Colts GM Witnesses Logan Thompson’s Meteoric Rise to Stardom
Logan Thompson, the rising star of Canadian ice hockey, is set to make his Olympic debut today, leading Team Canada in goal against Switzerland. His journey to this point is remarkable, especially considering his unconventional path within the sport.
From Brock University to the Olympics
Marty Williamson, general manager of the Barrie Colts and a former head coach at Brock University, played a significant role in Thompson’s development. In the 2018-2019 season, Thompson emerged as a crucial player for the Brock Badgers, ultimately being named the team’s MVP. During that year, he demonstrated exceptional skills and growth as a goaltender.
A Unique Journey
Thompson’s hockey journey has been anything but typical. Initially seen as a fringe professional prospect, he faced many challenges to reach the elite level. When he joined Brock, Thompson was largely overlooked by NHL scouts. His commitment to excellence at the university level, however, started to change perceptions.
- Played 27 of 28 games for Brock University in 2018-19
- Named MVP of the Badgers
- Signed by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020 after his time at Brock
Williamson remembers getting the news of Thompson’s arrival with excitement and uncertainty. He recognized that many junior players who enter U Sports often have less promising professional futures. However, he also saw Thompson’s potential and decided to give him substantial playing time. This decision would prove pivotal for both Thompson and the program.
Proving His Worth
Thompson’s performance with the Badgers led to renewed interest from NHL scouts. He signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020 after being overlooked by multiple teams. In 2023, an injury prevented him from participating in the Stanley Cup playoffs, but he had already played a critical role in the Golden Knights’ success that season.
National Team Positioning
Now, Thompson stands as the second-choice goaltender for Team Canada. Starting right behind veteran Jordan Binnington, he is well-positioned to showcase his talent on a world stage. Binnington, who recently secured a shutout against Czechia, continues to be a strong asset for the national team.
Olympic Representation
The 2023 Olympics in Milan features several Barrie Colts alumni alongside Thompson. Notably:
- Mathias Niederberger is the backup goalie for Germany.
- Arturs Silovs is serving as Latvia’s backup goaltender.
- Rasmus Andersson is a key player for Sweden.
- Greg Di Tomaso represents Italy, competing due to his Italian heritage.
In their recent Olympic opener, Sweden triumphantly defeated Italy 5-2, showcasing the high stakes and competitive spirit of these games.
Final Thoughts
Logan Thompson’s journey from a university player to Olympic goaltender exemplifies resilience and determination. As he prepares to face Switzerland, all eyes will be on him, marking a significant milestone in his career and bringing pride to his supporters back home.
