Tim Thomas (ice hockey, born 1963)

Career

Thomas was part of Bob Johnson's final recruiting class and began playing at Wisconsin a year after the team won their third NCAA championship. In his first season, the Badgers won the WCHA Tournament and returned to the national championship game, losing to conference rival North Dakota. Thomas played well that season and was invited to the 1982 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, where Team USA finished in 6th. The next season, Thomas spent time as both a forward and defenseman while Wisconsin looked ready to compete for a championship. He played in his second WJC and led the US National team in scoring, though the team did not medal. His play earned him an invite to the National Team for the upcoming World Championships, and he remained with the national team for the remainder of the year, helping the US win pool-B undefeated and earn promotion to the top bracket. With Wisconsin having won a National Championship in his absence, Thomas stayed with Team USA for the next season as they prepared for the 1984 Winter Olympics. He was included on the Olympic roster but did not play in any games. After a 7th-place finish, Thomas left the national team and returned to Wisconsin, where the team had fallen off the pace after three consecutive championship games. In his return, Thomas produced a monster offensive season, leading the team with 50 assists and finishing second with 63 points. He led all defensemen in the nation in scoring and was named an All-American. After Wisconsin was eliminated from the playoffs, he rejoined the US national team one final time at the World Championships, helping the team to a 4th-place finish. In his senior season, Thomas's numbers slipped but he helped Wisconsin to a 27-win season; the team was swept in the conference semifinals and missed the NCAA tournament. He began his professional career immediately after the season with the Indianapolis Checkers. Despite posting good numbers, he played the next season in Finland, joining reigning league champion Tappara and helping the club repeat with their 6th championship.