Born and raised in Toronto, Ont., the Washington Capitals selected Tom Wilson 16th overall in the 2012 NHL Draft. Wilson offered wise words to North Toronto players after a skate in Toronto.
Upon returning home for training, Wilson recounted his hockey career as a child and his inspiration, which fueled his ambition to become a spectacular player in the NHL.
After his 2024-25 season, Wilson played 81games, scored 33 goals and had 65 points.
Wilson, an alternate captain for the Washington Capitals, was born and raised in Toronto and played minor hockey with North Toronto (NTHA). Wilson carries much pride in this hockey association and keeps his strong Toronto roots close to him. From an early age, he shared how many memories he created at the North Toronto Memorial Arena, and that love for hockey has never left him. There’s even a huge banner of him hanging proudly at the North Toronto Memorial Arena – a reminder that no matter how far he’s come, he’s never forgotten where it all started.
In 2018, after winning the Stanley Cup, Wilson did not return to his hometown hockey arena empty-handed. Wilson brought the cup to where it all began for him. Wilson played many seasons for the North Toronto club until he went on to play at the highest level. Wilson shared what growing up in Toronto meant for him and his hockey career.
“This is the arena where I fell in love with the game of hockey. This is where I spent every day hoping I’d make it to the NHL. Walking through the doors you get all the memories of being a kid here,” said Wilson via the North Toronto Hockey website.
For Wilson, the dream of becoming a hockey player stuck with him. His parents helped ensure that he created a balance with his sport, instilling educational values and also having fun. During an interview in July, just after a training session, Wilson shared advice to North Toronto hockey players.
“I think for me, I was having a balance of not only having hockey hockey hockey, but my parents always made sure I had good grades and being with friends who really enjoy it,” Wilson said.
Growing up, Wilson discovered that the key to becoming a successful hockey player was to establish a balance and become a well-rounded player. In Wilson’s OHL days playing for the Plymouth Whalers, he was awarded the OHL West Division’s academic player of the month in October 2011.
“If you're all in and you're doing too much sometimes you get burnt out, so as a kid, just make sure you're always having fun and playing other sports and spending time outside. If you are good enough and you got the work ethic, the rest of it will come and just enjoy it.”
When connecting to his Toronto roots, Wilson shared who his hockey idols were growing up.
“When I was little in Toronto, I liked Darcy Tucker. He was a guy that played hard and a Toronto Maple Leaf. Mats Sundin, who trained with the same trainer as me, was always a beast, so those were kinda my era. When I was a kid, I just always loved going to the rink every time.”
When it comes to comparison, both Wilson and Tucker have been known for their physicality, scoring skills, and both being players who played with an energetic style that antagonized opponents. Although Sundin is known for his goal-scoring capabilities and Wilson has not produced as many points, both players have demonstrated their leadership qualities as they both served as alternate captains – Sundin also served as captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs – and Wilson continues to be a force on the ice.
Wilson is more than just a powerful presence on the ice who still carries the heart of North Toronto with him every time he laces up. His journey is proof that passion, resilience, and community can shape a great athlete. Wilson truly loves the game and hasn’t lost sight of what got him to where he is.
