Milic made most of first pro season
Jets goalie prospect started last year in ECHL, soon moved to Moose starting lineup
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Monthly Digital Subscription
$1 per week for 24 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $4.00 plus GST every four weeks. After 24 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.00 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.
Monthly Digital Subscription
$4.75/week*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
- Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
- Access News Break, our award-winning app
- Play interactive puzzles
*Billed as $19 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Winnipeg Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*$1 will be added to your next bill. After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $0.00 a X percent off the regular rate.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/07/2024 (456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Thomas Milic didn’t let his mind wander.
As the Winnipeg Jets fifth round pick started out on his professional hockey journey last fall, he spent very little time worrying about which crease he would be tending.
The goalie prospect knew that if he stopped enough pucks, the rest would take care of itself.

The approach seems simple enough, though the execution of that plan is something that can occasionally lead to unnecessary speed bumps for rookies.
That was not the case for Milic, who embraced the opportunity to receive quality playing time for the Norfolk Admirals of the ECHL as a 20-year-old.
“I went in with the goal of getting experience down in Norfolk, regardless of if I got called up (to the AHL) once or twice or not at all,” said Milic, who was one of four goalies participating in Jets development camp this week. “I was ready and prepared, regardless of what happened. Going into it with that open mind and willing to just accept where I am right now and just make the most of it. I thought I did a good job with that.”
Did he ever.
After a strong start to the campaign, Milic got his first opportunity with the Manitoba Moose in the American Hockey League in November, making four starts before he returned to the ECHL.
By the time January rolled around, Milic had been recalled once again by the Moose — only this time, it was for the remainder of the season.
“That was pretty special for me,” said Milic, who led the Seattle Thunderbirds to a Western Hockey League championship and a berth in the Memorial Cup in 2023 before he was chosen by the Jets. “I’ve always believed in myself but I really proved to myself and everyone else that I belong here and that I’m ready to take on a big role.”
Milic wasn’t just around as an observer either, he was a big reason the Moose pulled themselves out of their tailspin and went on a run that led to a playoff spot.
At the most important time of the season, including the opening round series with the Texas Stars, it was Milic who got the call.
“Pretty impressive for a young first year player to take over the starting role in the American Hockey League as a goalie. He took us right down into the playoffs and had a great run at the end,” said Moose head coach Mark Morrison. “We were impressed with him. A lot of work to do and carry on. Certainly did a very good job for us and the future looks bright.”
The next reward for Milic came in early May, as he was signed to a three-year, entry-level deal by the Jets.
“That was pretty special, for sure. That’s obviously been a goal of mine for a long time, especially the last two or three years,” said Milic. “To be able to get that out of the way was pretty special. But at the end of the day, nothing really changes.
“Pretty impressive for a young first year player to take over the starting role in the American Hockey League as a goalie. He took us right down into the playoffs and had a great run at the end,”– Moose head coach Mark Morrison
“Just realizing that even though I had a successful year last year, I really haven’t done anything. I’m just going into it with that mindset of taking it one day at a time and continuing to prove myself every day.”
Milic earned a berth in the ECHL All-Star Game in Savannah, Georgia, in January and helped his team defeat the host Savannah Ghost Pirates 18-11.
It was an interesting format as the two teams played 5-on-5 in the first period, 4-on-4 in the second period and 3-on-3 in the third period (when Milic was in net).
“It was an interesting experience. There were a lot of chances,” said Milic. “It went pretty well. It was cool to be part of that and the whole experience around it. It was a cool thing to do once. Obviously, the guys were doing stupid moves. Not ideal for a goalie, but it was still awesome.”
Speaking of awesome experiences, Milic also got an opportunity to represent Canada at the 2024 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, where he shared the crease with Aaron Dell and Tyler Beskorowany.
Milic got the call against the host team and relished the opportunity to play in front of a packed house at Eisstadion Davos.
“That was just an incredible experience, getting to experience the whole European hockey game. That was my first time in Europe as well, so being in Switzerland around Christmas time isn’t a bad way for that first time,” said Milic, who also helped Team Canada win a gold medal at the 2023 World Junior Hockey Championship in Halifax. “My in-game experience was getting the start against the home team, Davos, and seeing their crowd and how into it they all are. It really felt like a European soccer game, with the chants they do. I couldn’t understand what they were saying. It wasn’t in English, but it was pretty cool. I heard my name in a few of them. Hopefully it was good things.”
Milic also enjoyed a ride on the gondola with his family on one of the off-days and provided his seal of approval for the Swiss chocolate he taste-tested during the trip.
With the Jets bringing back Eric Comrie and adding fellow free agent Kaapo Kahkonen on July 1, Milic figures to have an experienced guy as a goalie partner next season, though 2022 seventh-rounder Dom DiVincentiis is also in the mix.
“Honestly, I’m not looking too closely into that. Just focusing on what I can do this summer to have a great season, regardless of whoever it’s with,” said Milic. “I’m excited to have them here and work with them. I’ve heard great things about Coms especially, who played here, from all of the staff and guys that have played with him as well. He seems like a great guy that I can learn a lot from. Kappo as well. He’s a great goaltender to watch.”
ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca
X: @WiebesWorld

Ken Wiebe is a sports reporter for the Free Press, with an emphasis on the Winnipeg Jets. He has covered hockey and provided analysis in this market since 2000 for the Winnipeg Sun, The Athletic, Sportsnet.ca and TSN. Ken was a summer intern at the Free Press in 1999 and returned to the Free Press in a full-time capacity in September of 2023. Read more about Ken.
Every piece of reporting Ken produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.
Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.