Waterloo forward returns to Listowel after making a strong impression following his mid-season arrival from St. Marys
LISTOWEL, ONT. — The Listowel Cyclones are proud to announce that forward Thomas Paleczny will return to the organization for the 2026–2027 Greater Ontario Hockey League season.
A native of Waterloo, Ontario, Paleczny joined the Cyclones during the 2025–2026 campaign following a mid-season acquisition from the St. Marys Lincolns. He quickly established himself within the Listowel lineup, recording three goals and six assists for nine points across 31 appearances.
Before arriving in Listowel, Paleczny opened the season with St. Marys, where he collected one goal and one assist through 12 games. Between the two clubs, the left-shot forward completed his first full GOHL season with four goals, seven assists and 11 points in 43 games.
Paleczny’s transition to Listowel provided him with an opportunity to take on an increased role and continue adapting to the pace and demands of junior hockey. His nine points with the Cyclones represented a promising contribution from a young forward playing his first complete season at the GOHL level.
Standing six feet and weighing 190 pounds, Paleczny brings a valuable combination of size, offensive ability and junior experience to the returning roster. Having already spent more than half a season within the Cyclones’ system, he will enter 2026–2027 with familiarity alongside his teammates and an opportunity to build upon the foundation established during his first year in Listowel.
Before making the full-time transition to junior hockey, Paleczny enjoyed a highly productive 2024–2025 season with the Huron-Perth Lakers U18 AAA program.
He recorded 17 goals and 17 assists for 34 points in 34 ALLIANCE regular-season games, finishing the campaign at exactly a point-per-game pace. Paleczny continued to deliver in the postseason, scoring twice across two playoff appearances.
His balanced totals with Huron-Perth demonstrated his ability to contribute as both a scorer and a playmaker. The 17-goal campaign highlighted his finishing ability, while an equal number of assists reflected his capacity to create offence for his teammates.
Paleczny previously developed within the Waterloo Wolves AAA organization, where he produced several notable seasons.
During the 2023–2024 campaign, he registered seven goals and 12 assists for 19 points in 29 regular-season games with the Wolves U16 AAA team. He elevated his production significantly during the playoffs, contributing three goals and 10 assists for 13 points in only 10 postseason contests.
That playoff performance marked an important step in Paleczny’s development. Producing at better than a point-per-game pace over an extended postseason demonstrated his ability to perform when games became increasingly meaningful and competitive.
Paleczny also earned an appearance with Waterloo’s U18 AAA team that season, gaining valuable experience against older competition before moving to Huron-Perth the following year.
His offensive potential had already been evident at the U14 AAA level. During the 2021–2022 season, Paleczny recorded 14 goals and 14 assists for 28 points in 26 games with Waterloo, once again displaying the balanced offensive production that has remained a consistent feature of his game.
Throughout his progression from minor hockey to U18 AAA and the GOHL, Paleczny has demonstrated an ability to generate offence, distribute the puck effectively and contribute during high-pressure situations. His strong AAA playoff performances and successful adjustment following his arrival in Listowel provide encouraging signs as he prepares for his second full junior season.
With 43 games of GOHL experience already behind him, Paleczny will return as a more experienced and familiar presence within the Cyclones’ forward group. His size, offensive background and continued development make him an important returning piece as the organization builds its roster for the upcoming season.
The Listowel Cyclones are thrilled to welcome Thomas and his family back to the organization and look forward to seeing him continue his development in Cycs Nation.
Welcome back to Listowel, Thomas.
— Listowel Cyclones Hockey Club
