In the Pipeline | Akil Thomas

Akil Thomas was destined to play hockey. At least, that's what his family will tell you.
"Everything was hockey from day one," his mom, Akilah said. "Every. Single. Thing."
"It was almost like he was a caged animal just waiting to let loose. Before he could talk, he knew hockey."
Thomas developed his love for the game by watching his dad, Kahlil Thomas, play professionally as a right winger. "Games were my favorite when I'd watch my dad play," he said.

After being drafted 51st overall by the Kings in the 2018 NHL Draft, Thomas has been turning heads both with his OHL team and internationally. Most recently, he scored the gold medal-winning goal at the 2019 World Junior Championship, securing the championship for Team Canada.
"I've been dreaming about this my whole life," Thomas said. "I want to strive to make the NHL and make an impact in the community."
Though his mom, Akilah, may be biased, she has no doubt in her mind that he'll accomplish his life-long goal and make a difference in the world of hockey.
"He's going to make sure accomplishes what he sets out to do," she said.