Williams Lake Midget Timberwolves centreman Grady Thomas is already joining what continues to be a growing list of lakecity players who’ve seen success with the BC Major Midget Hockey League’s Cariboo Cougars of Prince George.
Thomas, who is an affiliated player with the team, was called up for six games earlier this season where he recorded a goal and three assists for four points in his first stint with the team.
“The game is definitely a lot faster and everyone plays a bit smarter,” Thomas said.
“There’s more thinking involved than speed and skill.”
Cougars head coach Trevor Sprague said the opportunity for Thomas to join the lineup came following several injuries to the team’s players.
After watching him play, he said he’s excited about his future with the Cougars.
“He’s definitely a guy that’s in our future and we’re excited about that in a big way,” Sprague said.
“He’s a great hockey player.
“He’s very intelligent with high player skill and his skating is good.
“Physically, if you look at him, you’d think he’d shy away from the rougher stuff, but he doesn’t.
“He plays with a lot of confidence and he loves the game. You can just see the passion.”
Grady’s brother, Colton, now of the junior B 100 Mile House Wranglers, previously suited up for the Cougars, alongside other Williams Lake players Chase Dubois, now of the junior A West Kelowna Warriors, and Griffen Outhouse, goaltender for the Western Hockey League’s Victoria Royals.
Currently, two other lakecity residents play for the Cougars — Trey Thomas and Daine Dubois.
The Cougars are also hosting the Telus Cup national midget hockey championship in April of 2017.
“We’re taking an older team of 16- and 17-year-old players, but if it was any other year he’d be a guy that would be in our lineup right now,” Sprague said. “He’s got huge upside.”
As an affiliated player Thomas is only allowed to play 10 games this season with the Cougars.
“Whenever his team’s done we’re able to bring him on board,” Sprague said.
The Timberwolves in Williams Lake, meanwhile, are having a successful season.
“Our team’s good,” Thomas said.
“We’ve been doing really good as a team. We’re hoping there’s a good chance of us beating Prince George in playoffs, and we’re hoping to win provincials, or at least play well. We should be a contender, though, based on what we’ve seen from the other teams in B.C.”
