In 2009, a 12-year-old Tage Thompson settled in Anchorage, Alaska, marking an important chapter in his nomadic childhood shaped by his father’s career progression in hockey coaching. His father, Brent Thompson, was climbing the ranks in minor league hockey and had just accepted the head coaching position with the Alaska Aces after coaching in Peoria, Illinois.
For Tage, who is now a standout forward for the Buffalo Sabres and a U.S. Olympian, this move initially seemed like one more transient stop amid many others. However, his time in Anchorage became a defining and joyous period in his development both on and off the ice.
Cherished Memories from His Anchorage Years
Thompson fondly recalled the years spent in Alaska as some of his most treasured. He described the experience during a recent Team USA practice, where he reunited with childhood teammate Jeremy Swayman, now the Boston Bruins’ goaltender.
“Some of my very favorite memories are of growing up there,”
Thompson said, highlighting the strong emotional connection he still holds with that period of his life.
Although the Thompson family was only in Anchorage for two years, the fun and close-knit atmosphere left a lasting impression. Thompson spoke warmly about the whole family’s enjoyment.
“We were only there for two years but it was so much fun. All of us, my dad and the rest of the family (mother Kimberly and brother Tyce) loved it. It was perfect, especially for the age me and my brother were.”
Integration Into the Local Hockey Community
Jeremy Swayman remembered Thompson’s entry into their local hockey scene vividly. As one of the first out-of-state players to join their team, Thompson’s arrival was met with some curiosity. Yet, he quickly fit in seamlessly.
“He was one of the first out-of-state guys on our team,”
Swayman said.
“It was like, ‘Who’s this guy?’ But he adapted right away and was one of us right away.”
The two formed an early bond as teammates in Anchorage’s youth hockey leagues, which foreshadowed their continued connection on the international stage years later.
Brent Thompson’s Coaching Success in Alaska
Brent Thompson’s head coaching stint with the Alaska Aces turned out to be a pivotal moment in both his professional journey and his family’s life. During his two seasons with the team, he amassed a strong record of 83-50-6-5 and led the Aces to win the Kelly Cup championship in 2011. His success earned him the John Brophy Award as ECHL coach of the year.
This achievement opened the door for Brent to move up as head coach of Bridgeport in the American Hockey League, a New York Islanders’ affiliate, which prompted the family’s departure from Alaska. The Aces themselves later relocated from Anchorage to Maine, six years after Brent’s tenure.
Life Outside Hockey in Alaska
For Tage, departing Anchorage carried mixed emotions. Though accustomed to moving frequently due to his father’s career, leaving Alaska felt bittersweet because of the unique lifestyle and environment. He passionately praised the Alaska wilderness and outdoor activities that shaped his childhood.
“It’s such a unique place to live, so unlike anywhere else we’ve been. We loved getting into all the outdoorsy stuff — the fishing and the hiking. And we were able to play a lot of hockey outside.”
Youth Hockey Achievements and Highlights
Tage Thompson’s performance on the ice during that period was extraordinary. Playing on the 2010-11 Alaska All-Stars U14 AA team alongside Swayman, he produced remarkable numbers that hinted at his future potential.
Thompson scored 23 goals and assisted on 29 others in just 12 regular-season games, then added eight goals and five assists in five playoff games. Swayman recognized Thompson’s talents early.
“He was a big addition to our team and you knew right away that he was gonna be a legit player, even at that age,”
said Swayman, who himself had an impressive record that season, going undefeated in goal with a 0.99 goals-against average during the regular season and even better statistics in the playoffs.
Friendship Beyond the Ice
The friendship between Thompson and Swayman extended past hockey. Swayman recalled a memorable moment when Thompson visited his home and they shared a first experience with guitar playing in the living room, a memory that still resonates with Swayman today.
“Tage came over one time, and we were playing guitar, in our living room. It was the first time I ever picked up a guitar,”
Swayman said, underscoring their bond beyond sport.
Surpassing Early Expectations
Despite his youth hockey success, Thompson never imagined at that time that he would reach the NHL or represent the United States on the Olympic stage. Now a 6-foot-6 center with impressive scoring numbers in the NHL season, his journey also reflects a dream realized.
“It’s pretty surreal. I don’t even know if back then in Alaska, I thought it ever could become a reality. Obviously, you’re always dreaming at the time,”
Thompson acknowledged, with 30 goals and 29 assists in 57 games for the Sabres this season.
Lasting Bonds and Shared Victories
The relationship between Thompson and Swayman has remained strong, as evidenced by their recent achievements together on the international hockey scene. They have traveled extensively and shared memorable experiences from their youth tournaments to the world championship stages.
“Me and Sway both have a lot of good memories playing on that team, and we got to travel all over the country too, playing in tournaments,”
Thompson recalled.
“It’s a cool, full circle, being however many years down the road that I’m playing on the same team with him.”
They helped Team USA win the world championship less than a year ago, with Swayman excelling in goal and Thompson contributing six goals and three assists, including the overtime winner that clinched the gold medal.
Experiences on the World’s Biggest Stage
Swayman reflected on playing alongside Thompson at the world championship and how their careers, once separate, have now intersected on the highest level of international hockey.
“Seeing his success the National Hockey League, and the way our worlds have collided a few times now, it’s pretty surreal,”
he said.
“So, to be on the Olympic stage with him now is even more incredible.”
Thompson echoed the sentiment about the significance of their shared accomplishments.
“That was a pretty special moment there at worlds, and it would be cool to do it again here too.”
Friendly Rivalries in the NHL
When the Boston Bruins face the Buffalo Sabres, Thompson and Swayman often meet as opponents, turning their friendly rivalry into intense competition on the ice. Thompson enjoys the challenge of scoring against Swayman, while Swayman is determined to shut him out.
Thompson said with enthusiasm,
“I love it. We have good battles. You know, good internal competition there. I really want to score on him and he wants to see if he can shut me out.”
Swayman considered Thompson’s talent as a formidable test for any goalie in the NHL.
“He’s given me a lot of nightmares, actually. It’s not fun playing against him,”
Swayman admitted.
“He’s got the hardest shot in the NHL now. That’s one you circle on the calendar, because you know you’re going to get a lot of shots. He’s got a lot of talent. It’s just so amazing to see his success. I’m just happy he’s on my team right now.”
This season, the Bruins and Sabres have met four times, with Swayman starting in one game – a 3-1 victory where he stopped 22 shots, including eight from Thompson, who led his team’s offence in that match.
The Unlikely Journey From Alaska to the NHL Spotlight
Both players acknowledge how rare and remarkable their paths have been, starting as young teammates on an Alaska midget team and now competing at the highest level of professional hockey. They recognize the unpredictability and promise such beginnings hold.
“I doubt anyone would have thought that when me and Swayman were 11 or 12 years old, we’d be playing here right now, but you never know, maybe it could happen again. I guess it’s just one of those things, where you gotta wait and see how those young kids in Alaska pan out.”
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Competitions
Team USA is preparing for a high-stakes quarterfinal game against Sweden, a critical contest that will test the team’s resolve and talents on the Olympic stage. Both Thompson and Swayman are key contributors expected to shape the outcome.
Their shared history rooted in Alaska and their ongoing partnership demonstrates how formative experiences in the Last Frontier can have far-reaching impacts on hockey careers and relationships.
