In 1928, the Boston Bruins acquired Thompson, and he quickly established himself as a reliable presence between the pipes. During his rookie season in 1928-29, Thompson's goaltending prowess was instrumental in leading the Bruins to their first Stanley Cup victory. His ability to consistently deliver strong performances earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy, awarded to the league's most outstanding rookie.
Thompson's style of play was characterized by his calm demeanor and exceptional reflexes. He was known for his innovative use of the poke check, a technique that disrupted opposing players' scoring attempts. Throughout his career with the Bruins, Thompson's skill in net was a cornerstone of the team's defensive strategy.
The 1930s saw Thompson at the peak of his career. He was awarded the Vezina Trophy four times (1930, 1933, 1936, and 1938), an accolade given to the goaltender with the fewest goals allowed during the regular season. His consistent performance helped the Bruins maintain their status as one of the top teams in the league.
In 1938, Thompson was traded to the Detroit Red Wings, where he continued to demonstrate his goaltending abilities. Although his time with the Red Wings was shorter, he remained a respected figure in the league. Thompson retired from professional hockey in 1940, leaving behind a legacy of excellence in goaltending.
After retiring, Thompson transitioned to coaching and scouting roles, sharing his knowledge and experience with future generations of hockey players. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 1959 when he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
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