Gibson pumped about return to Soo lineup
by Peter Ruicci (Independent Media) | Photo by Bob Davies
For two long, frustrating months, Andrew Gibson has dreamt about this day.
As he worked hard to stay ready, the Lasalle, Ont., native visualized a day of excitement and emotion and enjoyment.
“I feel tremendous,” said the Soo Greyhounds defenceman, whose return to the team’s lineup on Friday in Sarnia (7:05 p.m.) was confirmed by head coach John Dean this morning. “I’ve missed playing the game I love. This is the best feeling I’ve had in eight weeks.”
On Jan. 12 in North Bay, the rookie’s impressive season came to a screeching halt. Late in the second period of the Hounds 7-4 setback, Gibson was injured after a collision with Battalion forward Kyle Jackson at the side of the Soo goal.
Afterward, as is his policy, Dean would only use the words “lower body” to identify the injury.
“This has been the toughest thing I’ve ever gone through in the sport, 100 per cent,” said Gibson, an 18-year-old (2005 birth year) taken by the Soo in the fourth round (No. 67 overall) of the 2021 OHL Priority Selections draft. “Watching hockey every day and not being able to play was tough. I was skating with the guys and practicing with the guys, but I still wasn’t able to play.”
That changed on Thursday when, following a series of tests, Gibson was cleared to return to action.
At the time of his injury, he had established himself as a valuable member of the 2022-2023 Greyhounds and a player the club planned to build with moving forward.
In 38 games, the six-foot-three, 199-pounder had seven goals and 11 assists. On a young, rebuilding team, his plus-minus of minus-8 was certainly respectable.
In his draft year, Gibson, rated No. 32 among North American skaters in NHL Central Scouting’s midterm rankings, has missed the Hounds last 23 games.
He was also forced to miss the CHL/NHL Top Prospects Game, played on Jan 25 in Langley, B.C.
Gibson has practiced with the Greyhounds for the last few weeks, but did so wearing a yellow jersey, signifying the fact he could not be involved in physical contact.
Watching games “was difficult because it made me want to play even more,” Gibson told Independent Media. “It feels great to be back and I can’t wait to step back onto the ice. I feel as if I’m ready – I’ve been ready for two weeks, to be honest.”
The Hounds rearguard said he’s worked hard to prepare for his return, noting how he believes he’s “in the best shape of my life right now.”
Gibson also credited Julian Cooper, the team’s athletic therapist.
“He was there for me every day with on-ice conditioning and off-ice conditioning. He was always there to talk, he was always looking to help me and his door was always open,” the player added.
What does he hope to bring to the Hounds, who have seven regular season games remaining?
After Friday’s clash in Sarnia, the club is also set to visit Saginaw on Saturday (7:05 p.m.).
“The boys have been struggling a little bit,” Gibson said. “I’m just hoping to come back and do whatever I can to help out, and do what’s best for the team.”
