.jpg)
Heading into the 2025-26 season, the Winkler Flyers announced that local product Kam Thomas has been named the team's captain, and will lead the orange and black this season.
Continuing a legacy
"It was awesome," Thomas said about being told he'd be wearing the 'C'. "My dad captained the team back when he played, so it means a lot to me and my family. It's a pretty cool experience."
Last year was one of growth and learning for Thomas. "I think I learned a lot," the captain said while in between working with kids at Flyers camp. "The older guys, they paved the way. Even before last year, my little time with the team that won the year before, they showed the way, the hard work that it takes, and I owe a lot to those guys."
The Winkler Flyers are a storied franchise, and Thomas says having his name be among some of the greats, it's a special feeling. "It means lot. You look at another local guy in Trent Penner, just to be a captain like he was, that means a lot. I just can't wait to get the season started."
Young Flyers learning the way
As the captain, Thomas is already focused on bringing the new players into the existing group and culture. "We start a new season pretty much the same way, the older guys show the young guys the ropes, and we can hopefully build on that culture right away, get off to a good start, and go from there."
Being a close team also is a big deal for Thomas. "We have a decent amount of off time now, so we'll go golf, we'll watch a movie in the evening, and we're pretty big on taco Tuesday, so every Tuesday we try and get the entire team together for taco Tuesday, and that's a lot of fun."
The keys to a good taco Tuesday
For Thomas, he knows what makes a great taco Tuesday, but it's not what many would think. "Well, really important is the meat," he says with a laugh. "But, when the guys bring the dessert, that's also pretty good. A little doughnut never hurt anybody."
Captain for the community
Having grown up a Flyers fan, Thomas is well aware that being a captain goes beyond just the ice, and into the community. "Winkler is so good with coming out to support us, and it means a lot to see people at the games. We want to get out in the community a lot this year, and see a lot of community faces this year.
Message from Melo
Thomas and head coach Matt Melo have a strong relationship, and the two have been communicating about what the expectations are going forward with Thomas as captain. "We really only have one goal in mind, and that's win a championship. We're going to do everything we can to get the team ready to go, and have a good year. We have Flyers way of hockey around here, and if everyone can buy into that, we should be good to go."
Getting the opponents best
Having success the last couple of seasons, Thomas knows that teams really want to be at their best when they take on the Flyers, something he's already discussed with teammates. "Every game means something. We'd like to be first in the league for the regular season, but it's a one game at a time mentality. Step by step, practice by practice, kind of thing. If the guys buy into the Flyer way, we'll be good to go."
Home opener
With the home opener coming up quickly, Thomas laughs and says he's not put much thought into being the last guy called onto the ice, he's thinking about the bigger picture, and that's getting a win. "Nope, haven't thought about it," he says with a chuckle. "Maybe I will a few seconds before I head onto the ice. Of course, it's against Steinbach, so that'll be more in my head, getting that first win against Steinbach, that would be the cherry on top, I'd say."
Exhibition schedule
The Winkler Flyers kick off their pre-season against the Steinbach Pistons at home on September, 5th. They'll be in Steinbach for their first visit to the Southeast Event Centre on Sunday, September 7th.