OYSTER BAY’S THOMPSON HAS LONGER WAIT THAN OTHERS FOR NHL DRAFT DREAM
By Warren Kozireski–
On day two of the NHL draft each year, some players express frustration or displeasure with not getting selected in the first round or falling farther than they thought they should have.
Try waiting three years.
Providence College and Oyster Bay, NY native Tyce Thompson had a torn quad prior to his first eligible draft in 2017 and was not selected last season despite posting 32 points in 60 games for Dubuque in the USHL along with having a 6’0”, 170 lb. frame and having older brother, Tage, having been a first round selection previously.
His dream finally came true this year in Vancouver after scouts had a change of heart following his eight goal-25-point freshman season with Frozen Four finalist Providence. He was selected in the fourth round, 96th overall, by New Jersey.
“I was up there (in the stands) just talking with everyone and not really expecting it and then heard my name and I can’t describe it, it’s just very cool,” Thompson said. “I’m really excited to be a part of the Devils organization.
“First year eligibility and second year eligibility I wanted to be picked, but things don’t always happen. You can look at it a couple of ways. You can pout, but I just decided going into Providence that I felt like I had a little something to prove. I thought the year went well as a team and personally and I think that helped me be where I am today.”
(Photo by Koz)
