Patrick Thomas made Brantford Bulldogs history on Saturday night in Peterborough and was the story of the game in a first star performance.
Thomas chipped in with a primary assist on Thomas Budnick’s first goal as a Bulldog just 19 seconds into action, recording his 144th career helper, the most by any player to wear the Bulldogs uniform. The prior mark had been held by Logan Morrison, who racked up 143 assists between 2018-23.
Thomas was just getting started as the Hamilton, Ont. native helped the Bulldogs recover from surrendering a 3-0 lead, tying the score at four 9:12 into the third period to force overtime and a shootout, where he made the difference. Ryerson Leenders did his part stopping all three Peterborough shooters he faced before Thomas buried the shootout winner past Easton Rye in the third round for a 5-4 final.
A fourth round pick of the Washington Capitals in 2023, Thomas is in his fourth season with the Bulldogs, having won an OHL championship as a rookie in 2021-22. The 6-foot centreman has 56 points (17-39–56) over 40 games this season and career totals that include 61 goals, 144 assists and 205 points over 227 regular season games.
Thomas and the Bulldogs are back in action next Friday night when they visit the Oshawa Generals.
Congratulations to Patrick Thomas on becoming the Bulldogs all-time assists leader!#BFD | #ALLCAPS | #OHL pic.twitter.com/zfZxkFahWh
— Brantford Bulldogs (@BulldogsOHL) January 12, 2025
