Pensacola Signs Leo Thomas

[chilly666]

Pensacola, Fla. - The Pensacola Ice Flyers have signed forward Leo Thomas as the player-assistant coach and team captain for the 2012-13 season, as announced Thursday night by head coach Gary Graham.

Thomas, 30, spent the last four seasons playing for the Fort Wayne Komets in the Central Hockey League (CHL) and in the International Hockey League (IHL). For the Komets, he appeared in 236 games and recorded 86 goals and 77 assists for 163 points with a combined +56 rating. Prior to his stint with the Komets, Thomas played with the Bloomington PrairieThunder notching a total of 25 goals and 43 assists for 68 points in 80 games.

"Leo's had success at the AA level and knows what it takes to stay, produce and win championships at that level," coach Graham stated. "I'm placing him in the leadership role where he will be a great mentor to our younger players and teach them what it takes to be young professional hockey player. He's going to be a large part of our success, and I'm looking forward to working with him and helping him translate his playing career into a coaching career."

The 6-foot-1 forward and a native of Toronto, Ontario has played nine years of professional hockey, bringing the team a strong base of championship experience and point production with three championships in four seasons.

"I am extremely excited about playing for the Ice Flyers and in front of the great fan base I have heard so much about," Thomas said. "I have been fortunate to win three championships and I plan on bringing the same, if not more, hunger and passion to winning this season in Pensacola. I look forward to working side by side with Gary in developing this team into one that the fans and community can be proud of."

[PilotsFan]

Chilly, I'm not doubting you because like you say it's been out there all week. But I'm having trouble finding anything on it and cant get into the Flyers website....

You sure about this? Thanks in advance

[chilly666]

there isn't really much out there...i found it via justin cohn the komets writer who has been updating the whole situation all week and reported it.

[Humpzilla]

http://nscontent.news-sentinel.com/?...aham-pensacola

http://nscontent.news-sentinel.com/?...ting-pensacola

Leo Thomas is considering whether to become Gary Graham's captain and assistant coach with Pensacola of the SPHL. He's played the last four years with the Komets, earning three championship rings, scoring 86 goals and 163 points in 236 games. The sides are getting close, but the final paperwork has not been signed yet. An announcement could come later this week.

Great move by both sides if it comes true. This is the perfect set up for Gary and for Leo.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Looks like our run and our playoff crowds might net us some nice talent this season.

[travytrav]

Reading a little about him, and looking at his career numbers, and this would be GOOD for pensacola if true.

A "C" like that in this league, would be a strong building block, and could yield a top ten player in the SPHL.

[chilly666]

Originally Posted by BobNystromOwnsU

Looks like our run and our playoff crowds might net us some nice talent this season.

it's only because fort wayne doesn't want him anymore as the last two years his play has declined a fair amount. graham being the head coach doesn't hurt that either.

[Humpzilla]

Originally Posted by chilly666

it's only because fort wayne doesn't want him anymore as the last two years his play has declined a fair amount. graham being the head coach doesn't hurt that either.

Exactly.

That said, a very strong pickup & addition to the sphl

[PilotsFan]

I guess you could say this makes it official...........kind of.

“I’m going in a different direction with the leadership. There will be a big announcement (tonight) in regards to that. I feel that as a head coach, that head coach-captain relationship has to be a very special relationship.”

The announcement could mean the arrival of former Fort Wayne forward Leo Thomas to replace Buccella as the team’s captain. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reported Wednesday that Thomas likely would be joining Graham in Pensacola.

Full Story

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Originally Posted by chilly666

it's only because fort wayne doesn't want him anymore as the last two years his play has declined a fair amount. graham being the head coach doesn't hurt that either.

I wasn't talking about just this transaction.

[montgomeryt5h]

During the introduction/meet & greet held tonight, Coach Graham announced that Thomas would be a player/assistant coach for the team.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Originally Posted by montgomeryt5h

During the introduction/meet & greet held tonight, Coach Graham announced that Thomas would be a player/assistant coach for the team.

You think Christie comes back?

[montgomeryt5h]

Originally Posted by BobNystromOwnsU

You think Christie comes back?

Yep....He may be loaned out during the season, but he will be in Pensacola for the start of the season and the playoffs.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

Originally Posted by montgomeryt5h

Yep....He may be loaned out during the season, but he will be in Pensacola for the start of the season and the playoffs.

Yep. Nice they seem to be selling him on staying here. Seems players like playing here.

[BobNystromOwnsU]

That link Humpy posted has been updated.