After playing competitively for multiple years and on various teams, forward Tommy Karmiris is coming back home, becoming the first Brantford-born player to sign a contract with the Brantford Bulldogs of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL).
Karmiris, who has continued to build on his early success in hockey, explained his beginnings in the sport.
“I played my whole minor hockey in Brantford, and it was a great experience. The whole 99ers organization and Brantford Minor Hockey Association were incredible. And since I grew up in Brantford it was awesome because I have a lot of family here and friends,” Karmiris recalled. “I played with my cousin Lucas in the minors during that time. He currently plays for Peterborough Petes…[and] I also played with Marek Vanacker, who plays for the Bulldogs too. They’re good friends [and] we all played most of our minor hockey together in Brantford. They are great players and have been amazing teammates.”
While Karmiris had a solid playing career in the minors, winning two Alliance Champions and capping it with a 40-point campaign in 2021/22, he would move on to the Cobourg/Burlington Cougars of the OJHL when he was drafted by their parent team, the Kingston Frontenacs of the OHL.
“It was an eye-opening experience for me. I got drafted by Kingston at the time, so that was their affiliate team, and I had a good experience living at a billet while getting a chance to adjust playing with 19 and 20-year-olds. It was a great first year of junior hockey. As a 17-year-old it was tough in the beginning, but I gained a lot of confidence [and] started to figure out my game,” he reflected. “It was an amazing feeling to be drafted by Kingston, but I decided not to go the OHL route right away. At that point, I wanted to play in the NCAA after my first year of junior. That’s when the rules opened up for OHL players to play in the NCAA…and I made the decision to play out west in the BCHL [as it] would get me closer to that goal of going down to the United States.”
While Karmiris would move to British Columbia to play in the BCHL, splitting his time between the Cowichan Valley Capitals and the Powell River Kings, he soon considered another path.
“When I went to play out in BC, the BCHL was the highest level of hockey I could play in, in order to be eligible to play in the NCAA. It was a fun experience and I had a chance to play some good hockey there, but I would soon make the decision to come back home. I signed an AP [Affiliated Player] card with the Brantford Bulldogs, but I spent the majority of the season with the Cougars,” he said.
Karmiris has learned a great deal from many people throughout the years, including his coaches.
“I learned so much from many of the coaches I played for throughout the years, [and] I was like a sponge…listening to them, and trying to adapt to the styles of all those coaches. I have also learned a great deal from others, including my agent Todd Reynolds, who has been a great support system throughout my years of junior,” said Karmiris. “I have also learned a lot, obviously, from my parents. They have always been there for me…I know I could always call them and talk to them about hockey and life.”
However, Karmiris is now getting ready for the up-and-coming season, after signing an OHL Scholarship and Development Agreement with the Brantford Bulldogs.
“I played five games last year with Brantford, and my first game wearing the Bulldog uniform was unbelievable. I remember getting the news in the morning. I was very sick, but when you get a call like that, you just block all that out and make good on that opportunity. We played against the Flint Firebirds, and I had friends and family coming out to watch the game, which was very memorable for all of us,” he reflected. “I [originally] signed the AP card with Brantford [and] obviously, being from Brantford, it was a no-brainer for me to sign for the rest of the year. I am very excited about signing with the Bulldogs this year. It’s such a great organization, and I get a chance to be part of and contribute to the winning culture of my hometown team.”
Signing with the Bulldogs for the upcoming season was a special moment that also touched his family and friends.
“It was actually very emotional for my parents…to have me play at home again. It was a great feeling knowing they were close by and watching me play. They’ve helped me throughout my whole hockey career and in my life. Both my older brother and my younger brother have also been so supportive and have helped me a lot as well as many of my friends. Now I get to play in Brantford in front of them and that’s something very special,” Karmiris said.
As Karmiris prepares to suit up for his hometown team, he took a moment to reflect on a few of his career highlights.
“Winning two minor hockey Alliance championships with my team was special and the most memorable minor hockey achievement for me. We were a really close group and had a good team. And one of the highlights in my career was when I was drafted to the OHL. That was such a good feeling. And then to go away from home at 16 was a big adjustment. It gave me a chance to figure things out on my own and persevere. It was sometimes a nerve-wracking thing at the time, but also fun,” Karmiris recalled. “And of course, one of the biggest milestones for me has been signing with my hometown team. It’s a dream come true. It’s a top-tier organization, and there’s no place I would rather play than in Brantford and for the Bulldogs.”
