Kirsty Budd, Guelph Storm Staff

GuelphStorm.com had a chance to interview the alumni that attended the Storm’s alumni weekend on June  11 and 12. Thirty-six former players, including 10 who do or did skate in the NHL at one point, took part in the game. Several other alumni also watched the game from behind the bench. The weekend also included a BBQ and alumni-only banquet.  The proceeds from the game went to several local charities, including the Guelph Wish Fund for Children.

Thomas McCollum only left Guelph two seasons ago, but he was still happy to be back, noting that he was looking forward to playing with everyone in the alumni game.

He couldn’t pick anyone in particular that he was excited to be playing with, saying that all of the guys from Guelph were fun to be around.

Thomas was signed by the Storm in 2006 as a free agent. He recorded a shutout (5-0) versus the Windsor Spitfires, in his first ever OHL start. Thomas is also the Guelph Storm’s all-time leader in single season shutouts, with 5 during the 2006-07 season.

He was named Rookie of the Year for the Storm following the 2006-07 season and received the Glad Mowatt Most Valuable Player Award following the 2007-08 season.

“Guelph really let me prove myself and helped prepare me to play professionally. It’s also where I really matured and grew up,” he noted.

When asked what he misses about Guelph, McCollum is again hesitant to pick something specific. “It’s just everything—the community, the entire city, the players and the staff,” he said.

“When I think of the Guelph Storm, I think of family and home.”

Thomas was drafted in the 1st round (30th overall) of the 2008 NHL Entry Draft by the Detroit Red Wings. This past season he played for the Grand Rapids Griffins (AHL) and the Toledo Walleye (ECHL).

His advice to younger players is to “Just have fun and always try your hardest”.