Thomas and DeGelas to both play OUA hockey

Brayden DeGelas

A pair of Chatham-Kent hockey players have decided what their hockey future is going to look like.

Matt Thomas and Brayden DeGelas finished off their junior hockey eligibility earlier this year with the OJHL’s Leamington Flyers. Both have committed to play OUA hockey in the fall.

Wheatley’s Matt Thomas has signed with the Nipissing Lakers.

An offensive defenceman, Thomas began the 2025-26 season in the BCHL’s Brooks Bandits. Stops at the Powell River Kings and Sherwood Park Crusaders ultimately led Thomas to the OJHL’s Leamington Flyers, where he scored 24 points in 16 games played to finish the season.

On Nipissing’s website, Thomas described expectations he has for himself and the team, Thomas said “I want to bring what I have accomplished in junior hockey and translate that into the OUA while maintaining good academic standing. My expectation for the team is to be competitive every night and battle hard. Our goal of winning a national championship excites me.”

Thomas was named the OJHL’s Western Conference Player of the Month for March of 2026 after he lead all skaters with 22 points in 12 games played.

Along with playing in the OJHL and the BCHL, Thomas has also played Junior A hockey in Manitoba and with Kemptville in the CCHL.

Blenheim’s DeGelas has committed to play with Ontario Tech University.

DeGelas played in the GOHL with Sarnia and the Chatham Maroons. He has played the past three years in Leamington, where he developed into a top offensive player, as he had 106 points in 110 games (49 goals, 57 assists) his last two seasons.

“Brayden is a skilled forward with some good size who will be a welcome addition to our lineup,” said Ridgebacks Head Coach Curtis Hodgins.

“He sees the ice very well and is a smart player with some nice offensive instincts. He has been a big part of a very good Leamington team over the last few years and we look forward to welcoming him to campus this Fall.”

Chatham’s Alex Park has played defense for the past two years for the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks.