Logan Thompson’s path to the Olympic stage has been different from others: undrafted, overlooked and developed outside hockey’s traditional path. He has built a career defined by determination, which now includes an Olympic selection for Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games.
Thompson, 28, is from Calgary, Alberta, and his rise began at Brock University during the 2018-2019 season with the Badgers. From the moment he joined the team, it was clear that he was different.
“The first time we met him we knew we had something special,” said Marty Williamson, Thompson’s former Brock coach and the current Vice President and General Manager of the OHL’s Barrie Colts.
In his only season at Brock, Thompson made an impact right away, earning OUA Goalie of the Year, Rookie of the Year, and First-Team All-Star Honours. At a level often overlooked by the NHL, Thompson made a name for himself as one of U SPORTS’ top goaltenders, but his path from there was not guaranteed.
“At first, it didn’t look like the door would get open,” Williamson said. “But when he came, he didn’t mope around, didn’t want a day off and he did his best. He really showed how much love he has for the game of hockey.”
Despite his standout season with Brock, Thompson ended up going undrafted. Rather than letting a bump in the road bring him down, he signed with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2020 trying to earn every opportunity available. His first career NHL start came in January 2020 against the Minnesota Wild, kicking off the beginning of his professional career.
Over three seasons with the Golden Knights, Thompson proved he could play at the highest level. His hard work was rewarded in 2023 when he was a part of the Golden Knights team that captured their first Stanley Cup, a major achievement for a former U SPORTS goalie.
In June 2024, Thompson was traded to the Washington Capitals, a move that gave him the opportunity to show the world he could be a full-time goalie in the NHL. He proved himself very quickly as he recorded 31 wins, a 2.36 goals-against average and a .915 save percentage in his first season with his new team.
He carried that momentum into this current season. Thompson has posted 17 wins so far, a 2.34 GAA and a .916 SV%, placing him among other elite goaltenders in the NHL and ultimately earning him a spot on Team Canada.
“He ended up opening doors to an amazing career,” Williamson said, “and his work ethic is what has earned that well deserved spot at the Olympics.”
While Milano Cortina will mark Thompson’s Olympic debut, it will not be his first time representing the country. He appeared in four games at the 2022 IIHF World Championship before an injury cut his tournament short, showing an early glimpse of his potential wearing the Canadian flag.
For Brock University and U SPORTS hockey, Thompson’s Olympic selection is influential. His journey consists of major challenges about development paths and his work ethic reinforces the idea that elite talent can come from U SPORTS, paving the way for the next generation of players.