Thomas sets example for the hockey team

He always knew he wanted to play hockey. For Kyle Thomas, this summer was an opportunity to finally catch the dream after years of hard work, endless practice and extreme dedication.

"I have always wanted to play professional hockey," said Thomas, a 21-year-old criminal justice major from Waltham, Mass. "I started playing when I was about 6 or 7, and since then, that is what I've always wanted to do."

Selected from the best players around the country, including some with professional hockey experience, Thomas was invited to the Minnesota Wild's development camp for potential draftees.

"They send out scouts and talk to coaches from all over the country, and I was lucky enough to get picked," said Thomas.

Head coach of the men's hockey team Mike McShane also discussed Thomas' opportunity. "This wasn't his first or only invitation. He had a great camp, learned a lot and came back more mature, and very focused for this season."

Thomas' road to camp was long and hard. "This summer would have been his second summer at a development camp, had it not been for taking some extra summer classes," McShane mentioned.

"I told him, maybe next year," said McShane, "and this year the Minnesota Wild took an interest in him as well as Toronto."

Prospects worked through intense training, both on and off the ice, including supervised weight training, and an outdoor boot-camp-style training session centered on teamwork and mental endurance, according to the Minnesota Wild's website.

Thomas elaborated. "We had a strict schedule, drills in the morning, (weight) lifting every day, more drills and practices in the afternoon. We also met with nutrition coaches as well."

The opportunity is two-fold, Athletic Director Tony Mariano said. "It gives him an opportunity, first, to be seen, and to really evaluate his place among other players going in to the professional realm.

"Thomas' goal of playing professional hockey has become more of a possibility through attending the camp," said McShane. "He's being seen by many more people, and getting many more possibilities."

In a scrimmage at camp, Thomas scored twice, one in each of the scrimmages. "It really helped with my confidence," said Thomas.

Motivation is contagious.

"From here, I think this will also give others a chance to see what he's done and perhaps apply it as well," said Mariano.

Thomas hopes to encourage his teammates with the skills he's learned at camp and apply them both his own season and his leadership on the team.

"I'll use my speed and size to my advantage to keep working hard and hopefully everything will work out," said Thomas, "I learned how hard you have to work to be successful and I hope to bring that back to the team."