Fresh off hoisting the Memorial Cup, Mike Thomas is moving on up in his hockey career. The New Maryland, NB native has signed a one-year contract with the Springfield Falcons of the AHL. The Falcons are the minor league affiliate for the Columbus Blue Jackets, so Thomas will also attend Blue Jackets Development Camp later this month.
Thomas, 21, spent five years with the Sea Dogs, serving as captain for the last two. In 288 games played with the Dogs, he recorded 37 goals and 83 points, to go with 470 penalty minutes. His departure marks something of a changing of the guard for the Sea Dogs, and symbolizes how the team has come full circle. Thomas began his QMJHL career when the Sea Dogs were just getting off the ground and taking a beating in the standings, and he caps it off with both a Presidents Cup and a Memorial Cup.
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Thomas has earned a pro contract, as he attended development and main training camps with the Philadelphia Flyers (2009) and Edmonton Oilers (2010). One would expect him to find a home in the bottom of a team’s lineup at the pro level, much like he did with the Sea Dogs, throwing big hits and playing an energy type of game. Oh, and he does alright with his gloves off, too.
For more on Thomas, his summer, his thoughts on the Sea Dogs’ success this season, and, most importantly, his beard, check out this article from the Daily Gleaner.
Photo credit: Marc Henwood/Station Nation
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