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Londonderry's Thompson has Midas touch

Friday, February, 15 By David Willis
Staff writer

Most high school players dream of tallying a hat trick in a game. Against Pinkerton on Feb. 6, Londonderry's Tommy Thompson needed only a period to tally three goals.

"That big first period against Pinkerton was pretty exciting," said Thompson.

That snapped a 10-game losing streak to the archrival Astros, said Pinkerton coach Casey Kesselring.

Only a sophomore, the goals have come fast and furious for Thompson.

Thompson has erupted for 16 goals through 18 games this season, good for third in the area. His 29 points put him in a tie for fourth in the area, four points away from second place. This after scoring only six goals last season.

"My goal was to get 30 points this season and I should be able to do that," he said. "I have more confidence and I am shooting the puck a lot more. I try to rush the net and look for the open shots. If there is an open spot, I'll shoot at it and hopefully at least get a rebound."

The emergence of the 5-foot-11, 155-pounder has helped the Lancers turn the tide.

Londonderry is 7-9-3 this season overall (5-8-3 in Division 1). The seven wins are the most for a Lancers team since the 2003-04 season. They had a combined five wins over the last two seasons.

"Our freshman class has given us a lot," he said. "And the older players like our captain (goalie) Joel Willbrant have really stepped up."

Thompson has already been contacted by Junior coaches, and said there is a good possibility he will try that route next season. But for now, he is focused on the job at hand.

"I want to get points and help lead the team into the tourney," he said.

In addition to Thompson and Willbrant, the young Lancers are getting quality play from freshman forward Ryan Callahan, junior forward Steve Ribero, freshman defenseman Derek Stahl, and junior forward Dustin Correia among others.