15 year old Spencer Thornborough shares golden experiences at Winter Youth Olympics
“I was in a study group when I received the call, I was shaking while thinking what an honour! My friend looked at me and asked ‘What’s going on?’ I answered, ‘I’m going to South Korea’!” beamed 15 year old Spencer Thornborough of Boxford, (a small community outside of Boston). He should have been beaming. That was a call all young athletes dream of receiving; the 6’1” 170 lb fifteen year-old had been notified that he would be part of the USA hockey team in the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. The Jr. Olympics were held this past January in Gangwon, South Korea. Spencer is the son of Glenboro native Glen Thornborough, and grandson of the late Marguerite and Henry Thornborough.
A time difference of 16 hours from Gangwon to Manitoba resulted in very early mornings for local family members wanting to catch the action live with hopes that overtime wouldn’t last until they would have to leave for work. The games were exciting as team USA made up of players born in 2008 took down Canada in a nail biting game 6-5, in the semi-finals.
“We were so torn during the Canada/USA game. We were cheering for Spencer but then a part of us were also wanting to see our Canadians advance to the finals. And it was such a good close game!” exclaimed his aunt Lisa Thornborough, speaking on behalf of the family glued to their televisions in Manitoba.
The team selection began with 200 hopefuls in Buffalo last summer when USA Hockey identified Spencer, left wing, and 54 others as potentials for its Junior Olympic Team and asked them to ensure they had their passports up to date. During the fall, coaches and scouts were keeping an eye on the 54 during the high-school season. From that group of 54, 17 were were chosen; nine forwards, six defence men and two goalies. “I kind of had a feeling that I made the team the night before I was personally notified because my dad got a call and seemed super excited and made a few comments which had me wondering (he tried to but he isn’t very good at keeping surprises),” smiled Spence.
Elite level hockey is not new to Spencer. He’s skated for the Top Gun Program and is currently part of the Boston Jr. Eagles as well as prep school hockey. Playng in his first year at the Governors Academy, Spencer is the team’s third leading scorer with 3 goals and 9 assists in 14 games. He had also been selected to try out for the USA Development team. The USHL development team is the top junior hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. It is a springboard for future olympians and professional players.
Unfortunately, Spencer didn’t make the cut for the USHL Development team, however he reported that it was a valuable learning experience; “It was great learning about the team and facilities. I especially enjoyed meeting the staff. I feel I learned a lot about myself and about my teammates around me.” The camp only calls the best of the best, so getting an invite is a huge deal as the competition is fierce. Not making the cut is not final as there is still a possibility of getting called up in the future.
During an interview, Spencer commented that prep school hockey afforded him the experience of playing against bigger, stronger and tougher players who are 2-3 years his senior. “This was key for what I experienced at the Olympics.”
The experiences at the Olympics were plenty and not just on the ice; “All the athletes were in Olympic Village staying in dormitories. We were mixed with all types of athletes from all around the world in the lounge areas, it was so much fun,” expressed Spencer who was roomed with the USA team captain, Parker Trottier (grandson of hockey Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier) and alternative captain Aurelio Garcia.
Prior to arriving at Gangwon, Spencer connected through numerous zoom calls with Coach Bennett and the team. They were explained the gold medal process. “He explained how hard it is to achieve gold, but also made it very clear that that was the purpose of competing.” The team had three days training in San Jose and Spencer commented that they all bonded very quickly. “I feel that the bonding off the ice is so important and really translates on the ice,” he surmised.
Spencer’s role on the ice changed into more of defensive player for the tournament which didn’t result an any points but that didn’t faze him at all. “I just focused on what my team needed from me to win. Everyone’s role had to change for the Olympics and my coaches gave me some good feedback. I felt like I had some really good plays which set up some goals that didn’t show up on the scoresheet; but that is fine.”
His dad, Glen, who was a two-way forward himself for the Alaska Seawolves, and during 2 seasons of professional hockey in Memphis, commented that Spenser is a unique competitor, “He is strong and he has speed and can play both sides of the rink. He played the 2nd line for team USA in more of a defensive role, but he adapted quickly and did what he knew was best for the team, never changing his mindset. It’s pretty surreal watching your son on the ice wearing a team USA jersey. It’s definitely an experience we value; it was so special!”
Visits with his family (sister Hayden; mom Bonnie and dad) were limited to 5-10 minutes following a game. However short the visits were, their excitement was felt the entire time. Spencer commented his mom had so much spirt; “She was always taking photos and wishing us good luck every chance she had.” Hands down the most memorable moment was hearing that buzzer sound knowing that they had won Gold. “I remember thinking ‘we are going to win this’ as the score was 4-0, but it really didn’t sink in until I heard that buzzer sound; time seemed to stand still then I looked over to my family who were so happy; it is a moment I will never forget it was unimaginable.”
PHOTO CAPTION: Spencer Thornborough of Boxford, Mass. (front) was on the USA team that won the gold medal for Ice Hockey at the Winter Youth Olympics held in South Korea.
