As many of you already know, Parker Thompson left campus last week to join the Cranbrook Bucks in the BCHL. The BCHL is the top Junior A league in Canada, where he reunited with former Northwood Huskies Shane Tronoski ’25 and Sam Lyne ’24. Thompson is staying with the Bucks until after spring break. He will spend a month with the team in hopes of jump-starting his junior hockey career.
Parker Thompson ’26. Photo provided.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Thompson during his busy schedule and asked him how he is enjoying his time in Cranbrook. Thompson had this to say, “My first full week in Cranbrook has been super unreal. As soon as I stepped into the locker room, the players and coaches were super nice and welcoming.” Thompson was then asked about how he is enjoying staying with a billet family. A billet family is a temporary family you are living with throughout your junior career. Thompson said this about his billet, “They have been super supportive and make sure I feel at home. They made me feel super comfortable as soon as I got into the house, and the mom makes really good food!”
“It is tough stepping into a new environment right away as the team makes its final push towards the playoffs,” Thompson said when asked about his time in Cranbrook. “The hockey has been a whole next step from what I am used to. Learning new systems and playing with new guys has been tough but good. I am just trying to get comfortable and adjust to the speed and game.” Thompson was then asked about how he feels he is doing. He said, “I feel like I have done super well adjusting to this pace of play, and I am starting to get confident with my line mates. I really feel like I belong, and I am ready to make the jump to junior hockey next year.”
We wish Thompson luck with his new experience and hope he does amazing. Thompson suited up in his first game last night after spending the first two weeks just practicing. We are excited to talk to Thompson right after spring break, and we hope he continues to improve as his time at Cranbrook progresses.
