“I’m in shock,” Golden Knights fan Russell Thompson said. “He’s been here for years including the AHL and the Silver Knights, and he’s done a lot for the community. He is a Stanley Cup champion. Vegas is going to miss him. An exceptional goaltender on the ice and a good person off the ice as well. »
Thompson was in bed when Vegas general manager Kelly McCrimmon called him to inform him of the trade. He called the call “a good wake-up call.” » But this news did not prevent him from honoring his commitment and showing up to sign autographs.
“Of course, I’m still going to show up for the fans,” Thompson said. I’m not going to be here much longer, so it’s great to be able to come here to greet people and say goodbye. It was easy to come here, and I wanted to see the Sphere. I hadn’t seen her yet. »
It wasn’t all goodbyes at the autograph session. Thompson was also welcomed by one of his new teammates. Forward Aliaksei Protas, who once roomed with Thompson at a Capitals development camp, stopped by to greet him. He was at the draft with his brother Ilya, who was drafted by the Capitals with the 75th overall pick in the third round.
“Five years ago, he was my first roommate. A good guy, said Protas. I’m so happy he’s with us. I’ve heard from several players that he’s a great teammate, so I’m happy to play with him. He has the experience of winning the Stanley Cup, so he will help us a lot. We are happy to count on him. »
*With contributions from NHL.com reporter Tom Gulitti.
