Where Are They Now - Tobias Whelan

Tobias Whelan - 2009-2011 photo by chlphotos.com

With the CHL finals coming up next week it is a good time to catch up with one of the players from the 2009-2010 team who played a key role in the Americans first year playoff run. Tobias "Wheels" Whelan was a speedy two way player and a great penalty killer. He holds the all time record for short-handed goals in the playoffs as he had three in the 2011 playoffs.

Tobias grew up in Orillia, Ontario and was drafted by the famous Ontario Hockey League Oshawa Generals when he was 16. He played for Oshawa for four years (2000-2004) and was captain of the team in his last year, a position he would also have with the Allen Americans in 2011. He then went on to play for Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario where he graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

The best way to give you an idea of what Tobias is as a leader and a person is to quote some of those that have played, coached and known him.

As he left Oshawa to head to college at Lakehead his coach, George Burnett said, "Your development as a player, leader, captain, but more importantly, as a young man, have made everyone here in Oshawa very proud," wrote Burnett. "You have represented the Generals on the ice, in our community and around the Ontario Hockey League with class and set an excellent example for all to follow."

A profile written as he was graduating from Lakehead University said: The Orillia, Ontario native is known as a very cerebral hockey player and his intelligence showed in his play.  Strong on the faceoff, able to play tenacious defence, play on both the PK and power play units, and supply the team with offense; Whelan could do it all.
Whelan was a member of the 2005-06 Queen’s Cup championship squad that took silver at the CIS national championships.  He was an OUA First Team All Star in 2007-08.

Tommy Daniels, the voice of the Allen Americans had this to say about Tobias:

Tobias Whelan is a true leader and the type of player every coach wants on his hockey team. Whelan could play on any line for Allen and fit right in. You could use him with the scoring line or  many nights Coach Mullins would have him centering our checking line. He scored many big goals for the Americans  in his two years with the team including his memorable empty net goal to seal Game 4 in Odessa two season ago. He wasn’t a big guy but boy he played with the biggest heart. His speed and grit made him a true two way player.

Bill "Macker" McDonald who is from Thunder Bay and was recently hired as head hockey coach at Lakehead University has recruited many players from the area for the Allen Americans and Tobias was one of them. Bill recalls first hearing about Tobias from Chris Whitley who he also recruited. Tobias and Chris played together at Lakehead.  Here is what Macker had to say:
Tobias was a great player and great leader for this team. You could put him on the ice in any situation and you knew he would be successful. He was a hard worker who led by example. The fact that he was named captain of the team tells you all you need to know about his leadership skills. He was a pleasure to have on the team.
 

So what has Tobias been up to since leaving Allen. I asked Tobias and his wife, Lindsay to answer a few questions to bring us up to date.

Henry Celebrating His First Birthday With Mom & Dad

1. Bring us up to date on everything that has happened to you since you left the Americans?
Tobias - During the 2010/11 Americans season we bought a house in our home town, Orillia, Ontario and two weeks after the season ended we took possession of our first home. I signed with the Rodovre Mighty Bulls in Copenhagen, Denmark for the 2011/12 season. Playing in Europe was always something I wanted to do and although it was a good experience ultimately the timing wasn’t right. Lindsay and I were expecting a baby and she had decided to stay in Canada. A few months into the season I made the decision to leave Europe and go home to my family. Our son, Henry, turned one earlier this month and is already showing an interest in hockey, carrying his mini stick around the house with him.
Lindsay – We were a little naïve about how hard it would be being so far away from each other while expecting a baby but I am glad Tobias had a chance to experience hockey in Europe before ending his professional hockey career.

2. What are you doing now?
Tobias - I am working as a financial advisor for Freedom 55 Financial.
Lindsay – I work for one of our provincial government’s social services programs.

3. What is your involvement in hockey, if any? (playing/coaching)
I was an assistant coach for our local minor bantam team last season and will continue coaching the same kids this coming season during their major bantam year. It is important to me to give back to the hockey community and it is a great opportunity to remain a part of competitive hockey.
I also play recreational hockey three times a week. It has been great getting a chance to play with my dad and some of the guys I grew up with again.
Last season I played for the Kenora Thistles Senior A team with some friends from university. We won the Ontario championship earning us a spot in the Allan Cup tournament where we were beat out in the semi-finals.

4. I know you are very busy working and being parents. What do you like to do to relax. Any hobbies?
We love getting outside as a family, our pooch Sadie is a big motivator in the winter to go for a walk or a ski on the lake. In the warmer weather we love boating and hiking local trails.

5. What do you miss about the Americans & North Texas?
We miss the fans who were so welcoming, helpful and generous to us and the atmosphere at the Allen Event Centre during a game. We miss the shopping and the weather. Also Pete’s Piano Bar and the availability of Mexican food.

6. Who from the Americans teams do you still keep in contact with?
Tobias - We made some great friends during our time in Allen and have kept in touch with many of them. We catch up through text, e-mail and visit when we find ourselves in the same place at the same time. The Grahams have family in Toronto so we have had a few visits with them and the Wooddisses are just an hour down the highway so we see them often.
Lindsay – My Allen girls hold a special place in my heart and are always just a phone call away.

On a personal note I became a big Tobias Whelan fan because the first year my season tickets were right in front of Angela and BJ Garwood. Angela was a "giant" Tobias fan. If you see a first year Whelan jersey being worn at the AEC these days it is most likely by Angela and BJ. There enthusiasm for how Tobias played the game wore off on me and I am glad it did as he was a pleasure to watch.

I want to thank Tobias and Lindsay for taking the time to bring all of their North Texas fans up to date.