Flin Flon Bombers rookie defenceman Cory Thomas found himself playing with some different teammates last week.
The St. Brieux, Saskatchewan, product competed on Team West in the Canadian Junior Hockey League Prospect Game in Surrey, B. on Tuesday, Jan. 26.
The game brought together the top 40 NHL prospects in Canada’s Junior A leagues.
“I think the best part was being able to play with some of the best junior players my age in Canada,” Thomas said. “I got to see how I compare to those guys, and it was great to get a chance to compete at that level and get that exposure.”
Team West head coach Brandon West of the BC Hockey League’s Salmon Arm SilverBacks, said Thomas had a steady night on the blueline.
“The game was intense with lots of transition and I thought Cory handled himself quite well,” said West, who was joined on the bench by guest coach, Vancouver Canucks legend and former Flin Flon Bomber Orland Kurtenbach. “His big body was definitely a presence for us and he used his size and mobility to his advantage.”
Thomas said being picked for the game was huge confidence booster.
“[It] gave me the opportunity to showcase my abilities and see what I can improve on in order to get to that next level,” he said. “It was a huge honour to be able to represent the Bomber organization, as well as my hometown.
“The amount of support I received from back home was great to see. I felt this opportunity was also a big step in making a name for myself moving forward.”
This season, the 17-year-old has had four points in 26 games.
“I love coming to the Whitney on game nights and seeing the energy the fans bring,” Thomas said. “It’s such a great atmosphere, and that energy transfers into the game.”
