Photo credit: RDS
A former National Hockey League goaltender, who spent parts of eight seasons with three different teams, has sadly passed away at the age of 77 this week.
2025 has been a tough year for the hockey world as we’ve sadly lost a number of incredible players and more importantly, some really great people, including former Vancouver Canucks goaltender Frank Caprice, who passed away back in May.
On Wednesday, the hockey world is in mourning once again as a former goaltender, who played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers, has sadly passed away.
Former National Hockey League goaltender passes away at the age of 77
In a press release on their website, the San Jose Sharks announced that former National Hockey League goaltender Wayne Thomas has passed away on Wednesday following a courageous battle with cancer.
“It is with extreme sadness that the San Jose Sharks (@SanJoseSharks) organization shares that long-time executive, goaltending coach and eight-year NHL veteran Wayne Thomas has passed away following a long battle with cancer.
Wayne passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.” the Sharks said.
Thomas’ professional hockey career began in 1970-71 after the Montreal Canadiens acquired his rights through a trade following three seasons in the NCAA with the University of Wisconsin.
He finally got the opportunity to play in the National Hockey League during the 1972-73 season, recording a shutout in a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks in his debut.
The following year, Thomas became the Canadiens’ starting goaltender, appearing in 42 games for them after Hockey Hall of Famer Ken Dryden sat out the 1973-74 season due to a contract dispute.
After becoming frustrated at his role as the third goaltender upon Ken Dryden’s return in the 1974-75 season, Thomas was traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs, spending two years with them, including one as their starter, before being acquired by the New York Rangers in the 1977 NHL Waiver Draft.
In total, Thomas appeared in 243 games in his NHL career, posting a 103-93-34 record along with a 3.34 goals against average, an .891 save percentage and ten shutouts.
The thoughts of everyone here at Canucks Daily are with the family, friends and former teammates of Wayne Thomas at this difficult time.
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Former NHL Executive and Goaltender Sadly Passes Away at the Age of 77
RIP Wayne Thomas