The San Jose Sharks confirmed that former NHL goaltender Wayne Thomas died from cancer at age 77.
A team spokesperson said the Sharks learned of Thomas’ death Wednesday from his family. He died at his home in Falmouth, Massachusetts.
The Ottawa native played goal for Montreal, Toronto and the New York Rangers from 1973-80.
Thomas transitioned immediately into coaching after his playing career ended. He worked as an assistant coach with New York, Chicago, St. Louis and San Jose.
He also spent time as a head coach in the International Hockey League with teams in Salt Lake City and Peoria.
Thomas joined the Sharks’ front office in the mid-1990s and stayed nearly two decades through 2015. He served primarily as assistant general manager and vice president of hockey operations.
He oversaw the team’s American Hockey League affiliate during his time with the organization.
