Blues’ Thomas chasing another championship

Last year’s OHL Playoff MVP, Robert Thomas is chasing another championship, this time in the NHL.

The Hamilton Bulldogs graduate and former Memorial Cup champion with the London Knights put in a solid rookie season with the St. Louis Blues and has helped the franchise return to the Stanley Cup Final for the first time since 1970.

Thomas, who sat out Wednesday’s Game 2 of the series against the Boston Bruins dealing with an injury, has recorded six points (1-5–6) throughout the postseason following a 33-point (9-24–33) regular season.

With Robert Thomas (@RThomas_27) expected to play with the St. Louis Blues tonight, he will become the first player to ever appear in the #StanleyCup Final the season after winning the @OHLHockey Championship. #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/RWSqKF0gkv

— Hamilton Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) May 27, 2019

The Aurora, Ont. native split last season between Hamilton and London, recording 32 points (12-20–32) over 21 games to lead the Bulldogs to their first OHL Championship. Hamilton would reach the Semi-Final of the 2018 Memorial Cup before falling to the host Regina Pats.

Thomas is one of several recent OHL grads suiting up for the Blues, joining smooth-skating blueliner Vince Dunn (Niagara IceDogs) fellow Wayne Gretzky ’99’ Award recipient Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm) and former OHL Goaltender of the Year Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound Attack).

Across the ice, the Bruins feature a pair of ‘black aces’ who enjoyed successful OHL seasons in 2018-19. Niagara IceDogs centreman Jack Studnicka and former Oshawa Generals teammate Kyle Keyser are both along for the ride in Beantown.

The 2019 Stanley Cup Final shifts to St. Louis tied at one, with Game 3 of the series set for Saturday night.

OHL GRADUATES ON STANLEY CUP FINAL ROSTERS:

Boston Bruins (4):
Kyle Keyser (Oshawa Generals 2019)
John Moore (Kitchener Rangers 2010)
Zach Senyshyn (Soo Greyhounds 2017)
Jack Studnicka (Niagara IceDogs 2019)

St. Louis Blues (10):
Jordan Binnington (Owen Sound Attack 2013)
Robert Bortuzzo (Kitchener Rangers 2009)
Michael Del Zotto (London Knights 2009)
Vince Dunn (Niagara IceDogs 2016)
Robby Fabbri (Guelph Storm 2015)
Pat Maroon (London Knights 2008)
Ryan O’Reilly (Erie Otters 2009)
Alex Pietrangelo (Barrie Colts 2010)
Robert Thomas (Hamilton Bulldogs 2018)
Chris Thorburn (Plymouth Whalers 2003)

For full coverage of the 2019 Stanley Cup Final visit nhl.com.