Preflight Briefings: Mike Thomson

Despite playing on the third line for most of the season, Aces forward Mike Thomson has shown the offensive tenacity of a first-liner, scoring four goals and adding five assists in just eight games.

Proving he’s more than just an energy player, Thomson fit right on on the team’s second line with Mike Christensen and Jesse Felten when Chris Holmes was called up to Elmira for a game a week ago.

However, if that wasn’t enough to show what he means to the Aces, the 24-year-old has also recently drawn the praise of the Brooklyn coaching staff due to his hustle and snarl in corners and his willingness to be play team-first hockey.

“He’s done a really good job for us this season,” said Aces coach Chris Firriolo. “He works really hard and shoots the puck extremely well, but I think his biggest asset is the edge he plays with every night. He’s a very good hockey player and because of that, we’re anxious to see how he continues to develop as the season progresses.”

Chatting with Aces Over Brooklyn during the team’s last homestand, Thomson talks about his game and how he found his way to Brooklyn this season, too showing that he’s much more than a depth player on a first place team.

Aces Over Brooklyn- For the fans at home that don’t know much about your game, what is it that you bring to the ice every night?

Mike Thomson- I skate hard, but first and foremost, I’m a shooter. I get pucks on my stick and I take shots. That’s what I do.

AOB- Is there someone at the NHL level that you looked up to as a kid or that you try and emulate when you’re out there?

Thomson- Mike Modano.

AOB- Why is that?

Thomson- Because he’s a shooter [laughs]. He’s a big guy that has some speed and just let’s it rip whenever he has the opportunity. Like I said, that’s what I try and do on every shift.

AOB- A lot of the guys on the team have “Forrest Gump” types of stories when it comes to how they came to Brooklyn. Do you have one?

Thomson- I think so. I was playing in the ECHL with the Ontario Rain and I got released on the last day, roster day. C.J. Tozzo was there too with me and he got released the day before and was planning on coming here. I called him a week later and here I am today.

Photo by Patrick Hickey Jr.

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