IceDogs name Akil Thomas captain
St. Catharines, ON – Niagara IceDogs Head Coach Billy Burke has announced that fourth year forward Akil Thomas has been named the Captain of the 2019-20 team, making him the 12th captain in team history.
“Since Akil arrived here four years ago he has been an embodiment of what it means to be an IceDog on and off the ice,” said coach Burke. “Akil had the benefit of learning from three great captains before him and I know he is going to do a great job continuing that tradition.”
Entering his fourth year with the team, Thomas was drafted in the first round of the 2016 OHL Priority Selection (12th overall). In 192 games with the IceDogs, he has scored 81 goals and collected 150 assists for 231 points. He set a record for most points by an IceDogs rookie in the 2016-17 season (48), and was one of three Niagara players to surpass the 100-point mark in the 2018-19 season. A second round pick of the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft (51st overall), Thomas was named alternate captain in the 2017-18 season as a sophomore player.
“Being named captain means the world to me,” said Thomas. “I love this organization; I’ve loved it since day one. I’ve felt like I was a part of the family since day one.”
A fan favourite on and off the ice, Thomas’ contributions have been felt throughout the Meridian Centre, and in the the community.
“To be named captain is really special and one of the things I’m most proud about in my life to be honest,” he added.
An accomplished young man, the 19-year old is a student at Brock University and co-creator of the clothing brand Zale. He designed a collaborative hat currently sold in the IceDogs retail store.
“I’m so excited and I can’t wait to play our first game.”
For more information visit niagaraicedogs.net.