Zach Nolan

While the Winnipeg Jets fell 5–1 to the Carolina Hurricanes on Friday, the night marked an important milestone: the NHL debut of goaltender Thomas Milic. “I’ve been prepared since I was called up. I knew a time was going to come when I’d have to get in there, and I did my best to be ready,” Milic said of learning he would get his first NHL start. Everybody loves a goalie rookie lap! ?? Welcome to the League, Thomas Milic! pic.twitter.com/1cKGxI76vx — NHL (@NHL) November 28, 2025 Milic’s parents made the trip from B.C., and his junior billet mom, along with friends and family, were in Raleigh to support him. A Debut to Remember Carolina controlled much of the play, outshooting Winnipeg 35–13. Despite the lopsided shot totals, Milic kept the Jets in the game until the Hurricanes broke through with two quick goals midway through the third period. They later added an empty-netter and a late insurance marker, handing the Jets their fourth straight loss. “I thought he played great—he made some huge saves,” Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey said postgame. Milic finished with 30 saves in the loss and earned praise from head coach Scott Arniel. "Came out in the third doing the right things, and then those two quick ones, back-to-back plays, and they're coverage plays. Both those plays came right down, one went off one of our defencemen, the other coming right down so that's on us. I feel for the kid, he was giving us a chance." “At the end of the day, there were a lot of positives from my end, and I’m pretty happy with how a lot of the game went,” Milic added. Photo Credit: Winnipeg Jets Journey to the Show Milic has battled throughout his career to earn this opportunity, and a lot had to fall into place for him to reach this stage. He spent four years in the WHL with the Seattle Thunderbirds. After limited ice time in his first two seasons, he seized the starting job in 2021–22 and never let it go. Over his final two seasons, he posted a 54–19–5 record in 80 games while playing alongside future Jets draft picks Tyrel Bauer and Brad Lambert. His strong play caught the attention of Hockey Canada, which invited him to the World Junior selection camp. Milic made the team, won the starting job, and delivered a tournament for the ages with a 5–0–0 record with a .932 save percentage and a remarkable 1.76 goals-against average en route to a gold medal in front of an electric Halifax crowd. “There’s only so many words to describe him,” said Connor Bedard, the tournament MVP. Milic carried that confidence into the remainder of the WHL season, backstopping Seattle to a league championship and winning WHL Goaltender of the Year. Despite being passed over in two previous NHL drafts, the Jets selected him in the fifth round (151st overall). Milic turned pro on an AHL contract, splitting the 2023–24 season between the Norfolk Admirals and the Manitoba Moose. He impressed at both levels, going 11–3–2 with Norfolk and 19–9–2 with Manitoba. Photo Credit: Jonathan Kozub/Manitoba Moose His play earned him an entry-level NHL contract, and he again split time between the Moose and Admirals last season, helping Norfolk reach the second round of the playoffs for the second straight year. Milic’s consistency within the organization led to his call-up on November 21st after NHL MVP Connor Hellebuyck was going to miss some time due to a minor arthroscopic knee procedure which was expected to sideline him for 4–6 weeks. Photo Credit: Colby Spence (Illegal Curve) Many Moose teammates have voiced their support, including longtime teammate Tyrel Bauer, who called the moment “unbelievable.” Bauer said he’s watched Milic battle for every opportunity—from their WHL days to the AHL grind—and believes his NHL debut is a testament to that perseverance. After years of climbing hockey’s ladder, Milic finally reached the top—and Friday’s debut was just the beginning of the next chapter in his story.

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Zach Nolan

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