At the University of Vermont, former Flin Flon Bomber Cory Thomas is adjusting to NCAA Division I hockey.
“Being in my second season, I’ve definitely gotten a lot more comfortable and accustomed to the pace of the game,” the St. Brieux product said. “College hockey is a different style of game compared to junior, and especially to the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League.
“I’ve found that junior was more gritty and physical, whereas college is a higher pace and requires you to make decisions faster. I do, however, feel that you have to be a lot stronger at this level because you’re playing against a lot of guys in their mid-20’s who are much heavier.”
This season the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Thomas has recorded three assists in 23 games. That surpasses the two points he had in 30 games last season.
“He has improved his foot speed and ability to shut things down defensively,” Catamounts head coach Kevin Sneddon said. “His defensive stick has improved from last year as has his skating. Once his offensive stick gets better, he will be a great college defenceman and potential pro.”
The University of Vermont bench boss described Thomas as a “great competitor and a defence-first type of player.”
“His willingness to block shots, especially on the penalty kill, has earned him a lot of respect with his coaches and fellow teammates,” Sneddon said.
Thomas said his favourite part of playing for the Catamounts is his teammates.
“With everybody having to attend classes and manage schoolwork while bringing their best efforts to the rink every day, it gives us all something to relate to and I think that’s why we have such a close-knit group.”
A former top scholastic player award winner with the Bombers, Thomas is majoring in business administration with a minor in economics at his Burlington, Vermont school.
“I really enjoy it because I’ve learned that there are many different aspects that go into keeping a business successful,” he said. “I have really gotten excited about the idea that there are so many companies searching for new ways of innovation that create high-quality products while still being both economically and environmentally sustainable. I also find that business is very relatable to hockey, in that you always need to be coming up with new strategies that will give you an edge over your competition.”
Thomas suited up for the Bombers in 2015-2017.
“I would say that the most memorable part of playing in Flin Flon was showing up to the Whitney (Forum) on game day, knowing we would have a great crowd,” he said.
