THOMAS EARNS AHL TRYOUT

Mike Thomas is showing the Edmonton Oilers that he deserves a professional contract.

The National Hockey League club announced today that the Saint John Sea Dogs captain has been cut from his tryout with the club but assigned to the Oklahoma City Barons of the American Hockey League for a tryout. If all goes well for the New Maryland native, the club will sign him to a professional contract for the upcoming season.

Thomas is eligible to return to Saint John for an overage campaign. If he is signed within the Oilers organization, it is highly unlikely that he returns.

Also assigned to Oklahoma City for a tryout was Jesse Gimblett and James Livingston.

Thomas was impressive during Oilers rookie camp, earning an invite to main camp last week. The tough forward was offered a free agent invite to camp this past summer after captaining the Sea Dogs to a regular season title and a berth in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s President’s Cup Final.

Thomas recorded nine goals and 11 assists in 51 regular season games last year in what was a suspension filled season. In the playoffs, he added four goals and three assists.

Last year, the only New Brunswick born captain in Sea Dogs history took part in Philadelphia Flyers rookie camp on a free agent invite.

If Thomas returns to Saint John, he will become the first player in franchise history to play five full seasons with the club.

Last week, Station Nation's JT took part in a question and answer session over at the Oilers blog "The Copper & Blue."