Wheeling's Newest Hall Of Fame Members Reflect On Respective Careers

Tomas Vokoun came to North America from the Czech Republic and began his professional hockey career in 1995 with the Wheeling Thunderbirds. He was only 19, spoke no English and went through the typical struggles of a young player trying to adjust to a whole new way of life far from his homeland.

Nevertheless, the young goaltender flourished on the ice. During his lone season in Wheeling, Vokoun went 20-10-2 in the regular season and led the Thunderbirds to an opening round playoff sweep against the Columbus Chill. He made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens the following year and also had stints with the Nashville Predators, Florida Panthers, Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins over 14 full NHL seasons.

When Vokoun received word this past summer that he would be inducted into the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame, he was taken aback.

“I only played there one year,” explained Vokoun, who currently lives near Boca Raton, Fla. “I came here as a 19-year-old kid (not) speaking any English. It wasn’t easy leaving my home at such a young age. Everything was knew for me, and the first few months were hard, but my teammates were very supportive.”

Looking at Vokoun’s NHL success, it’s easy to see why he was inducted along with teammate Steve Gibson, who played four seasons with the Thunderbirds from 1993-97. Vokoun is one of only 40 goaltenders in NHL history to win 300 games, including three seasons with at least 30. His 14 NHL seasons are the most of any Wheeling player. While he never got to raise the Stanley Cup, Vokoun helped the Penguins reach the Eastern Conference Final in 2012-13 to finish his career.

Vokoun and Gibson were inducted as the 13^th and 14^th members of the Wheeling Hockey Hall of Fame Class. The ceremony was held prior to the Wheeling Nailers’ Nov. 30 home game against the Cincinnati Cyclones.

Both new members were introduced with the accolades and achievements that earned them selection, followed by the introduction of their families. Nailers team president/governor Brian Komorowski presented Vokoun with a plaque, while COO John Davis presented Gibson’s plaque. Both are now on display in the club’s Hall of Fame suite.

Vokoun and Gibson then had a ceremonial puck drop. In a media timeout during the game, both members were featured.

“It was great to get back and see how many changes have been in Wheeling,” said Gibson, who finished his pro career in Quad City, where he and his family currently reside. “I saw a lot of familiar faces. The night was great.”

A Listowel, Ont. Native, Gibson was an offensive force during his time in Wheeling. He led all Thunderbirds rookies with 59 points in 55 games during the 1993-94 campaign. He was a big part of the club’s Brabham Cup Championship season the following year, then led the team in scoring with 42 goals and 95 points in 1995-96.

Gibson ranks in the team’s all-time top 10 in seven different categories. He finished his Wheeling career averaging over a point per game, recording 252 points (126-126-252) in 191 games.

As he reflects back on his career, Vokoun is still in awe that he was fortunate enough to play the sport he loves at the highest level.

“I lived my dream, I played hockey for a living,” said Vokoun, who now mentors goalies at the youth level. “Anytime you can take something you picked when you were five years old and get paid for it… If you play hockey and your goal is not to play in the NHL, then there’s really no reason to play. It was a privilege, and I’m grateful.”

Gibson attends Quad City Storm (SPHL) games with his family but is no longer actively involved in hockey. However, he’s never forgotten the lessons he learned during his time in Wheeling.

“I learned how to be consistent, playing the same way every night,” he recalled. “The teams we had, they were hard-working guys. That’s probably the biggest thing.”