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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
Matt Tomkins Leads Oilers to 11th Win in 15 Games
Matt Tomkins, the 32-year-old goaltender from Sherwood Park, Alberta, delivered a standout performance for his hometown Edmonton Oilers in his seventh NHL start on Sunday. Returning to NHL action after an extended stint in the minor leagues and international play, Tomkins helped secure an 11th win in 15 games for the Oilers this season.
A Journey Through Hockey's Ranks
Tomkins’s hockey career began in the Edmonton suburb of Sherwood Park. Over the years, he played at Ohio State, suited up for minor league teams like the Indy Fuel and Rockford IceHogs, and skated for Frolunda and Farjestads BK in Sweden. His global experience includes a notable moment as Canada’s starting goalie at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing after the NHL’s withdrawal from the tournament.
NHL Comeback After Minor League Stints
After debuting in the NHL in 2023, just months after turning 29, Tomkins spent much of the next few seasons playing in the American Hockey League for the Syracuse Crunch and Bakersfield Condors. Over 928 days passed since he started for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the 2023-24 season finale.
"It's been a long road, for sure," Tomkins said. "It's taken me a lot of different places."
Stellar Performance Against the Rangers
On Sunday, Tomkins made his first NHL start since April 17, 2024, facing the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. He stopped 27 of 28 shots, earning first star honours and leading the Oilers to victory in one of hockey’s most iconic venues.
Oilers captain Connor McDavid praised Tomkins: "He just gave us a chance to win. He was just solid, honestly: made the saves he needed to and gave us a chance."
Opportunity Through Injury Replacements
Tomkins was called into action due to injuries to Oilers goalies Devon Levi and Frederik Andersen and the team’s back-to-back weekend schedule. While fellow goalie Tristan Jarry had recently recorded consecutive shutouts, Tomkins seized his opportunity with a remarkable start.
"It's been a couple of years since I've played in the league, so definitely excited to get the nod. Just tried to enjoy the day and take it all in and do my part to contribute and help the team win," Tomkins reflected.
A Resilient Hockey Journey
Tomkins’s resilience throughout his career—across junior hockey, college, the ECHL, AHL, and international play—culminated in a memorable comeback. Despite uncertainty and the competitive nature of the NHL goalie position, Tomkins remains grateful for every stop along his journey.
"I love to play, and my career has taken me all over the world. ... To end up here today and growing up in Edmonton, being an Oilers fan, to have this opportunity, it's just been an incredible and really fun journey," said Tomkins.
Source: cbc.ca.
