2009  was quite the year for Brent Thomas.  His goal for the year was to win both a Division 1 Hockey title and a Powerline Baseball League title, and he achieved both.  After coming out of a 15 year retirement half way through last year to help out the Milleteers as they often struggled with numbers last year, Brent showed he still had some veteran savvy left as he used his keen batting eye to lead the team in walks.  That’s the kind of player Brent is, regardless of the sport.  He does the little things to help his team win.

 

 

 

 

Despite being a small, slow skating forward who did not play any high level hockey, he has become a vital part of his hockey team.  Whether its blocking shots, agitating the other team’s stars or mucking in front of the net, the rest of the team definitely appreciates his efforts.  This is the kind of thing a championship team needs ( it doesn’t hurt having former NHLer Paul Comrie either). 

 

 

During the ball season Brent was the consummate team player.  With the offense sputtering in mid season the Milleteers had to try and ice the best defensive line up every game to try and eek out a win, which often meant that Brent did not get much playing time.  Instead of sulking he took on more of a coaching role, helping out the younger guys and often giving signs down the third base line.  In the playoffs he was given the full reigns in terms of calling signs and the offense seemed to respond as he ramped up the running game and manufactered some runs using some of his favorite weapons like the bunt and the squeeze.  In the championship game this was never more apparent as a successful suicide squeeze really got the momentum going in the Milleteers favor.

 

For much of the Milleteers short history they had trouble winning close games, but they seemed to have turned that around and Brent has been a big part of that.  It would be quite the feat to replicate the success that Brent achieved in 2009, but one thing is for sure:  Brent will do everything necessary to give his teams a chance to succeed, because that is what champions do.