(Photo: LA Kings)
It didn’t take Akil Thomas long to make an impact in the NHL.
The former Niagara IceDog was called up by the LA Kings earlier this week, and made his NHL debut Monday night against the Winnipeg Jets. While playing just 3:42 in the game, Thomas managed to lay three hits in his debut.
Fast forward to Thursday evening, the LA Kings were in San Jose for a matchup with their California rivals, the Sharks. Thomas broke into the offensive zone, and put home his first career NHL goal to give the Kings a 2-0 lead.
The goal would go on to be the eventual game winner, while Thomas also registered 2 hits.
Niagara IceDogs longtime Play-by-play Commentator Ted Lehman says he isn’t surprised to see Thomas’ work ethic producing results in the NHL. Thomas played parts of four seasons with the IceDogs, before being traded to the Peterborough Petes in 2020, prior to the cancellation of the 2019-2020 OHL season.
The 24-year-old forward has 43 points (22 goals, 21 assists) in 61 games this season with the King’s AHL affiliate the Ontario Reign. Thomas was a second-round pick (No. 51) by Los Angeles at the 2018 NHL Draft.
(Written by: Matt Latour)
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