Netminder Wayne Thomas made nearly 250 appearances for three different teams in the 1970s and '80s. He was a solid stand up goalie who was a workhorse in Montreal and Toronto during the mid-'70s.
Born in Ottawa, Ontario, Thomas played two years with the University of Wisconsin and was named to the WCHA second all-star team in 1970. The L.A. Kings prospect was traded to the Montreal Canadiens and spent parts of three years developing in the AHL. He made a few appearances late in the 1972-73 season when Ken Dryden was rested before the playoffs. The young netminder played 42 games for Montreal when Dryden left to study law but was never able to gain a stranglehold on the first string position.
After sitting out the 1974-75 season, Thomas was acquired by the Toronto Maple Leafs. He enjoyed his finest NHL season with 28 wins and selection to participate in the NHL all-star game. In 1976-77, Thomas struggled with his consistency and was superceded by rookie Mike Palmateer. He was placed on waivers at the start of the 1977-78 season and subsequently picked up by the New York Rangers. Thomas played four years with the Blueshirts before retiring in 1981.
