The defenceman joined the franchise as a foundation member when a fresh-faced 15-year-old still at King’s High School.
He has been there through all the highs and lows and will play his 200th game for the Thunder within the first couple of rounds of the New Zealand Ice Hockey League.
But there will be a new challenge for Wilson on and off the ice this season after the stalwart was handed the captaincy of his beloved team.
Wilson, who will be supported by assistants Joe Orr and Ian Audas, replaces long-serving Thunder player Mat Enright, who had been a ‘‘pretty amazing leader’’ and called time after 170 games across 15 seasons.
‘‘It's pretty exciting to get bumped up into the captain's role,’’ Wilson said.
‘‘Big shoes to fill, but I have an awesome leadership team around me, and great support from the coaches and the players — excited about the season.’’
The Thunder are looking to build after a strong 2025 season and have a nice blend of returning players, imports and locals.
Chris Eaden, the most decorated athlete in the league, is back for another stint in Dunedin and joins Luke Stegmann and Cole Beckstead, who were named the league’s top defenceman and player of the year in 2025.
Canadian import Samuel Loiselle arrived this week to add depth and Austin Goh joins from Malaysia.
Sam Jackson, Sef Johnston, Pax Kollar and Shaun Thomson have earned their selection after coming through the Dunedin Ice Hockey Association.
Wilson said the local crew coming through were a ‘‘huge credit’’ to the association’s pathway, ensuring they had a strong development route to push for higher honours with the Thunder.
Guillaume Leclancher, fresh after being assistant coach for the Ice Blacks, is back as head coach and is joined by assistant Jamin Harrex, who had also come through the Dunedin age-group coaching ranks.
The Thunder scored a 7-4 victory against the Canterbury Red Devils in preseason, which attracted a large and passionate home crowd at the Dunedin Ice Stadium.
They are in for a big battle first up against neighbouring rivals, the Southern Stampede, making the trip for the double-header in Dunedin tonight.
The Stampede lifted the the Birgel Cup for a record 10th time in 2025. They secured the title within two games against the Botany Swarm with an 8-0 shutout and a 6-3 victory.
But they are without long-serving Ice Black Colin McIntosh, who has joined the Melbourne Mustangs.
‘‘Always a big challenge facing the Stampede,’’ Wilson said.
‘‘But we’ve been working hard behind the scenes and are going to be ready to bring it to them on Friday.
‘‘Great to start at home — especially after the great turnout we had for our preseason game.
‘‘Really looking forward to being at home in front of a home crowd and all that support.’’
Puck drops at 7.30pm tonight and 6.30pm tomorrow.
