HOCKEY (M): GAELS GIBB SIGNS PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT
Kingston, Ont. – Gaels goaltender Ryan Gibb of Scarborough, Ont. has elected to forgo his final three years of eligibility and sign a professional contract with the Laredo Bucks based in Texas of the Central Hockey League.
Last season, the 23-year old Gibb was a key contributor to the Gaels earning the OUA East Most Valuable Player award and helping Queen’s to its best finish since 1985. Gibb was one of the best goalies in country, leading the CIS with a save percentage of 93% and captured 11 of the Gaels 13 victories. He also had an outstanding 2.86 goals against average.
Gibb has been pursuing a degree in Health Science and was in his second year of eligibility with the team. In 2007 Gibb caught the attention of the nation by claiming the OUA Rookie of the Year honours.
He ends his Queen’s hockey career having played in 46 games securing a 3.12 GAA with two shut-outs. During his 46 appearances he averaged almost 38 shots against per game with a .922 save percentage.
“When the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t pass it up. It’s been an honour to wear the Gaels uniform and be a part of helping build a stronger hockey program,” said Gibb. “I am going to miss my teammates, but I’m excited to take a shot playing professionally.”
Head Coach Brett Gibson considered this a bitter-sweet moment for his team and the Gaels hockey program.
“It’s extremely hard to lose a player the calibre of Ryan Gibb,” said Gibson. “He was a key component of our team and we enjoyed success because of his impact play. Without question he will be missed, but this is a highlight for our program. Not only have we seen some accolades within the league, but our program has been noticed by some professional teams – that’s a positive.
In late April, Gaels assistant captain Brady Olsen (Enterprise, Ont.) signed a professional contact with the Rapid City Rush in the ‘AA’ Pro Central Hockey League in South Dakota. Olsen had just earned the OUA’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award.
With Gibb turning professional, starting goaltending duties will fall on the shoulders of Brady Morrison (Thamesville, Ont.) who will be entering his second season with Queen’s in the fall.
“We had the luxury last season with having two phenomenal goalies,” said Gibson. “Brady is more than capable of stepping up to this challenge and I know he’s excited to have the opportunity. He is an OHL calibre goaltender and he’s ready to be a big contributor to our future success.
Prior to joining the Gaels last season Morrison played four seasons in the OHL – two with the Kingston Frontenacs and then another two with the Ottawa 67’s.
As far as I knew, coach/general manager Terry Ruskowski was not actually signing players until after the CHL conference ended June 14, but I guess anything is possible. I will try to look into this situation, but everyone with the Bucks has been pretty tight-lipped about information released by any other source.
In other news, the Bucks should start officially announcing player signings and re-signings later this week, and they say there is still a possibility of Simoes returning.
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