The Thistles were considered by the Canadian Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) to represent Canada at the 1954 Ice Hockey World Championships, but the team opted instead for a tour of Japan. CAHA vice-president Jimmy Dunn accompanied the Thistles on an international goodwill exhibition tour, which was the first trip to Japan by a Canadian team since 1936. On the seven-week tour, Dunn handled the business affairs for the Thistles which included travel aboard the Japanese ocean liner "Hikawa Maru" from Vancouver. From March 24 until April 3, the Thistles played against the best Japan had to offer in Osaka and Tokyo. They defeated the Japan College All-Stars 23–1, the "All Japan" team 5 times (11–2, 4–2, 9–3, 8–2, 12–7), Nikko Electric 17–2, Hokkaido All-Stars 8–1, and the Kanto All-Stars 13–6.