Wayne Thomas, a former NHL goaltender and longtime San Jose Sharks executive, has passed away at the age of 77. The Sharks announced the news on Monday, confirming Thomas died after a battle with cancer. Known for his impact both on the ice and behind the scenes, Thomas was respected across the hockey world for his dedication, leadership, and love for the game. A native of Ottawa, Wayne Thomas played eight seasons in the NHL between 1972 and 1981 with the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers. His best season came in 1975–76 with the Maple Leafs, where he earned an NHL All-Star selection, finishing with a 28-24-12 record, a 3.20 goals-against average, and a .900 save percentage. In the All-Star Game, he helped the Wales Conference to a 7-5 victory. Thomas appeared in 243 NHL games and retired with a 103-93-34 record, a 3.34 GAA, and a .891 save percentage. After his playing days, he remained involved in hockey as a goaltending coach with the Rangers, then became head coach of the IHL’s Salt Lake City Eagles, winning a championship in 1986. He also served as an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks and St. Louis Blues, mentoring goalies like Eddie Belfour and Curtis Joseph. The Sharks highlighted Thomas’s passion for family life in his later years. ‘During the last 17 years of Wayne’s life, his greatest joy and love was his grandchildren,’ the team said in a statement. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, a brother, and several grandchildren. Wayne Thomas leaves behind a lasting legacy in both the NHL and the San Jose Sharks organization. His dedication as a player, coach, and executive made him a respected figure in hockey, and his personal warmth left a lasting mark on all who knew him.
