Faculty member Paul Thompson was inducted into the New Hampshire Legends of Hockey Hall of Fame in the player category on October 26. 

The honor recognizes Paul’s accomplishments and his lasting influence on the sport in his home state.  

Paul joined the Loomis Chaffee community and boys ice hockey program in 2023 after a successful 13-season professional career. Now in his third year with the Pelicans, he brings extensive playing experience and a deep understanding of the game to his coaching. He is committed to helping student-athletes grow as both players and people. 

Paul grew up in Derry, N.H., and played college hockey at the University of New Hampshire from 2007 to 2011, where he was a member of the 2010 NCAA All-Academic Team and was named the 2011 Hockey East Player of the Year, an NCAA First Team All-American, and a Hobey Baker Top 10 Finalist. He was known as a reliable two-way forward who combined scoring ability with strong character and work ethic.  

Over the course of his long and successful professional career, Paul played in more than 700 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) and National Hockey League (NHL). He was a respected leader in the locker room and a player teammates looked to for consistency and composure. He also was an AHL All-Star in 2015 and appeared in 24 NHL games with the New Jersey Devils and Florida Panthers.  

Paul developed a passion for coaching while in leadership roles during his time playing in the AHL. In addition to coaching at Loomis, Paul works as a sports information associate, an athletics and hockey operations assistant, and a student activities assistant at the school. 

The New Hampshire Legends of Hockey, which oversees the state’s Hockey Hall of Fame, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving New Hampshire’s rich ice hockey history and promoting the sport to youth across the state. Each year, the organization’s Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the game as players, coaches, officials, builders, or media representatives. 

The Hall of Fame Class of 2025 included Paul along with Tim Schaller, Chris Grassie, Scott Crowder, and Louis Chabot.