Support Key To Tristan Thompson's Success As The Big Defender Heads To Northeastern

Tristan Thompson has thrived in every sport she's played, but it's hockey she loves. Her family has supported her at every step, and next year that will include a move to the NCAA with Northeastern.

For Etobicoke Dolphins defender Tristan Thompson, family is a big reason she’s seen the success she has early in her hockey career. 

“The support was definitely kind of the reason I’m here today,” Thompson said, a 6-foot-1 defender. “Their support allowed me to reach the next step of my hockey career and was definitely a huge part of my development today.”

Thompson, a native of Manotick, Ontario initially fell in love with the game of hockey after watching the Ottawa Senators and Ottawa 67s play, and after a short ringette career, and with some convincing from her father, an avid hockey enthusiast and former player himself, she decided to trade in her ringette stick for a hockey stick. 

“My dad grew up playing hockey, so kind of just threw me into the sport,” Thompson recalled. “Played Timbits growing up, and then fell in love with the sport.” But that doesn’t mean she’s only been focused on hockey. Far from it. She also coaches lacrosse, is the quarterback for her school’s football team, plays boys lacrosse, and won gold at the Canada Summer Games.

Thompson finished her on-ice career with the OWHL's Etobicoke Dolphins this season scoring 20 points in 41 games and will be heading off to Northeastern University this fall to play NCAA Division I hockey. While it’s the farthest away from home she’s ever played, you can be guaranteed that her family will continue to be her loudest fans and the inspiration they’ve always been for her.

The support Thompson received from her family growing up deeply impacted how she looks at the fact that she’s now a role model for so many young girls, especially with the immense excitement and tremendous reception around the PWHL. 

“I think I’ve always kind of grown up and tried to present myself in the best way possible when it comes to sports,” Thompson said. “I try my best to inspire people as much as I can and hopefully they get into the sport and start loving it as much as I have.”

As for her future in hockey beyond college? An intriguing option could be the aforementioned PWHL, which would allow her to continue career in a professional and sustainable league. 

“It’s definitely something I think about and it’s now a viable option after your collegiate career,” Thompson said. "It’s something that people are now looking forward to and maybe even working harder to achieve.”