Isaac Thomas played his 100th career game in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League (KJHL) last Saturday, Feb. 4.
While the game was an anomalous loss for the number one-ranked team in the league, it doesn’t mean Thomas wasn’t having the time of his life.
“Since I’ve been here it’s been amazing,” he told the Spotlight. “It’s been phenomenal.”
Thomas is no lightweight.
At six feet tall and 190 lbs, he brings a lot of muscle to the Posse’s defensive line.
“He’s a bigger, stronger body. He’s tough to get around and he defends well,” said head coach Mark Readman. “He’s a nice strong piece to our backend.”
However, the 19-year-old ticks more than one box.
He owns 16 points and can set up a play.
“His feet are always moving, and he also makes a solid first pass,” said Readman.
“And he’s definitely helped some of our rookies or first-time players get up to speed.”
Thomas grew up playing in Vernon. As he moved through the minor leagues, he eventually ended up playing on a championship midget Kelowna team alongside now Posse-mate Curtis Gould.
He headed for the Sicamous Eagles and was traded to Princeton last summer.
Thomas considers the Posse an exceptional organization and is looking forward to a record breaking post-season.
“From the very start Mark Readman has been telling us that we were turning the franchise around this year. We’re going all in,” he said.
“I think Mark Readman and Mark McNaughton brought in a great group of guys and we are really tight.
“I don’t see us falling off. I think we are a really competitive team.”
Thomas has one year left of KIJHL play and plans afterwards to attend school – possibly playing for a college or university team – while studying to become a hockey coach or physiotherapist.
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Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email:andrea.demeer@similkameenspotlight.com
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