Jets' goaltending prospect to join Canadian squad at Spengler Cup.
The 2023 Spengler Cup is set to run from December 26-31 at Eisstadion Davos.
The 95th rendition of the popular festive tournament will once again include a team of professional athletes representing Canada.
Included on that roster is two former Winnipeg Jets (Nathan Beaulieu and Jordie Benn), one former Brandon Wheat King (John Quenneville) and two members of the coaching staff from Winnipeg.
Also joining the team is Winnipeg Jets goaltending prospect Thomas Milic. Selected 151st overall in the fifth round of the 2023 NHL Draft by the Jets, Milic has enjoyed success at both the AHL and ECHL levels in his first season of professional play this year.
The 20-year-old concluded his Junior hockey career with the Seattle Thunderbirds, to which he won the WHL championship last year, WHL Playoffs MVP award as well as the WHL Goaltender of the Year recognition.
He went 60-23-5 in Seattle, while posting a 2.35 goals-against average and .917 save percentage over his time in the WHL. Milic backstopped Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2023 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship, and is set to help his fellow mates at a different holiday season tournament this year.
Currently, the 6-foot, 180-pound goaltender holds a 9-2-1 record, a 2.44 goals against average and a .910 save percentage with the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals, while serving as a call-up to the Moose at times, and posting a 1-1-0 record t ago with a 3.74 goals against average and a .877 save percentage.
Canada begins its journey for Spengler gold on the 26th against Frolunda HC.
The semifinals are set for December 30, while the championship final will go on New Year's Eve.