By Mike Beasley /
Christian Thomas may not have the “Stumpy” look quite yet but he has all the moves and offensive tools that his dad Steve had when he played in the NHL during the ‘80s and ‘90s.
Even though Christian is still just 17-years-old, you can see that his body shape will be almost the same as his dad’s.
The same can be said of his skill set.
At 5-9 and 165 pounds Christian is still growing as a young man and as a hockey player.
His father Steve Thomas played over 20 years in the NHL with six different teams including the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks, New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, Anaheim Ducks and Detroit Red Wings.
Christian is currently following in his dad’s hockey footsteps as a key member of the Oshawa Generals in the Ontario Hockey League.
The talented right winger is eligible for the 2010 NHL Entry Draft and has been on every big league scout’s radar since the beginning of the season.
“I’m trying to be consistent every game and do something significant every shift,” said Thomas.
“In practice I’m always working on my individual skills like stickhandling, shooting and skating. Off the ice strength training is my biggest thing. I’m not the biggest guy so I have to get stronger so I don’t get pushed off the puck.”
Thomas led the Generals in scoring after 27 games with 14-13-27 points which is a personal goal he set before the start of the current campaign.
“I wanted to try to set myself apart from the rest of the pack offensively. I’m chipping in with a point a game but I would like to increase that.”
As part of his maturation process Thomas also has the luxury to speak with his dad if he chooses so to discuss his on ice progress and offer tips on how he could improve.
“My dad has always helped me out a lot,” explained Thomas. “After games he tells me what I did right or wrong, how to improve things and get over slumps. He went through it all as a player so he sees things in a different way, it really helps alot. It’s a big plus.”
Being on the right team at the right time is always an important factor when being considered as a legitimate NHL Draft prospect. He was ranked the 26th best OHL prospect for the upcoming draft in the ISS early-season report.
At last year’s trade deadline, Thomas came over to Oshawa from the London Knights as part of the blockbuster deal involving John Tavares and Michael Del Zotto.
Thomas, D Scott Valentine and G Michael Zador were dealt to Oshawa. The Generals also received six high end draft picks.
“It was a big transition coming over from London,” admitted Thomas. “I wasn’t getting played much with the Knights but I went to Oshawa and stated getting ice time on a regular basis which really boosted my confidence and has carried over into this season.”
The similarities between father and son are becoming very apparent according to John Chabot, ex-NHL player and current colour commentator with Rogers TV in Ottawa.
“I played against Steve in the NHL during the ‘80s and ‘90s and have seen Christian play a couple of times,” Chabot explained.
“Steve was a very good player with an above average shot. The kid also shoots the puck very well he already has an NHL release. The dad may have been quicker but I feel that Christian is faster. Steve could play a physical game. Christian competes but is not as physical.” |