Thomas Kuipers keeps his promise to Trenton

Kuipers embracing leadership role as Golden Hawks chase another championship

Photo by Amy Deroche / OJHL Images

When Thomas Kuipers first joined the Trenton Golden Hawks as a rookie, he talked about more than just individual success. He wanted to win a championship for his community.

Now, at 19, the forward has done just that. After helping his hometown Golden Hawks capture the Buckland Cup last spring.

The Carrying Place native has been a consistent presence since joining the club as a 16-year-old, and is among the longest-serving players in team history. With 153 games played, Kuipers already ranks in the top ten all-time for the franchise, tallying 44 goals and 63 assists for 107 points along the way.

Kuipers says winning a championship in front of family and friends, and playing in front of packed Duncan McDonald Memorial Community Gardens throughout the playoffs was a dream come true.

Last season, Trenton finished 47-6-3 and led the Canadian Junior Hockey League in goals scored. The Golden Hawks went on to win their second OJHL title in franchise history, defeating the Milton Menace in the finals.

The victory capped their third straight trip to the league finals and earned them a spot at the 2025 Centennial Cup in Calgary. At the national tournament, Trenton played against the country’s best, advancing to the semifinals before falling just short in a 4–3 loss to the Melfort Mustangs.

“It was unreal,” Kuipers said. “Hockey Canada did such a great job hosting all the teams. We came up a little short, but it was an amazing experience. Playing on that big stage gives everyone confidence, it shows we can compete with anyone.”

It’s a run Kuipers says he’ll never forget.

“It was unbelievable,” he said. “The crowd was amazing every game, and to come out with four wins against a really good team was awesome. We learned a lot from that run, and with a bunch of returning guys this year, we’re looking to do it again.”

After a brief stint with the OHL’s Brampton Steelheads to start this season, Kuipers has returned to Trenton.

“I’ve been in this league for three or four years now, so I’ve got a good feel for it,” he explained. “I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help the team, whether that’s blocking shots or putting the puck in the net. The game’s slowing down a bit for me, and when I’m going, I’m going.”

Through 10 games this season, Kuipers has six goals and 12 points.

Kuipers plays with a competitiveness that has made him one of head coach Derek Smith’s most trusted forwards. As an alternate captain, he has embraced the responsibility of leading a team still finding its rhythm early in the season.

“It means a lot,” he said. “I like my role here. I feel like I’m an important piece of the team, and it’s great knowing that Derek trusts me. I’ve come a long way as a player and just want to do whatever I can to help us win games.”

That leadership has been key as Trenton integrates several new faces into the lineup. Despite losing multiple veterans from last year’s championship team, Kuipers says the group’s identity remains the same.

“We had a great year last year, and even though we don’t have a ton of returning players, the ones who are back got a lot of experience from that playoff run,” he said. “As leaders, we have to bring it every game and show the new guys what Trenton Golden Hawks hockey is all about, how we play and why we go so far every year.”

Among those newcomers are star goaltender Hayden Jeffrey and high-scoring forward Jack Ziliotto, both have made an immediate impact.

“Jeffrey’s a stud in net. It’s so hard to score on him in practice, and he’s an even better guy in the room,” Kuipers said. “Zilly can do it all, and our young guys have been awesome too. We’re working our way toward becoming a championship team again, and it’s been a great start.”

For Kuipers, continuing his junior career in his hometown is something special.

“Being back here at the Dunc where I grew up playing, you can’t ask for more,” he said. “It’s so professional here. Everyone treats you like a pro and wants the best for you. You just want to get better every day when you show up to the rink.”

While last year’s Buckland Cup run was a milestone, Kuipers and the Golden Hawks are focused on the next step.

“We all want it again,” he said. “We got a taste of winning last year, but now we want the whole thing, the Centennial Cup. It’s a long season, but we’ve got to keep building, keep getting better every day, and have fun doing it.”

As he continues to develop as a player and leader, Kuipers is keeping his focus on what he can control.

“Right now, I just want to keep getting better, enjoy every day with this group, and play hockey as long as I can.”