Paul Thompson
Induction Year: 2025
Birthday: November 30, 1988
City/Town: Methuen, MA
Paul was born in Methuen, MA but grew up in Derry, NH. He was already on the ice by the age of five and for the better part of his hockey life, Paul stayed true to his roots and played in New Hampshire. His cousin had played for UNH, which may have been the spark that lit up a spectacular Hockey East career for Paul with the Wildcats. After spending two years at Pinkerton Academy in his home town, Paul joined the New Hampshire Junior Monarchs of the Eastern Junior Hockey League for two seasons beginning in 2005. There, he picked up a total of 113 points and distinguished himself by scoring 51 goals in 50 games. He was named EJHL Offensive Player of the Year.
Paul arrived at UNH in 2007 and during his NCAA career was recognized for his many accomplishments. In 2010, he was the Best Offensive Player as chosen by the players and in 2011, Thompson earned several prestigious accolades, including the Leonard Fowle Award as New England MVP, the Herb Gallagher Award as New England’s Best Forward, Hockey East Player of the Year, Hockey East First-Team All-Star and winner of the Army ROTC Three Stars Award. Paul was the team’s Most Valuable Player as voted by his teammates and was a Hobey Baker Finalist. Paul finished his senior year with 52 points on 28 goals and 24 assists to lead the ‘Cats’ in scoring and rank him ninth nationally. His teammates named him winner of the Guy Smith Award as the Best Offensive Player. He also received the Roger A. LeClerć Trophy MVP Award and was selected First Team All-American. He also led the nation in power play goals. His superb college career ended with 112 points on 57 goals and 55 assists. Paul has the honor of being one of three NH players to achieve status in the Century Club, and the first in the past thirty years.
In March 2011, Paul signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins and played out the season with their AHL affiliate in Wilkes-Barre. He appeared in three games with the New Jersey Devils in 2015-16 and logged 21 NHL games the next year with the Florida Panthers. Paul wore the “C” in the AHL for the Chicago Wolves (VGK) and the Springfield Thunderbirds (FLA). He also spent time in Rangers and the Islanders organizations. Paul officially retired from professional hockey in 2023 and joined the Loomis Chaffee School as a hockey coach and member of the athletic department, where he is still enjoying the game from behind the bench.
Paul’s professional career spanned thirteen seasons beginning in 2010. He delighted fans with 610 games in the AHL with stops in Bridgeport, Hartford, Springfield, Chicago, Albany and Wilkes-Barre. Paul also played in Worcester and Wheeling in the ECHL.