The Tulsa Rampage are pleased to announce that Derek Thompson will advance to the NCAA in the upcoming season. While Manhatten Kansas may not be a hockey hotbed, the small town can now boast the success of it's native who will join the Lancers at Worcester State College beginning in the fall.

Thompson showed a strong determination to play the sport from a young age which lead his parents to make the extensive trip to Kansas City for practices and games throughout his childhood.  Upon graduating from high school, the defenseman advanced to the junior ranks after being picked up by the Quad City Express of the Central States Hockey League. In his second season with the CSHL, Thompson was traded to the Cleveland Junior Lumberjacks who traded him to the Tulsa Rampage at the Christmas break.  In spite of those unexpected movements, Thompson's determination to succeed grew. 

In his first season with the Rampage, Thompson demonstrated outstanding ability and character that caused the organization to question his previous trades.  "From the start Tommy was a solid defenseman and you couldn't find a more character kid off the ice," General Manager Julie Wilson notes "I'm not sure why the CSHL teams didn't hold on to him but it was definitely a win for us."  Thompson was offered an NCAA opportunity at the close of that season but requested the opportunity to return to juniors with the intent of developing even stronger skills prior to playing at the collegiate level. 

His decision to return was a second win the for Rampage who counted Thompson as the season's most consistent defenseman.  He was particularly strong for the team in their own zone but was able to score when they most needed it. His work ethic, performance, and character earned him a position as the team's Assistant Captain and resulted in the enhancements he had hoped to make to his game.  "Tommy was solid at the start but he got even better and more consistent as the season went on," Wilson said "that was his goal and he was definitely successful in achieving it." 

Thompson plans to major in secondary education and history with the intent of becoming a teacher.  Upon graduating, he hopes to teach in an area that has a hockey program so he can also pursue opportunities to coach.