"I'm excited,'' he said of the Edmonton opportunity. "I'm really satisfied. I found out a lot earlier than I did last year (when he attended Philadelphia's rookie camp) and it gives me a little extra push knowing I'm going to be going somewhere.''
Thomas guided the Sea Dogs into the league finals where they would lose in six games to the Moncton Wildcats. The hard working forward added that the long run in the post-season allowed scouts to get an extra look at several Saint John players.
"The teams that make it the furthest are watched the most,'' Thomas said. "It was really good to see our team go as far as we did. Saying that, there's always a huge disappointment when you lose in the final.''
The Fredericton native recorded nine goals and 11 assists in 51 regular season games in his first season as team captain. In the playoffs, Thomas added four goals and three assists in 18 games.
Known more for his fists and physical play than his scoring abilities, Thomas is eligible to return to Saint John as a 20-year old this season. Whether he will be chosen as one of the three overage players is still unclear.
One topic that will hurt Thomas’ possible return to the league next season is the amount of suspensions he received last year. Using up an overage slot on a player who is suspended often could be a costly mistake.
Other players scheduled to attend National Hockey League rookie camps in the fall are: Yann Sauve and Steven Anthony (Vancouver), Simon Despres (Pittsburgh), Stephen MacAulay (St. Louis), and Stanislav Galiev (Washington).
20-year old Michael Kirkpatrick, who recently attended Dallas Stars Development Camp, could also be invited as a free agent.
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