Tommies add character with Jordan Thomas

Courtesy MHL

The St. Thomas Tommies have their first recruit for the 2012-2013 season adding 6'1" defenceman Jordan Thomas of the MHL's Metro Marauders.  Known for his "stay at home" defensive style, Jordan had 34 points this past season as Captain of Metro. 

Coach Ryan was familiar with Thomas and told sportstream.ca today in an interview, "Jordan's a player I know very well. He has an old school mentality that makes him special. Nothing bothers him and he competes hard, that's a novelty in today's game. When you find a player who competes like him you scoop him up."

Thomas also won the "MHL Character Award" this year.  From theMHL.ca "an award designed to highlight a player every team hates to play against, but would love to have in their lineup, went this season to Defenseman Jordan Thomas of the Metro Marauders. Thomas, Captain of his team, earned 34 points in 52 games this season and, according to Head Coach Stan Hennigar is one of the toughest individuals he has ever coached.

“Jordan Thomas is without a doubt one of the toughest players I’ve ever been associated with as both a coach and player”, explains Hennigar.

“He has an outstanding work ethic in practices and games and hopefully will get a chance to move on to the University ranks. His battle level is beyond description and I’ve seen him play through illness and injuries that would have kept most players out of the lineup. It’s been an honour for our coaching staff to be associated with this great young man”.

“It’s been a pleasure getting to know Jordon over the last two years and he is well deserving of this honor”, added Marauders GM Julie Marston. “He is a kid who is not only one of the hardest working players in the league, but he is an exemplary leader that has earned him the respect of his teammates, coaches and all members of the Marauders organization. He is a great kid with a big heart that loves all aspects of the game”.


Welcome aboard Jordan.

Tommies add forward Kelty Apperson

Courtesy SFMHL

Kelty Apperson of Wilcox, Saskatchewan will be suiting up for the Green and Gold this fall when they hit the ice at the new Grant*Harvey Center. A skilled forward Kelty was third on her team this year with 36 points and will be leaned on to help charge the Tommies offense.

From GoTommies.com, "Kelty Apperson feels St. Thomas will be a great fit for her. The five-foot-eight Saskatchewan native played for the Notre Dame Hounds where she was an Assistant Captain and contributed to back-to-back provincial championships and the 2011 National Midget Championship, the Esso Cup. She was named to the Saskatchewan Female AAA all-star team during her time there. She’s also excelled in soccer and lacrosse."

 “Kelty comes from a winning program and shows great speed to accompany her size,” said Coach Peter Murphy. “She has a quick release and will force teams to respect her as a threat. Her great character and personality were evident on her tour and we look forward to great things from her both this year and as we move forward to Nationals in 2014."

Kelty's SMFHL Stats

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Versatile forward Emily Francis added to Tommies Roster

Courtesy PWHL

Emily Francis of Barrie, Ontario has been announced as another top recruit for the St. Thomas women's hockey team.  Emily was the Captain of her Midget AAA Barrie Sharks this past year in their inaugural season.  She led the team in scoring and was an important veteran presence on a young, inexperienced team.

From GoTommies.com "Emily Francis, another multi-sport athlete, hailing from Barrie, Ontario where she was a part of championship teams in both hockey and soccer.

"Everything fell into place with St. Thomas and I have a good feeling about it,” she said. “The small size really attracted me and I've always wanted to go east. With the new rink, I can't wait to get on the ice with the team and begin my time as a Tommie. It may be far, but I know it will be worth it.”

She’ll add depth to the Tommies as a versatile forward. "Emily is a speedy centre who can also play wing. She has good size and great vision on the ice,” said Murphy. “She is a two-way player, but has an offensive side that will benefit the green and gold this year. I made several trips to watch her play and feel this player has a tremendous upside.”

Emily's PWHL Stats

Francis Heads East - Barrie Examiner

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Forward Emily Ryan commits to Tommies

Courtesy SFMHL

Wilcox Saskatchewan native Emily Ryan will be wearing St. Thomas green and gold next season.  After being named to the SFMHL all-star this season, Ryan was tied for fourth on her team in scoring.  She will join fellow Saskatchewan league all-star Kelty Apperson in Fredericton to play for the Tommies.

From GoTommies.com, "Emily Ryan enters STU after two solid seasons playing Midget AAA in Saskatchewan as a member of the Weyburn Southern Range Gold Wings. The five-foot-nine forward will add more size to a front end that averages a height of five-foot-seven."

"She’s a gritty forward with speed from the Sask Midget AAA league,” said Coach Peter Murphy. “She missed a few games early in the season rehabbing an injury, but came back very strong averaging nearly a point per game. She will be a great asset to the team in increasing both our size and speed as well as bringing some additional finish to the Tommies. We are very pleased to have her coming in this year."

 “I’m looking forward to playing CIS hockey in the AUS conference,” said Ryan. “The opportunity to combine excellent academic opportunities and my passion for hockey is a dream come true.”

Emily's SFMHL Stats

Ryan Commits to St. Thomas

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013

Tommies add sound defense with Eliza Snider

Eliza Snider, right.  Courtesy Chris Colbourne/St.Albert Gazette

When the Tommies hit the ice this fall they will have one of the best defense corps in the AUS and Eliza Snider is going to be a key replacement for graduating veteran Kathleen Boyle.  Snider is a hard worker and her leadership, even as a rookie, will help STU towards their goal of an AUS Championship.

From GoTommies.com "At five-foot-four defencewoman, Eliza Snider comes out of the St. Albert Slash Midget AAA program in Alberta where she was team captain last season.

"Eliza being the captain of a great program speaks volumes for the type of player we are getting,” said head coach Peter Murphy. “She played in all key situations for her team and matched up against the opposition's top players on a regular basis. She makes a great first pass and smart decisions on the blue line. She will be a great asset to the Tommies’ blue line."

Snider was named to the Alberta Major Midget Female Hockey League’s all-star game roster twice, to Team Alberta Top 46 Under-18 team from 2010-2012, and also showed her athleticism by competing in rugby as well.

“I chose St Thomas University for the academic and athletic opportunities it presents in a small environment,” said Snider. “I knew when I stepped on campus that this was the school for me. Everyone was friendly and welcoming and the sense of family was apparent everywhere.”

St Albert Slash Stats

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: TOMMIES ADD SKILL AND LEADERSHIP TO A STRONG ROSTER FOR 2012-2013