The Powell River Kings are proud to announce the acquisition of 99-forward Ben Thomas from Sioux Falls in the USHL.
The 5’10, 175lb product of Ashburnham, Massachusetts is in his first year of Junior hockey after three years at Winchendon Prep, putting up 35 goals and 67 assists in 74 games. Thomas completed the cross-continent trek to Powell River earlier this week and will make his debut with the Kings Friday night against Langley.
“The past week has been pretty hectic leaving Sioux Falls, driving home to get my passport then coming out to Powell River ahead of this weekend” says Thomas. “It’s just been a transition phase, it’s all for the better and I’m looking forward to getting going in Powell River.”
The addition of Thomas to the forward ranks gives the Kings a lot of options.
“I feel Ben is going to fit in here nicely” says Kings Head Coach Kent Lewis. “He’s skilled, he passes well and he can shoot the puck. He gives us more opportunities to score up front and makes us a deeper team.”
Thomas considers himself a playmaking forward.
“I can find my team mates and I feel I have a good hockey sense, making my team mates around me better” he says. “I’m also comfortable shooting, putting points on the board and creating a lot of offence.”
Committed to Union College for the 2019/2020 season, Thomas continues a successful pipeline of Powell River players to attend the school. Kyle and Mat Bodie, Noah Henry, Daniel Carr and Ryan Scarfo have all attended the College over the last 10 years.
“I’m focusing on fine tuning my game” says Thomas, when asked on what he needs to improve on ahead of the NCAA. “I feel like I’m skilled enough to be playing collegiate, but I really want to work on the defensive side of the game, the little things to round out my game and be a contributor at both ends of the ice.”
The Kings would like to welcome Ben to Powell River, and wish him the best of luck in his debut Friday night against the Langley Rivermen.
