of junior.

It is now, as a junior with the University of Alberta.

Philp, who spent parts five seasons with the Kootenay Ice and Red Deer Rebels in the Western Hockey League before skating three seasons with the Golden Bears program at the University of Alberta, signed his first pro contract, an entry-level pact with the Calgary Flames, on Tuesday.

“I think I’ve been improving as a player quite a bit since I came to the University,” said Philp, whose Golden Bears group lost in the U SPORTS University Cup on Sunday. “For whatever reason, pro didn’t work out right away after my junior career.

“I think I’ve grown quite a bit as a player playing at the UofA.”

The contract proves it.

After winning the Dave ‘Sweeney’ Schriner Trophy as Canada West’s