"Everest Academy is a private school in Thornhill for exceptional athletes. Recently, we had the good fortune to hire Jim as our hockey coordinator and head instructor for our secondary school program. I've had the opportunity to watch him interact and build strong, professional relationships with each student based on respect, honesty, compassion and understanding.

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Jim is a "kid magnet" and a "tell it as it is" person. He conveys a powerful message to kids of all ages that "dreams do/can come true," but he quickly points out that hard work, determination and drive must go on behind the scenes for that to happen.

Jim can refer to many high-profile professional athletes and friends he has played with or competed against along the way. These anecdotes from his professional career and journey often illustrate humorous moments or perhaps poignant pitfalls that capture the attention of his audience.

Over the past few years, Jim has publicly taken a strong stance against fighting in hockey. He also delivers a vera powerful-drug and alcohol message to his young listeners that is very close to his heart.

As principal of Everest Academy, I asked Jim to deliver his presentation to the students as part of our safe schools assemblies."

"Consider what would be possible if you had someone in your corner who always sees your potential, believes in you, connects you to your values, interests, talents and dreams; who is infinitely patient, yet has the wisdom and courage to push when needed. Working with Jim Thomson is precisely that.

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Jim Thomson was known as a "character" player in the NHL. There is no formal definition of that. My interpretation is that he is a selfless player who puts the needs of others ahead of his and who plays to make others better. That was Jim. That is Jim.

I've known Jim for five years. I have grown to like him, value him, and, most of all, trust him. He has a rare ability to put those around him at ease and lower our defence mechanisms.

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A few years ago, I was suffering from severe depression. Only two guests asked me, "What's wrong?" Jim was one of them. I speak with Jim about life, struggles, and the fallibility of all we humans have. He never judges–because others have judged him.

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Jim Thomson has helped me–as a friend, confidant, and guy I can talk to. That's rare. He's rare."

“It’s been an honour to work with Jim Thomson. What you see is what you get: a caring, compassionate person with a huge heart who has inspired many children and adults.”

"Before I met Jim, I was just another face in the crowd, in the game of hockey and life. Thanks to his unique personality and NHL calibre skills, I could see and strive for my potential. The professional training Jim offers has improved my overall and specific skills a lot in a very short time. His approach to training, on and off the ice, changed my thinking and helped me see things with a better perspective. Now, with the new confidence, I can say that thanks to Jim, I became a better hockey player and a person."

"From the start to the finish of Jim's Dreams Do Come True presentation, he captivated the students and teachers with his passion, drive, and sense of humour. He could take examples from the very competitive world of sports and use them as splendid tools that could be applied to personal endeavours.

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Jim's interactive presentation had the audience thinking about their dreams and how they might accomplish them with hard work and determination. He connected with the students and teachers by sharing his obstacles and sacrifices. Jim revealed the heart of a true champion in his presentation. With all the positive feedback we have received following this event at our school, I highly recommend Jim to any organization seeking a speaker."

"Last June, our Walter Scott Public School students were lucky enough to engage in a motivational discussion with Jim Thomson.

Jim spoke to the students about the value of having a dream. He told his personal story of struggles and barriers he had to overcome to find success and inspired each and every one of the students ranging from grade one to grade eight.

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The students were also lucky enough to ask Jim a number of questions about his journey and his life today, to which he responded with nothing but honest answers. The presentation ended with an opportunity for the students to have a photo taken with him.

The most impressive part of the afternoon was that Jim offered to join us for our track and field day to cheer on all of the students who took part.

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Walter Scott highly recommends that schools share the amazing opportunity that we were fortunate to have with Jim Thomson.