Thompson Becomes 54th Former Nailer to Reach NHL
January 9, 2016 - ECHL (ECHL)
Wheeling Nailers News Release
WHEELING, WV- The Wheeling Nailers, proud ECHL affiliate of the Pittsburgh Penguins, are excited to announce that a 54th former Nailer/Thunderbird has made his National Hockey League debut. Paul Thompson reached the NHL on Friday night, posting a +1 rating with one shot on goal, one hit, and one penalty, as the New Jersey Devils lost to the Boston Bruins, 4-1 at Prudential Center.
Thompson, 27, played four years of college hockey at the University of New Hampshire, before breaking into the pros with the Penguins organization at the end of the 2010-11 season. He played six regular season games and four playoff contests with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton that spring, leading into his first full year as a professional in 2011-12. That season, Thompson was sent to the Nailers for one game, which took place on December 17th at what was then known as Sovereign Center (now Santander Arena) against the Reading Royals. The Methuen, Massachusetts native registered one goal and one assist, but Wheeling fell, 6-3.
The fifth year pro ended up spending parts of three seasons in the Pittsburgh organization with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, before being traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, and reporting to the Springfield Falcons during the 2013-14 campaign. He then joined New Jersey's organization in 2014-15, and prior to his recall to the NHL, was in the midst of his second year with the Albany Devils. In 295 career AHL games, Thompson has accumulated 79 goals, 64 assists, and 143 points, including career-high totals of 33-22-55 last season.
On Friday, Thompson saw 13:10 of ice time for former Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins Head Coach John Hynes. He took one shot on goal, registered one hit, received a minor penalty for tripping, and was on the ice for New Jersey's lone goal - a tally by fellow former Nailer, Bobby Farnham. However, the Devils were unable to overcome an early deficit, falling to the Bruins.
Paul Thompson becomes the 54th Nailer/Thunderbird to reach the NHL and second this season, joining Montreal's Mike Condon, who also won the NHL Winter Classic on New Year's Day. There could be a 55th alum to reach hockey's highest level as early as Saturday, as Tom Kuhnhackl is expected to make his debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins in Montreal against Condon and the Canadiens.
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