The Dauphin Kings will hit the ice on Friday night as they head to Swan Valley for game three of their first-round series. The Kings won the first two games at Credit Union Place.
While Friday’s focus will be game three, the team has announced the commitment of Thomas Stewart ahead of Friday. From Winnipeg, Thomas is currently playing with the Rink Hockey Academy Nationals U18 team.
Doug Hedley says Thomas will fit in very nicely on the back end in time for the 2022-23 season.
“He’s a stay-at-home guy that makes a good first pass,” said Hedley. “He’s had a couple of good years at RHA, we’re looking forward to working with him.”
Thomas was drafted by the Kings 16th overall in the 2020 MJHL Draft and he looked impressive at camp prior to this season. He notched three goals and 16 assists in the regular season with Rink this season and had three assists across four playoff games.
“It feels great to commit. My dad and I have been talking lately and I’m ready to leave home and play with Dauphin,” said Stewart. “I really liked the team when I went to camp, the coaches made me feel extremely comfortable.”
Thomas said he’s ready to make the jump up and he’s confident that he will be able to make it happen.
“The work I’ve been doing over the past couple of years, I’m feeling really good going into the offseason,” offered Stewart. “I will be ready come September.”
The Winnipeg native knows junior hockey is bigger, faster and stronger than the U18 level and he’s ready for the challenge that is ahead.
One more big event is coming up for Thomas this season as the Nationals will head to Calgary for the U18 Mac’s Tournament that begins on April 6.