Elite skater chases OHL dream
Nick Gilby is one of the top local prospects for the upcoming OHL draft. Photo by Chuck Chong.
Nick Gilby’s dream may soon become a reality.
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound Niagara North Stars forward is projected to go in the early rounds of this weekend’s Ontario Hockey League draft.
“Ever since I started following hockey when I was six, it has always been my dream. I have always looked up to those guys and it would be a great experience,” the 15-year-old St. Catharines resident said.
The Grade 10 student at Sir Winston Churchill attended a ton of Niagara IceDogs game growing up.
“I went with all my friends all the time and it would always be a great time just watching them play. It was great hockey as well.”
Gilby’s first inkling that playing in the OHL could become a reality came when he was playing under-14 hockey and competing at the Hamilton Bulldogs tournament in the early winter of 2022.
“My now-agent Jason Harshaw approached me about my future career path and stuff like that. He wanted to represent me and ever since then I realized that this could be the real thing. It was a possibility.”
It was a surreal event for Gilby.
“It was a great moment when he came up to me and my mom (Tammy). I loved every second of it.”
Harshaw has been in contact with many OHL teams on Gilby’s behalf and Kilby has had interviews with the Oshawa Generals, Peterborough Petes and Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds.
He is eagerly anticipating the draft.
“I am really excited and a little bit nervous but mainly it’s excitement. I don’t really know what is going to happen but I am looking forward to it. If my name gets called it will be a great day.”
He has no dream destination and isn’t fussy about who ends up choosing him.
“I would be happy anywhere. All the organizations are amazing and it would be my dream to be drafted,” he said. “Everything about it will be an unreal experience.”
He plans to watch the draft at home with his parents, Tammy and Greg, and sister, Cameryn.
Gilby started in the Kiwanis house league when he was six and played house league for two years before being chosen for a Kiwanis select squad. He spent one year playing with the St. Catharines Falcons before joining the North Stars AAA association. He has been with the North Stars for eight seasons.
This past season, he had 12 goals and 31 points in 33 regular season games, six goals and 12 points in eight playoff games and a goal and two assists in four OHL Cup games. He also suited up for two games with the St. Catharines Falcons of the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League.
“Nick has a very high compete level and is an elite skater. He is first on the forecheck and first on the backcheck,” Niagara North Stars head coach Jay Glenney said. “He excelled on the penalty kill and late in games when defence and speed were critical. His high work ethic set the standard for others on the team to follow which allowed him to be a leader on the team.”
Gilby agrees that his speed is his biggest asset.
“Ever since I was young I have always been a great skater. I would say that I am a power forward who is really good defensively and a high IQ player. Obviously my speed is important but I am physical as well.”
In the last year, he feels the biggest strides he has made are getting stronger and faster.
“This past off-season, I spent a lot of time training and working out.”
He trained at BTNL Sports Performance and Therapy in Oakville and in Niagara with Stacy Gough.
“It has been helping me so much.”
As soon as he stepped on the ice last fall, he noticed a big difference.
“One hundred per cent. I knew it was going to be my year.”
The next step in his progression will be achieved by staying consistent and continuing to work on everything.
“I am going to spend lots of time working out and training to get faster, stronger and all that.”
