Thompson, James Reunited in Chicago
July 14, 2022 - United States Hockey League (USHL)
Lincoln Stars News Release
Maybe it was just a coincidence.
On Tuesday afternoon, Aidan Thompson is finishing an on-ice session at Fifth Third Arena in Chicago, IL. At the same time, Dominic James has wrapped up a workout in one of the numerous training sites of the 125,000-square-foot facility. The two meet back in the locker room and see their stalls next to each other, side by side.
It's been like this once before.
Thompson and James played together during the 2020-21 season in Lincoln, forming one of the tighter bonds on the Stars roster. The two are reunited, but there's one noticeable difference this time: the Blackhawks logo next to their nameplates.
"It's crazy that everything comes full circle," James said.
Last Friday, Thompson drove back to his home in Colorado after a morning workout at Denver University, where he will play this upcoming season. As he watched Day 2 of the 2022 NHL Entry Draft with his dad Brad and his dog Caesar, he saw his name pop up next to the 90th overall selection, belonging to the Chicago Blackhawks.
Among the many texts that Thompson received, James reached out and expressed how happy he was for his former teammate. James was glued to the TV in his hometown of Plymouth, MI, eyeing a similar outcome.
Under two hours later, his phone started to buzz. Chicago had taken him with the 173rd overall pick. Minutes after, he got a Facetime call.
"Aidan called me for about ten minutes, and we talked about everything and how excited we were," James said.
James and Thompson led the Stars on the ice in 2020-21, ranking No. 1 and No. 2 on the team in points, respectfully. Away from the rink, they became close friends during a season drastically affected by COVID-19 protocols.
"He's a great teammate and an even better person," Thompson said. "To be drafted by the same team, to come to camp together and experience this, it's just hard to put into words."
James recently received the Jerry Chumola Rookie of the Year Award following a strong campaign at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Before jumping to college, James played 101 games with the Stars from 2019-21.
"Lincoln is a great spot," James said. "Everyone still asks me about the Ice Box; everybody knows about it. [Athletic Trainer and Equipment Manager] Corey Courtney is a staple there and it was just an awesome time. I loved it."
Despite Thompson heading to Denver University for his freshman year and James returning to Duluth for his sophomore season, the two will reconnect again after the Blackhawks development camp concludes on Friday.
Thompson and James will head to Michigan on July 24th for the USA Hockey World Juniors evaluation camp, where the United States will select its rosters for the 2022 and 2023 World Junior Hockey Championships.
The 2022 tournament was rescheduled due to COVID-19 last December and will begin in early August. James was on Team USA during its first run, playing in their lone game against Slovakia.
Team USA invited Thompson this summer after his 82-point season in Lincoln, breaking the Stars franchise record in assists. His 116 points in 117 games are the seventh-most in Stars franchise history.
"The fans in Lincoln are unbelievable," Thompson said. "Every time we played there, it felt like a special moment for our team. To have them back in the building last year, we loved every second of it. Even other teams coming into our rink said it's fun to play in because of how great our atmosphere is."
United States Hockey League Stories from July 14, 2022
- Thompson, James Reunited in Chicago - Lincoln Stars
- Bucs Welcome Des Moines Native as Assistant Coach - Des Moines Buccaneers
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