Thomas back for 2005-06 campaign

July 13, 2005 - Central Hockey League (CHL)
Oklahoma City Blazers News Release


Oklahoma City, Okla. - The Oklahoma City Blazers of the Central Hockey League signed centerman Kahlil Thomas, head coach Doug Sauter announced today.

Thomas, a 5-9, 190-pound native of Toronto, Ontario is entering his second season as a Blazer and 10th as a pro. During the 04-05 season with Oklahoma City, he recorded 44 points (11-33-44) while serving 104 penalty minutes in 53 games played. In 537 games played in the professional ranks, Thomas has amassed 565 points (188-377-565) and served 509 penalty minutes.

The 2003 CHL Playoff Most Valuable Player was a key component in the Blazers' chase for a playoff spot last season. Due to early season injuries, Thomas only recorded 14 points (4-10-14) in the first half of the season. The final 30 games of the season, Thomas was the Blazers second leading scorer with 30 points (7-23-30). Only Michel Beausoleil recorded more points (35) than Thomas during that stretch.

"I want to have a good start and finish," said Thomas. "My main goal is to get going right off the bat. I had a slow start last season, but this season I'm going to go out and do it. I'm in better shape this summer than I was last summer due to a different off-ice training program. This season, I really do have something to prove to myself, coach and Blazers fans."

"The last half of the 04-05 season, Kahlil Thomas was one of our best players," said Sauter. "This season, I'm looking for leadership and experience from him and for him to pick up where he left off."

Thomas is the second veteran player signed by the Blazers for the 05-06 season. Each CHL team is permitted to have four players on their roster with 260-or-more games played.

The addition of Thomas brings the number of players signed for the 05-06 season to five. He joins captain Tyler Fleck, centerman Garrett Prosofsky, defenseman Jason Goulet and goaltender Sean Connors on the Blazers roster.



Central Hockey League Stories from July 13, 2005


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central