Better late than never
Wyatt Gibson is a late bloomer.
The 16-year-old Fonthill resident played AA last season and throughout much of his minor hockey career until finally breaking through this year.
The E.L. Crossley student had a standout season at the AAA level, finishing second on the Niagara North Stars with 14 goals and 32 points in 32 regular season games.
“After getting cut last year and having to play AA, it was tough but it kind of set me straight and made me work hard to make the team last April,” Gibson said. “I worked hard all year to get where I’m at. I worked on my game all year in AA and was lucky enough to make the roster.”
Gibson said having a good attitude in AA was essential.
“Obviously, it was tough but I got a lot of help from my parents and my coaches led me in the right direction,” he said. “Day in and day out, I kept working because I knew the road after getting cut, it wasn’t over. I still had lots of time.”
Stars coach Matt Miller had high praise for Gibson, who centred the team’s top line with Tai York and Ethan Whitcomb.
“He is the workhorse and the engine of our top line,” Miller said. “He is a smart hockey player and is very coachable with leadership characteristics. He is an absolute gamer and scored some big goals for us.
“He is a first-year AAA player and who came from St. Catharines Falcons AA and that says a lot about the development of the St. Catharines Falcons AA,” Miller said.
Gibson had no idea how things would go this season at the AAA level.
“Coming out of AA, I didn’t really know what to expect,” he said. “I was lucky enough to play with York and Whitcomb and as the first few games went on I settled down and my confidence started to rise and took off from there.”
Gibson said he put in the work off the ice to make sure he was prepared for the jump.
“After making the team in April, I really set my mind to it. Did a lot of intense training and countless hours on the ice,” he said. “I kept it in mind I needed to work on everything overall and my speed and strength. I put on a lot of weight over the last couple of years. Obviously, not being a big player that’s important for my power, strength and speed.”
Gibson is looking forward to Saturday’s Ontario Hockey League draft.
“I’m not too sure but obviously it would be an honour,” he said. “It’s something I’ve looked forward to most of my career but I’m trying not to worry too much about it.”
For more on the draft see links below:
Keaton Zavitz profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/captain-zavitz-hopes-for-ohl-shot/
Ethan Whitcomb profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/clutch-player-eyes-ohl-draft/
Connor Thomson-Dick profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/commitment-to-hockey-pays-off/
Derek Smythe profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/smythe-content-to-stay-home/
Trent Swick profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/hard-work-pays-off-for-swick/
Jacob LeBlanc profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/leblanc-brothers-sticking-together/
Andrew LeBlanc profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/the-centre-of-attention/
Tai York profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/york-hoping-to-fulfill-ohl-dream/
Sam Alfano profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/alfano-anxious-for-ohl-draft/
Nathan Duplessis profile at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/late-bloomer-chases-ohl-dream/
Niagara IceDogs draft preview at https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/icedogs-looking-for-impact-players-at-draft/
SUPPORT US
On the right side of our web site, as well as on the top of the stories, you will notice a yellow SUPPORT US button.
We are asking anyone who finds value in our work and is able to financially help us to click on the button and contribute whatever amount you feel is appropriate and can afford. There is no set amount. Any amount is appreciated.
The funds collected will be used to enhance and offset the expenses of running the web site.
