Wayne Thomas was Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played in The National Hockey League. He played for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers between 1972 and 1981. He played with the Ottawa Capitals of the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) as a junior hockey player from 1963 to 1967. His real name was Robert Wayne Thomas.
Wayne Thomas died at 77
Wayne Thomas died on July 16, 2025, at the age of 77 in Falmouth, Massachusetts, U.S., from cancer.
San Jose Sharks (via NHL.com & team statement):
“It is with extreme sadness that the San Jose Sharks organization shares that long-time executive, goaltending coach, and eight-season NHL veteran Wayne Thomas has passed away following a long battle with cancer. Wayne passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family.”
AHL (American Hockey League) stated:
“The American Hockey League is joining the hockey community in remembering Wayne Thomas… following a long battle with cancer.”
Notable Career
He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers. He served in coaching and management positions in the National Hockey League (NHL). Initially he played in the Central Canada Hockey League (CCHL) as junior hockey from 1963 to 1967. He was known as top 10 all-time for Wisconsin goaltenders in save percentage (.909 – 9th all-time) and goals against average (2.84 – 10th all-time) as of the 2022-23 season. He played four seasons with the Rangers and retired in 1981. He recorded a 103-93-34 record, 3.34 GAA and .891 SV% in his eight-year NHL career.
He played three years of varsity hockey at the University of Wisconsin under coach Bob Johnson and two seasons with the Montreal and Nova Scotia Voyageurs of the American Hockey League (AHL). He won the Calder Cup, the AHL championship trophy, in 1972 with the Voyageurs. He was hired by the New York Rangers as a goaltending coach, one of the first in professional hockey. He served 22 years in management position with the San Jose Sharks.
In 1985, he served as the head coach of the Salt Lake Golden Eagles of the International Hockey League (IHL). He also served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Blackhawks. He joined the San Jose Sharks as assistant to the general manager and assistant coach in 1993. He worked under head coach Robert John Murdoch. He also served as head coach of the St. Louis Blues’ IHL affiliate, the Peoria Rivermen.
In 1993, he left the Blues. He awarded All-WCHA Second Team.
Personal Life and Wife Barb Thomas
He completed his bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin. He was married to Barb Thomas. He had two daughters.
