Peterborough Petes Making Run At Memorial Cup, Land Star Player Akil Thomas

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The Peterborough Petes, one of the top teams this season in the OHL and nationally ranked in Canada, just got even stronger in their run to the Memorial Cup.

Peterborough Petes General Manager Michael Oke announced Thursday that the team has acquired centre Akil Thomas from the Niagara IceDogs in exchange for forward Cameron Butler and OHL Priority Selection Picks. Thomas, a 2000-born centre, was selected in the second round—51st overall by the LA Kings in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft—and signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the club in March 2019.

Thomas is the World Juniors hero, scoring the game winning goal in the Gold medal game against Russia in their 4-3 victory…

Thomas waived his no-trade clause on Thursday to complete the deal.

“We’re really excited to be adding a player of Akil’s calibre—he’s a player with a high level of skill that plays a 200-foot game,” says Oke. “He is capable of playing in all situations, has played in big games, and comes through in big moments. He’ll be heavily counted on in Peterborough as we move forward in the second half and into the postseason.”

The Petes are currently the No. 10 ranked team in Canada, and will only be stronger with the addition of Thomas…

In 27 games so far this season for the Ice Dogs, Thomas has 15 goals and 29 assists.

Thomas will not dress for Peterborough’s game against Owen Sound on Thursday night, but is expected to be in the lineup on Saturday when the Petes host the Ottawa 67’s.

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