Brock Badgers goaltender Logan Thompson picked up two provincial major awards on Thursday.
Thompson was named the OUA Goalie of the Year, Rookie of the Year and a first-team all star.
A first-year Social Sciences student from Calgary, Thompson finished second in the OUA with a .934 save percentage and third in goals against average (2.22).
Thompson turned away a second-best total of 770 shots in 24 starts, which led him to a sparkling 18 wins and .750 win-percentage.Â
Last Saturday, Thompson, 22, signed a contract with the New Jersey Devils' ECHL affiliate, the Adirondack Thunder.
"Logan has all the tools of a professional-level goaltender. His size, athleticism, and strong foundation are all assets to his game, but his ability to read the play is what makes him elite," said Badgers goalie coach Luc Lobsinger. "He is rarely behind the play, whether it be on a backdoor pass, odd-man rush, or tic-tac-toe type play."
The Badgers coaching staff identified Thompson as the best 1997-born goalie recruit in the country early in the recruiting process after he completed his WHL career with the Brandon Wheat Kings.
However, the Badgers weren't the only ones looking at Thompson. He received an invite to the Washington Capitals' development camp during the offseason.
"To be able to recruit the best goalie available to us speaks volumes about both Brock as a university and our hockey program," said Lobsinger. "When his season was done in Brandon he decided to come visit our campus. We knew pretty early on last summer that he would play for Brock, but only if nothing came of his invite to Washington's training camp. So, to be honest, we really didn't know if he would play for us until two days before the Steel Blade Classic when the Capitals released him."
Thompson was a force in the OUA and recorded three 40-plus save games and posted three shutouts.
Brock head coach Marty Williamson said the loss of Thompson to a pro contract is not a bad thing for the Badgers.
"It really isn't. I understand the dreams of these players," said Williamson. "Even though it can be a little devastating to your hockey team, it's our job to give these kids opportunities. We're really proud of Logan. I couldn't be more happier for him."