Wayne Thomas, an NHL goalkeeper and executive, passed away at 77 due to cancer. He debuted with the Montreal Canadiens in 1972-73, earning a shutout in his first game. Thomas won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens and played for the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Rangers. Following retirement, he worked as a goalie coach and head coach in the IHL. In 1993, he joined the San Jose Sharks, ultimately becoming vice president by 2001 and serving the organization until 2015.
Wayne Thomas, who spent his entire professional career in professional hockey, died of cancer at his home in Falmouth, Mass. on Wednesday. The eight-year National Hockey League goalkeeper and former San Jose Sharks vice president was 77.
Thomas made his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens during the 1972-73 season and became the 10th goalie in league history to record a shutout in his debut as Montreal blanked Vancouver, 3-0 on Jan. 14, 1973.
After he retired in 1981, Thomas had several stints as a goalie coach with the Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues over the next decade. In addition, he served as head coach in the International Hockey League.
In 1993, the San Jose Sharks hired Thomas as an assistant to the general manager and assistant coach. He became a vice president for the Sharks in 2001 and remained in both roles until his retirement in 2015.
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