Today we continue the "Where Are They Now" series by catching up with one of the players from the 2009-2010 team who played a key role in the Americans first year playoff run to the Central Hockey League (CHL) championship finals. Tobias "Wheels" Whelan was a speedy two way player and a great penalty killer. He played two seasons in Allen (2009-11) and totaled 86 points (35G, 51A) in 117 games. He was the second captain of the Allen Americans.
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| Tobias Whelan |
Tobias grew up in Orillia, Ontario and was drafted by the 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. 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 was like as a player and leader is to quote some of those that have coached and known him.
As he left Oshawa to head to college at Lakehead University his coach, George Burnett said, "Tobias, 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 defense, play on both the penalty and power play units, and supply the team with offense; Whelan could do it all."
Tommy Daniels, the voice of the Allen Americans had this to say about Tobias:
"Tobias Whelan was 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 and 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. 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 was the Associate Coach of the Americans in the early years recruited many players for Allen and Tobias was one of them. McDonald recalls first hearing about Tobias from Allen goalie Chris Whitley who he also recruited. Tobias and Chris played together at Lakehead. Here is what Macker had to say about Whelan, "Tobias was a great player and great leader for the Americans. 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."
Bill "Macker" McDonald who was the Associate Coach of the Americans in the early years recruited many players for Allen and Tobias was one of them. McDonald recalls first hearing about Tobias from Allen goalie Chris Whitley who he also recruited. Tobias and Chris played together at Lakehead. Here is what Macker had to say about Whelan, "Tobias was a great player and great leader for the Americans. 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."
Here is an update from Tobias in his own words:
Can you give us an update on you and your family?
After professional hockey (2011) Lindsay and I returned to our hometown, Orillia, Ontario which is just north of Toronto. Orillia is surrounded by two lakes and is the home of our parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
I work at Freedom 55 Financial as a Director and Financial Advisor. Lindsay works for the provincial government’s social services department.
We have three children; Henry is six, Violet is four and Norah is two. Our dog Sadie, a Husky/Shepard mix, is 12 years old and has seen us through it all.
Can you give us an update on you and your family?
After professional hockey (2011) Lindsay and I returned to our hometown, Orillia, Ontario which is just north of Toronto. Orillia is surrounded by two lakes and is the home of our parents, siblings, extended family and friends.
I work at Freedom 55 Financial as a Director and Financial Advisor. Lindsay works for the provincial government’s social services department.
We have three children; Henry is six, Violet is four and Norah is two. Our dog Sadie, a Husky/Shepard mix, is 12 years old and has seen us through it all.
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| The Whelan Family - Lindsay and Tobias with their three beautiful children, Norah, Violet, Henry plus pet Sadie |
What involvement do you have in hockey?
I am still very involved in hockey. I am the Skill Development coach for the local AAA organization (North Central Predators) and also spend time on the bench with their Major Atom team (nine & ten years old). I also provide skills development for Orillia Minor Hockey's Initiation Program. I am co-founder of Orillia Hockey Academy and I am also the proud coach of my children's hockey and lacrosse teams.
What are your hobbies/interests now that you no longer play professional hockey?
Professional hockey may be over but that doesn't mean there is much time for new hobbies or interests. A lot of our time is now spent entertaining our kids' interests which still find us spending a lot of time at the arena. When I do find time I still enjoy hunting, boating and the occasional concert with Lindsay.
Can you share something about your experience playing in Allen?
Allen was a great city to live in and play hockey. The organization treated its players really well and the fans were very supportive. I am looking forward to returning for the alumni game.
What was your highlight, fondest memory of your time in Allen?
I have a lot of great memories from my first year in Allen. We had a really good group of guys and a great team. Making it all the way to the finals was definitely a highlight.
Who were your closest teammates in Allen? Who do you still stay in touch with? Any stories you can share?
Like I said we had a great group of guys who were all really close. The stories that jump out at me, I thought were sacred, until Bruce Graham answered his "Where Are They Now" story questions (haha). All I can say is we had a lot of fun.
Most of us take the chance to see former teammates when we find ourselves in the same place at the same time. A couple of years ago Tyler Wooddisse, Justin Bowers and Nathan O'Nabigon and I found ourselves playing on the same Senior A hockey team, the Kenora Thistles.
My thanks to Lindsay and Tobias for taking the time to bring their Allen fans up to date.
DID YOU KNOW: After being the surprise team in the 2010 CHL playoffs and going all the way to the championship finals as a first year team the Allen Americans were a huge favorite in the 2011 playoffs. Allen finished the regular season with 97 points and a record of 47-16-3. They won their conference by 20 points over second place the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. However, the Mudbugs beat Allen in the Conference finals and went on to win the championship. Tobias Whelan set an all-time record in the 2011 playoffs for shorthanded goals. The Americans played 13 playoff games in 2011 and had a total of three shorthanded goals. Tobias had all three shorties. He also had six goals in the 13 playoff games which was tied for second on the team. He led the team in shooting percentage, scoring his six goals on just 23 shots (26.1%).
I am still very involved in hockey. I am the Skill Development coach for the local AAA organization (North Central Predators) and also spend time on the bench with their Major Atom team (nine & ten years old). I also provide skills development for Orillia Minor Hockey's Initiation Program. I am co-founder of Orillia Hockey Academy and I am also the proud coach of my children's hockey and lacrosse teams.
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| Tobias, the hockey coach |
What are your hobbies/interests now that you no longer play professional hockey?
Professional hockey may be over but that doesn't mean there is much time for new hobbies or interests. A lot of our time is now spent entertaining our kids' interests which still find us spending a lot of time at the arena. When I do find time I still enjoy hunting, boating and the occasional concert with Lindsay.
Can you share something about your experience playing in Allen?
Allen was a great city to live in and play hockey. The organization treated its players really well and the fans were very supportive. I am looking forward to returning for the alumni game.
What was your highlight, fondest memory of your time in Allen?
I have a lot of great memories from my first year in Allen. We had a really good group of guys and a great team. Making it all the way to the finals was definitely a highlight.
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| Tobias circa 2010 |
Who were your closest teammates in Allen? Who do you still stay in touch with? Any stories you can share?
Like I said we had a great group of guys who were all really close. The stories that jump out at me, I thought were sacred, until Bruce Graham answered his "Where Are They Now" story questions (haha). All I can say is we had a lot of fun.
Most of us take the chance to see former teammates when we find ourselves in the same place at the same time. A couple of years ago Tyler Wooddisse, Justin Bowers and Nathan O'Nabigon and I found ourselves playing on the same Senior A hockey team, the Kenora Thistles.
My thanks to Lindsay and Tobias for taking the time to bring their Allen fans up to date.
DID YOU KNOW: After being the surprise team in the 2010 CHL playoffs and going all the way to the championship finals as a first year team the Allen Americans were a huge favorite in the 2011 playoffs. Allen finished the regular season with 97 points and a record of 47-16-3. They won their conference by 20 points over second place the Bossier-Shreveport Mudbugs. However, the Mudbugs beat Allen in the Conference finals and went on to win the championship. Tobias Whelan set an all-time record in the 2011 playoffs for shorthanded goals. The Americans played 13 playoff games in 2011 and had a total of three shorthanded goals. Tobias had all three shorties. He also had six goals in the 13 playoff games which was tied for second on the team. He led the team in shooting percentage, scoring his six goals on just 23 shots (26.1%).
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