Login

EricNCSU · 01-29-2024, 12:46 PM

".... with the 31st pick, the Great Falls Grizzlies select..... Thomas Hudson, Center, Portland Winterhawks....."

Good Evening Great Falls fans, we are sitting here with the most recent Grizzlies addition, Thomas Hudson, son of former SHL player Eric Hudson. We had the opportunity to sit down with him in Las Vegas shortly after the draft. Let's hear what he has to say.

GF: What does it feel like to hear your name called on the big stage?

TH: It's incredible, ya know. It's what every player dreams of. It's a dream come true for sure.

GF: Were you disappointed to have to wait until the third round to hear your name?

TH: Eh... not really. Of course you think there are times you might get called, but there's a ton of talent in this group so it's not a huge surprise. It's an honor to be picked at all really, it's just a number.

GF: Did you think there was a chance you'd get picked by your Dad's former team, the St. Louis Scarecrows?

TH: Well of course there was a chance. They scouted me, had some great talks with them, but at the end of the day I don't have any control over that. I'm just happy to land somewhere in the league.

GF: Speaking of your Dad, what kind of advice has he given you as you enter the league?

TH: You know, all the cliche Dad/coach speak type stuff. Show up, work hard, support your teammates, things like that. Despite this being the pro level now, the J is still about learning and growing and continuing to work on your game and make a name for yourself. This is just the beginning, you can't stop now. There's still a lot of work to do.

GF: That's some sage advice, do you have any thoughts about where you'd like to see yourself moving up into the big league?

TH: No, it's way to early to think about that stuff. Of course, Dad played his whole career with the Texas Renegades, so I'm familiar with them, but beyond that, not really.

GF: What was it like growing up around a bunch of pro hockey players in Texas?

TH: It was great, of course, I was always at the rink, in skates before I could walk. Plenty of skate with the family days, even a couple of road trips with the team, it was lots of fun. Really cemented how much I wanted to be a hockey player.

GF: Did you ever get to play any of the Mighty Mites games during the intermission of a Renegades game?

TH: Oh gosh yeah, those are a blast. Of course when your 5 or 6 years old that ice is HUGE. But it was fun. To see the crowd, the music, the jumbotron, that Renegades crest on your chest. It really starts those dreams about "One day I'll be able to do this for real...."

GF: Is there a significance to the number 24 that your chose?

TH: Not really, but I didn't want to copy Dad and go with 13, so I just added one to each number. Bump the 1 to 2 and the 3 to 4 and it becomes 24. That's all.

GF: Have you had a chance to meet the other Great Falls draft picks?

TH: Briefly back in the green room, yeah. We were able to find each other. Got to meet James and Juice. Lee wasn't in town for the draft but I look forward to meeting them too as soon as we get to Montana.

GF: Ok, so final question here, how soon are you heading out to Montana?

TH: Uh I think tomorrow? It's pretty quick. We'll be leaving straight from here in Vegas. Preseason starts in a couple days, so there's no time to waste. Gotta hit the ground running.

GF: Sounds great, can't wait to see you on the ice in Great Falls. Thomas Hudson, third round draft pick and your newest addition to the Great Falls Grizzlies. Thank you for your time, it's been a pleasure speaking with you.

TH: Thank you, I'm very excited to get the season started. Go Grizzlies!

THIS GREAT FALLS INSIDER SEGMENT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Montucky Cold Snack - The champagne of Montana.

***Ohtaay*** · 01-29-2024, 02:36 PM

Best of luck this season my friend!

Navigation

Extra Menu

About us