Winkler's own Kam Thomas wanted to be a Flyer and when he got his chance, full time, he didn't let it slip as he won the hearts of fans and the trust of coaches throughout a very strong rookie season in the MJHL.
"It was awesome," Thomas says with his trademark energy and enthusiasm. "Great group of guys this year, I had a really, really good time with them. It was just cool to have my first full season with the Winkler Flyers."
He had a cup of coffee in years past but this year, getting to wear the orange and black for an entire season, it all felt special for the local kid but he never felt like it was overwhelming. "Not really, to be honest with you," the humble forward explains. "Throughout the entire season, the day-to-day is a bit different and getting to experience things through the playoffs, it was good to go through it this season and learn the differences."
Thomas was around the team for a couple of years but this year, he really made sure to be a sponge, soaking up the knowledge from the guys who won a championship. "I learned a lot from the guys, especially a guy like Trent Penner, he was a local Flyer that moved on to Division-1, just watching him, how he practiced, how he handled himself throughout the day, what it takes to win. I watched a lot of guys like that and I want to continue that for the Winkler Flyers for the next few years, just working as hard as I can."
Scoring 19 goals in his rookie season, Thomas says it was a bit of an adjustment moving up to junior A, but he credits his teammates for helping make the transition smooth. "Obviously, the MJ is a lot faster, there is less space out there but it was so nice to play with guys who've got a few years under their belt. My linemates helped me out the entire season, it made things very easy for it, so it was nice."
His style of game demands attention from both opponents and fans, something Thomas takes a lot of pride in. "I like to think of myself as a two-way player, I like to finish checks which I think the community likes to see, they love hard physicality all throughout the ice. I think I have the scoring ability but I really like throwing the body around."
Getting a taste of the postseason but having things end way too soon has Thomas very motivated heading into the summer. "It for sure is something we've talked about, the guys coming back are going to put in a good off season. We want another championship next year so it's about putting the work in now and hope it pays off next season."
Having worn a letter already this year, Thomas' role will expand even more as a leader for the Flyers. "The guys that are leaving, they've left such a good reputation and good foundation for the guys returning, understanding what it takes day-to-day, what it takes to be a championship team and how to lead as well. I'll lean on guys from the past for advice but it'll be good."
Being from the community, Thomas says he would hear just how much the support mattered to the team from his teammates. "Guys would come in for the start of camp and guys from here or that have been here for a few years would tell them that Winkler is kind of crazy about their hockey. People don't really realize that for the first couple of weeks or so, but as the year progresses, they'll be out in the community and they'll get recognized, they shake hands and say hi. They realize it really quick just how much the Flyers matter the community."
The Winkler Flyers will be having their development camp at the Icon Arena from May 2-4 and Thomas has some advice for young prospects going to that camp looking to make an impression. "I would just say play your game, you're always at a camp for a reason for how your play style is. Play your game, work hard and coaches will see that on the ice."
There were several highlights throughout the year for Thomas, like scoring his first MJHL goal and scoring in the playoffs, but Thomas is perhaps most excited about the future and that revamped arena. "I've given it a decent amount of thought, that's for sure," he says with chuckle. "I can't wait for that new rink to finally be open.'
Having the opportunity to address the supporters, Thomas can't thank them enough and is already eager to get things going for next year. "I just want to say thank you, the fans are amazing and I can't wait to see everyone back in the rink next year."
Development camp on May 2-4 at the Icon Arena is open to the public.