Greyhounds sign two new players out of training camp

The Soo Greyhounds have signed a pair of players coming out of their first exhibition game over the long weekend.

The signings include goaltender Reid Thomas and forward Sam Bowness.

A 15th round pick in the 2023 OHL draft, Thomas spent last season with the Ajax-Pickering Raiders U18 AAA team as a 17-year-old.

Thomas posted a 1.47 goals against average in 15 regular season games before playing in five playoff games and posting a 1.08 GAA.

"Over the past year, Reid has made significant strides in his development, both on the ice and in his personal growth," Greyhounds general manager Kyle Raftis said. "Our goal is to deepen our goaltending talent and we are enthusiastic about the continued evolution of Reid's skills."

Thomas called signing with the Greyhounds "truly and utterly an honour."

The young goaltender added that he regularly used the Greyhounds while playing video games "because I really like the look of the jerseys."

"It's pretty surreal actually putting on the red and white jersey," Thomas added.

In Bowness, the Greyhounds add some junior hockey experience in the 19-year-old free agent.

He recently cleared waivers after splitting last season with the Quebec Maritimes Hockey League's Charlottetown Islanders and the German U20 league's Schwenninger ERC.

Prior to last season, Bowness played two full seasons with the Islanders.

"I've heard nothing but amazing things about the organization and the community," Bowness said. "I couldn't be happier, and I look forward to the start of the season."

Raftis said Bowness' "ability on the forecheck and playing a competitive heavy style of game will be a tremendous asset."

Following the Greyhounds exhibition opener on Sunday afternoon, coach John Dean also talked about what Bowness brings to the table.

"He was physical, but I'm probably going to ask him to be even more physical," Dean said. "He has an underrated skill set too. If he's given an opportunity inside our style of play, we might find some offence there."

"The way he needs to play is on top of pucks, physical, tough brand of hockey," Dean added. "It's a tough thing to do for 68 games. His conditioning is going to have to get a little bit better, but we're excited about what he's going to bring to the table."