Related Topics: Calgary Flames, John Thomson, Kelowna Rockets, Finland, defender, Western Hockey League, Tampere, Oliver Kylington, Edmonton Oil Kings, National Hockey League
In 2017, the Calgary Flames drafted an offensive-minded Finnish defender playing in the Western Hockey League with their first round pick. Could they do it again in 2019, in the form of Kelowna Rockets defender Lassi Thomson?
As a late September 2000 birthday, Thomson is among the oldest first-time eligible players in the 2019 NHL Draft class. He’s a right shot defender listed as 6’0″ and 190 pounds. Originally from Tampere, Finland, he played his minor and junior hockey with the Ilves system – his hometown team – before coming over to the Rockets in the 2018 Import Draft.