By Warren Kozireski–
At 6’3” and 183 lb. Thomas Harley has just the frame that NHL teams are looking for in a defenseman. Add in his breakout 11 goals and 47 assists playing on the top pair in his second season with the Mississauga Steelheads in the Ontario Hockey League and it is little wonder why he was selected 18th overall by Dallas in the first round of the NHL Draft in Vancouver.
“It’s absolutely amazing to join an organization like Dallas with the great players and coaches that they have,” Harley said in the media room. “It was kind of nerve-wracking…I didn’t eat much and didn’t do much besides lay in bed and trying not to think about it, but sharing it with family and friends is really special.”
Hockey is a family affair for the Harley’s.
His older brother, Stuart, just finished his freshman year on defense for Division III Milwaukee School of Engineering while sister, Emilie scored in double-digits this past season as a sophomore at Division I Robert Morris.
“I had a great season playing a lot of minutes every night…and learned how to play smart and not run around the ice trying to hit everybody and trying to do everything for your team, but to conserve energy for when you need it.
“I consider myself a two-way defenseman…a shutdown guy but also love to get in on the rush and score some goals. My confidence level (was up in his second OHL year). This past year I stepped into a bigger role on offense and as the confidence grew it kind of spiraled.
“(Dallas) has a great defense corp. and I’m excited to join them. My ego says next year I’ll be there. Not sure that’s going to happen but I hope it does—that’s my goal. But if not it’s back to Mississauga to try to win a Memorial Cup.”
