Gibson bids farewell
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Natalie Shaver (OHLImages)
Flooded with a host of memories, Andrew Gibson, after saying a final goodbye to his now ex-teammates, left Sault Ste. Marie on Wednesday morning.
He did so after reaching one conclusion: He has too many good recollections to single out just one or two.
“I’ve loved everything about my time in the Sault,” said the 19-year-old (2005 birth year) defenceman, traded to the Oshawa Generals on Tuesday for 16-year-old (2008) winger Brady Smith and a series of eight draft choices. “Over the last couple of years I’ve been with the same few guys and I’ve grown a lot of relationships. I love these guys. They’re a great group. The last couple of years have been the best teams I’ve ever been a part of.”
This year’s Hounds, in a rebuilding season, take a 16-21-0-0 mark into Wednesday’s 7:05 p.m. start in Sudbury. They also play host to Kingston on Friday and Guelph on Saturday in 7:07 p.m. starts.
A season ago, Gibson was one of a number of talented veterans who helped carry the Greyhounds to a 45-18-3-2 mark. They lost in Game 7 of the West Division semifinals to the Saginaw Spirit, a team that went on to capture the Memorial Cup.
“The best part of going to the rink every day has been seeing all the guys. I’ll miss all of the banter in the room the most,” said Gibson, chosen by the Hounds in the fourth round (No. 67 overall) of the 2021 Priority Selections draft.
A native of LaSalle, Ont., the six-foot-four, 215-pounder is a signed prospect of the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Gibson was originally drafted by the Detroit Red Wings in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2023 NHL Entry Draft, before being dealt to Nashville.
His goal, now that he’s left the Hounds, is to help the Gens win an OHL crown.
Gibson drove to Oshawa on Wednesday and will be with his new teammates when they travel to Ottawa for a Friday game against the 67s.
“Obviously, moving to a new city, getting new billets and having a new group of guys to get to know will be tough,” said Gibson, a member of Team Canada at this year’s world junior championships. “But I’m also excited to get things going there.”
Looking back at his two-and-a-half seasons with the Hounds, Gibson spoke of how he owes so many a debt of gratitude.
“I love the city, I love everything about it. I love the organization,” he said. “And the fans have been great. I can’t thank this organization and this community enough for all they’ve done for me.”
Gibson went on to say he “wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for them. I just have nothing but good things to say about the city and everyone in it.”
