"It felt good for being the first time in a game-like atmosphere for 15 months," Thomas told the Miami Herald. "I think it was a necessary step for me. I thought it was good not to wait. We're running out of preseason games. I feel ready now."



"I think this is exciting," Panthers goalie coach Robb Tallas told the Miami Herald. "… He makes big saves at the right time. The players here are excited about that."

Beyond his resume, the Panthers hope Thomas can serve as a role model to the team's younger players.

"He battles on every shot, every drill," general manager Dale Tallon said. "This is great for our team, great for him and great for our goalies."


Scott Clemmensen also is on the roster, but still recovering from a knee injury sustained during training camp.

When healthy Clemmensen will go through a conditioning stint in the American Hockey League, but at some point the Panthers are going to have to pick two goalies to keep in Florida. However, Tallon said it will be an open competition, with the best pair sticking.

"We want the best goalies," Tallon said. "Inner competition is great for the success of a team. Let them battle it out."




Nehéz...

Clemmy a kedvencem, JM a jövő embere, TT pedig az egyik legjobb kapus a ligában (bár 15 hónap kihagyás az 15 hónap kihagyás).