NCDC Commitment Profiles: Thunder’s Wainwright Commits To Johnson And Wales
By Alexis Demopoulos
Thunder Hockey Club forward Roman Wainwright was thrilled to announce his NCAA Division III commitment to Johnson and Wales University after a terrific showing this season.
Wainwright first played for the Thunder during the 2023-24 season, when they played as the Twin City Thunder, putting up 19 points in 50 games. After the rebrand to the Thunder Hockey Club and the move to Middleton, Mass., Wainwright signed on again for the 2024-25 season, this time taking on a bigger role. Wainwright was an Alternate Captain this year for the Thunder. In 51 regular season games, he tallied 35 points (17 goals, 18 assists).
“I have a very good relationship with coach Dan Hodge and he has helped me improve my game every day I was at the rink,” said Wainwright. “We had a great group of guys who made it easy to want to show up everyday. Dan and I talked in the off-season and he gave me an opportunity to play a big role on the team.”
In the first game back after Christmas break, Wainwright began communicating with the JWU Providence coaching staff and things quickly took off from there.
“Towards the end of the year I went on a visit. After that, Head Coach Eric Graham talked to me for a couple of weeks then gave me an offer,” said Wainwright. “He liked my offensive side of the game and my ability to make plays.”
Wainwright really was drawn to the location of the school and how up and coming the hockey program has been the last couple of years.
“I like how the school is in downtown Providence, there is a lot to do in the area and the school offers a lot to do in the free time we have,” said Wainwright. “The hockey team has been getting better and better every year under Coach Graham and I’m hoping to be able to go in and contribute right away. The atmosphere of the city was very cool and fun. Everyone we met was super nice and helpful. They also have a very good program that sets you up with jobs after college.”
Wainwright is continuing to fine tune his skills over the summer and be ready to compete right out of the gate this fall.
“I believe there is always room to improve on everything,” said Wainwright. “Mainly I am working on building size and defensive play. A big part of my game is offense and I am continuing to work on skills to improve that part of my game.”
The NCDC congratulates Roman Wainwright, his family, the Thunder Hockey Club and Johnson and Wales University for his commitment.