From player to ownership, Thomas Waugh’s career comes full circle with Summerside Western Capitals

Thomas Waugh and his two-year-old son, Wyatt, are introduced at centre ice before a Maritime Junior Hockey League game between the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals and Amherst Ramblers in Summerside, P.E.I., on Oct. 10. The Capitals honoured Waugh in a pre-game ceremony for his contributions to the organization since the early 2000s. A former player and assistant coach, Waugh and his wife, Jill, are now part of the team’s ownership group. Photo by Jason Simmonds /The GuardianArticle contentAs Thomas Waugh stood at centre ice holding his two-year-old son, Wyatt, it provided an opportunity for a trip down memory lane.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals honoured Waugh, who played for the Maritime Junior Hockey League team and remains involved with the organization today, before a game against the Amherst Ramblers at the Island Petroleum Energy Centre in Summerside, P.E.I., on Oct. 10.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“I was fortunate to play here for three years in junior, and one year up in the OHL (with the Toronto-St. Michael’s Majors),” Waugh told The Guardian in an interview after he and Wyatt dropped the puck for the ceremonial faceoff.Article contentWaugh said that led him to play for the Forbie MacPherson-coached UPEI Panthers for five year. A teaching career followed and Waugh is now the principal at Greenfield Elementary School in Summerside.Article contentWaugh also served on the Caps’ coaching staff under current head coach Billy McGuigan following his playing career. Today, Waugh and his wife, Jill, are now part of the team’s ownership.Article content“Billy asked me to be an assistant coach, so I did that for about eight years and then took a step back once I got into being a principal,” said Waugh. “At that time, some of the other owners of the Caps previously were looking to make some changes, and (Capitals president) Pat McIver and I (joined the ownership group) as owners alongside my father, Kenny, and Jill at the time. So, it really has become full circle.”Article contentArticle contentPlaying careerArticle contentWaugh, a slick and nifty forward, began his junior career with the Capitals in the 2002-03 season. He then made the jump to the Majors, who were coached by P.E.I.’s Dave Cameron at the time. After one season in Toronto, Waugh returned home and played his final two seasons – 2004-05 and 2005-06 – with the Capitals.Article contentIn 156 regular-season games as a Capital over three seasons, Waugh recorded 84 goals and 100 assists for 184 points. His best campaign was his final year with 35 goals and 87 points in 54 regular-season contests playing under the late Forbie Kennedy.Article contentThe opportunity to play junior hockey in his hometown is something Waugh continues to cherish.Article content“I grew up as a kid going to Cahill Stadium and watching hockey with my brother (Peter) and my dad,” said Waugh. “I still remember vividly the ’97 nationals, and great memories (of the Capitals winning the Canadian junior A hockey championship on home ice).Article content“Then I was fortunate enough to play with the Caps, and actually play a few games with the Caps with my brother, so this team is pretty special in my heart, and has given me a lot of life lessons that I’ve carried on into my career as a teacher and into a career as a business owner in Summerside with Jill. Now we want to give back to our community and give an opportunity to the kids that I was given.”